Every evening, legions of people head to London’s glamorous West End to take in a show. Whether they’re attending one of many rip-roaring musicals, or a classic whodunnit, they’re assured a great time. Some of the capital’s theatres are among the most famous in the whole world, with a sense of history allied to some iconic architecture.
Even the names of the theatres rouse memories for millions ; The Old Vic, The Donmar Warehouse, The Piccadilly, The Prince Edward and The Theatre Royal are just some of many great venues to be found in London. Going along The Strand, Shaftesbury Avenue and Drury Lane is a superb way to take in the unique atmosphere of this most enigmatic area of Europe’s most glamorous town.
In recent times, a whole host of exciting, fun-packed musicals have taken the West End by storm, with a lot of them playing to sold-out houses month to month. ‘We Will Rock You’ is based around the songs of Queen, and is co-created by comedian Ben Elton. ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a treat for fans of Abba, while Take That fans were recently transported back to the 1990s by ‘Never Forget’.
For any person whose tastes are less fast paced, there are several productions of Shakespeare’s finest works on in London at any particular time. The World Theatre, found next to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the Thames, has been lovingly restored to its previous glory. It’s a wonderful locale in which to see The Bard’s superb plays in surroundings that match those in which they were first shown.
Whichever genus suits your taste, you can easily find theatre tickets. London’s West End is home to several outlets which focus on finding seats for shows. The most popular ones are often sold out for months in advance, so it can be troublesome getting into one of them. However, there are sometimes late cancellations, so it’s always worth asking.
It’s possible to book with the theatre itself, via their Box office, over the telephone or on the Internet. There are also a few consultant booking agencies which won’t only find tickets, they can also counsel on which shows might suit your particular tastes. London has a diversity of plays, that it can be very helpful to have a little steerage.
As well as a gigantic number of wonderful theatres, central London is also home to masses of amazing cafes. Many of us make a visit to the bright lights especially special by enjoying a glorious meal too with all cuisines of the planet to be found in the area.
Another way to make the occasion even more memorable is to purchase a theatre and hotel package. There are some fantastic deals to be had, and a hint of luxury is added to the evening when there’s no need to dash to make the last train home. As well as finding fantastic deals on theatre tickets, London’s visitors can actually enjoy an evening out on the town.