London offers the most varied, accessible and the most
distinguished theatre in the world. Recently, there were well
over six hundred individual productions being reviewed annually
by major critics. For West End “good
seats” tickets are usually around £80.
London Theatres fall into three broad and
sometimes overlapping categories - West End, National Repertory
Companies and Off-West End/Fringe - terms analogous to Broadway,
Regional Theatre and Off- or Off-Off Broadway in the United
States.
There is also a thriving classical music scene and ballets,
operas (new and old), concerts, etc are regularly staged -
the difficulty is deciding which to choose. Get a listing
from your London Hotel for both music and
theatre and do take in at least one show during your visit.
If you haven’t prebooked tickets it is worth going
to Leicester Square on the day of the performance (to the
kiosk with the clock from 10am to 7pm (Sun 12- 3)) when you
can queue for half price (or reduced) tickets for many of
the Top Theatres. Credit cards are not accepted
and you usually won’t have to queue for too long. You
won’t get tickets for the top shows, but there is always
a variety on offer. There is a £2.50 service charge
per ticket. Go first and look at the board to see what is
on offer and then join the queue.
Blood Brothers - Musical Show
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, WC2H0JP
Per Person: from £14.40
This is the story of two twins separated at birth who live apart and live very different lives. And guess what they meet up again. Great music too.
Show: Dancing In The Streets
Venue: Cambridge Theatre, WC2H9HU
Per Person: from £15.00
This is a tribute to American music and includes hits of many great American stars.
London Opera House
Royal Opera House
Bow Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9DD
Ticket enquiries telephone 020 7304 4000
Home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, there is a top class schedule of performances and tickets are difficult to come by. Tickets range from £180 for an important production to £10. Back stage tours are also available for £9 (children £7) and these usually start at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm, and on Saturdays at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. These guided tours last about 1 hour and a half.
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