What attracts visitors to London when the weather cools? There is no cricket at Lords or tennis at Wimbledon. The days are short and the weather is even cooler than what purports to be a summer in these parts. The answer is the West End where theatre has always been a mainstay attraction in London whatever the weather. There is nothing quite like the West End for world-class theatre. London and New York which compete on so many levels for global supremacy in finance and cultural influence both offer superlative theatre. But many believe that for sheet range and depth of choice as well as deep professionalism there is nothing, not even Broadway, the match London.
What plays or musicals should I see?
Here are four shows which I have recommended to visitors coming to London to see us this Autumn
Billy Elliot. Based on the hit film released in 2000 about a boy growing-up in a grim Northern town during the 1985 Miner?s strike, but with a passion and talent for ballet. Music by Sir Elton John is heart-warming and the direction is by Stephen Daldry. This is the original stage production which has been running since 2005 and has spawned many productions in countries like Australia, Canada and Japan. But the original show is still the best.
The trend of Hollywood or TV stars treading the boards on the West End continues appropriately enough with the premiere of film-to-stage show Rain Man which debuts at London's Apollo Theatre on the 19th of September. Rain Man has been adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon and tells the same story as the film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman for which Hoffman won an Oscar. The story revolves around the discovery by car salesman Charlie that he has an older brother, Raymond, who had been institutionalised since he was a kid. Ray is an autistic savant with all the social difficulties the condition entails. However, he has a genius for numbers which turns in handy when Charlie's business is in trouble. The play stars Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, The Black Dahlia) and well-known London thespian Adam Godley.
Hamlet. Shakespeare?s signature tragedy is on at the edgy Donmar Warehouse with Jude Law as Hamlet and direction by Kenneth Banagh. With this quality of talent the production promises to be impossible to miss. The King of Denmark, Hamlet?s father, is murdered and Prince Hamlet is overcome with grief and resolves to avenge his father?s death. The consequences for Hamlet, his family and his Kingdom are devastating.
The Phantom is back. Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic romance has been revived at Her Majesty's theatre. For those who remember the London launch of the musical in the 1980s, relive the magic.
After the show why not head to Edgware Road. At the Marble Arch end is a row of about 30 Lebanese restaurants each more authentic than the next. The Arabian style strip stays open extra late so you will never go hungry no matter how late you get out. This is London with a twist.
Getting to the West End by public transport is a piece of cake. It is served by the Central Line and the Piccadilly line. The Transport for London website is the easiest source of tube and bus information if you have on line access in London.
What plays or musicals should I see?
Here are four shows which I have recommended to visitors coming to London to see us this Autumn
Billy Elliot. Based on the hit film released in 2000 about a boy growing-up in a grim Northern town during the 1985 Miner?s strike, but with a passion and talent for ballet. Music by Sir Elton John is heart-warming and the direction is by Stephen Daldry. This is the original stage production which has been running since 2005 and has spawned many productions in countries like Australia, Canada and Japan. But the original show is still the best.
The trend of Hollywood or TV stars treading the boards on the West End continues appropriately enough with the premiere of film-to-stage show Rain Man which debuts at London's Apollo Theatre on the 19th of September. Rain Man has been adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon and tells the same story as the film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman for which Hoffman won an Oscar. The story revolves around the discovery by car salesman Charlie that he has an older brother, Raymond, who had been institutionalised since he was a kid. Ray is an autistic savant with all the social difficulties the condition entails. However, he has a genius for numbers which turns in handy when Charlie's business is in trouble. The play stars Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, The Black Dahlia) and well-known London thespian Adam Godley.
Hamlet. Shakespeare?s signature tragedy is on at the edgy Donmar Warehouse with Jude Law as Hamlet and direction by Kenneth Banagh. With this quality of talent the production promises to be impossible to miss. The King of Denmark, Hamlet?s father, is murdered and Prince Hamlet is overcome with grief and resolves to avenge his father?s death. The consequences for Hamlet, his family and his Kingdom are devastating.
The Phantom is back. Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic romance has been revived at Her Majesty's theatre. For those who remember the London launch of the musical in the 1980s, relive the magic.
After the show why not head to Edgware Road. At the Marble Arch end is a row of about 30 Lebanese restaurants each more authentic than the next. The Arabian style strip stays open extra late so you will never go hungry no matter how late you get out. This is London with a twist.
Getting to the West End by public transport is a piece of cake. It is served by the Central Line and the Piccadilly line. The Transport for London website is the easiest source of tube and bus information if you have on line access in London.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell loves theatre and the West End. He welcomes friends from all over to stay with him in London. Professionally he helps out people with musculo-skeletal and other health issues. Visit his website if you need an osteopath in London or elsewhere in the UK.
