London has an abundant number of theatres all over town showing a variety of theatre shows. Some people may be put off by expecting high prices, but it does not have to cost an arm and a leg to see your favourite musical. There are a several venues where you can get a discount on theatre tickets. Here are some of the best plays in London.
Thriller
Since January 2009, Thriller has been showing at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. It is a live and uplifting show with the hit songs from Jackson Five in the late 1960s, through Michael’s solo career up until 2010. This is certainly one for those die hard MJ fans or even those who just appreciated his incredible music and dancing ability.
Matilda
Matilda made its debut at the Cambridge Theatre, Covent Garden, last November and has since won the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical as part of the Evening Standard Awards. It has also won Best New Musical, Best Director, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Set Design and Best Sound Design for the 2012 Oliver Awards. Matilda is based on the book by Roald Dahl which tells the story of a intelligent girl who is not appreciated by anyone except for her teacher Miss Honey and while at school, Matilda discovers she has telekinetic abilities which she then uses to her advantage.
Shrek
Another new musical in Covent Garden to open recently, is Shrek The Musical which began performances in May last year. Amanda Holden who played Princess Fiona has now been replaced by former Girls Aloud band mate, Kimberly Walsh. The show has just received an extension and you can book until May next year. Based on the well known Pixar animation film, the musical has been adapted for the stage but is still a hit with children and adults alike.
Lion King
The Lion King which plays at the Lyceum Theatre in London, (just off the Strand) is based on the 1994 Disney film with music by Elton John and lyrics by Time Ricer. The musical made its first debut in 1997 in Minnesota before arriving in London in October 1999. It is the highest grossing Broadway show of all time, with $853.8 million taken through the box office. The show in the West End has been so popular that the cast were invited to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in 2008 and then at the London Palladium last year for some of the Royal Family.
The War Horse
After making its debut in March 2009, the War Horse has since won a string of awards. Based on the children’s, book by Michael Morpurgo, the story is about the love a boy has for his horse and the journey he embarks on when his horse is sent to the front line in WWI. The horse is made from stage puppetry which really comes alive in the theatre.
London has far more shows than have been written in this post, these are just the tip of the iceberg. If you are coming over to London, stay in one of the many London apartments on our site and you will never be too far away from one of London’s best musicals.
Written by Jo Turnbull