Why visit the London West End in Autumn 2008?
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?
The four top shows to see right now are all brilliant and well worth the investment.
Billy Elliot is the story of a mining town boyhood during the toughest years of Thatcherite reforms. The mining strikes makes life tough for Billy, but that is only the beginning of his woes. Because Billy is different. He loves to dance and that is simply not expected of boys in Northern towns. This show is a winner because it combines a win-against-the-odds story with superb music by Sir Elton John and a strong cast of superb dancers and performers. This show has won numerous awards and is the favourite memory many visitors take away from London.
Grease. London revival of the 1972 Broadway hit immortalised by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in the 1978 film. This 2007 revival has been much acclaimed by critics and audiences. It is full of life and energy and will leave you singing the songs and feeling great.
The Donmar Warehouse is known in London for its confronting dramas. It is an intimate theatre around a horseshoe stage with only three rows so you can feel the actor’s effort and sweat throughout. The theatre attracts major stars returning to the stage for intellectual refreshment. In its latest production Shakespeare veteran Kenneth Branagh has cast Hollywood heart-throb Jude Law as Hamlet. Will Law succeed in such a cramped domain? Many stars have returned to the stage in London to sold-out runs but critical panning. I think Law is cut above the rest and will enhance his reputation in this performance which is certain to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Mamma Mia! You have seen the film. Now see the stage show which inspired the ABBA revival. You will be singing and dancing in the aisles. It is unforgettable. The stage show was written by English author Catherine Johnson, and the project’s originator, Judy Craymer while Bj?rn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA worked on the music for the show. The result is a stunning feel-good show with romance, comedy and incredible music. The story is the same as the film ? a young woman, Sophie, invites three men she suspects may be her father to her wedding, but without telling her mother, Donna. The story is a search for identity which leads to unexpected romance for Donna as love is rediscovered.
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.
Transport to the West End is easy with tube stations at Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Holborn close-by and hosts of buses and cabs to take you back to your hotel or rented accommodation. For those interested in getting a deal, many theatres offer cheaper tickets same day. Details are on the theatre websites.
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