London Stage Shows and Musicals

moove2london on 20 Jan 2010

Going to see a play or musical at one of London’s theatres is a popular activity, both with tourists and Londoners alike. London theatres typically (but not always) fall into three categories:

• Theatreland theatres, which includes around 40 venues between the area roughly defined by the Strand in the south, Oxford Street in the north, Regent Street to the west and Kingsway in the east.
• Non-commercial theatres such as the National Theatre, the Old Vic and the Young Vic, which arguably enjoy more prestige than productions held at theatres in the West-End.
• Fringe theatre, which are productions that are often held in intimate locations, such as rooms above pubs.

Here are a selection of popular current shows, along with the venue that they’re being performed at:

‘The Woman in Black’ – the Stephen Mallatratt adaptation of Susan Hill’s best selling novel. Venue: Fortune Theatre – Russell Street, WC2B 5HH. Nearest tube: Covent Garden.

‘Chicago’ – the longest running American musical ever to play in London. Venue: Cambridge Theatre – Earlham Street, WC2 9HU. Nearest tubes: Covent Garden or Leicester Square

‘Oliver’ – starring Rowan Atkinson as Fagin and Jodie Prenger as Nancy. Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane – Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF. Nearest tubes: Covent Garden or Holborn.

‘Les Miserables’ – the world’s most popular musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has been seen in 38 countries and translated into 21 different languages. Venue: Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6BA. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

‘We Will Rock You’ - Writer Ben Elton has created an excellent musical incorporating 32 of Queen’s classic hits. Venue: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1t 7AQ. Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road.

‘Dirty Dancing’ – Stage version of the film ‘Dirty Dancing’ which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Venue: Aldwych Theatre, WC2B 4DF. Nearest tube: Covent Garden.

‘Phantom of the Opera’ - Andrew Lloyds Webber’s musical thriller about a terrifying creature from a Paris Opera House. Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, SW1Y 4QL. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

‘Jersey Boys’ – the rags-to-riches tale of musical legends Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. Venue: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS. Nearest tube: Leicester Square.

‘Sister Act’ - based on the movie of the same name, Delores van Cartier changes the lives of a convent forever! Venue: London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1V 1AD. Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus.

‘Grease‘ – Everyone knows the words to the songs in Grease. Go and watch Danny, Sandy, the Pink Ladies and the T-birds sing their old favourites. Venue: Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, W1D 7DY. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

‘Hairspray’ - since the 2007 remake of the film, this musical has rocketed in popularity. Michael Ball plays Edna in this production. Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8DP. Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road.

‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ - hilarious remake of the Oscar-winning film. The show stars Jason Donovan and Tony Sheldon. Venue: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1V 8AY. Nearest tube: Leicester Square.

‘Stomp’ - show with unusual percussional instruments! Venue: The Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, WC2H 9ND. Nearest tube: Leicester Square.

‘Thriller – Live’ – a celebration of the music of the King of Pop – Michael Jackson. Venue: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

‘Mamma Mia’ – Set on a Greek island, this musical incorporates 27 of Abba’s best-known songs. Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, W1D 6AS. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

‘Wicked’  this musical tells the untold stories of the ‘good’ and ‘wicked’ witches from ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Venue: Apollo Victoria, 17 Wilton Road, SW1V 1LL. Nearest tube: Victoria.

‘The Mousetrap’ - Agatha Christie’s legendary thriller is the world’s longest whodunnit! Venue: St Martin’s Theatre, West Street, WC2H 0DP. Nearest tube: Leicester Square.

‘Love Never Dies’ - In another Lloyd Webber show, the main characters from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ continue their story. Venue: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, WC2E 7NA. Nearest tube: Charing Cross.

So, we hope this list has given you a taste of some amazing shows that can be seen. These alone, should be a great reason to convince you to move to London. If you’re already living here, then why not book some cheap tickets or a dinner and a show package.