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Theatre In London |
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A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a
visit to the colourful West End. With an eclectic mix
of musicals, heavy drama and traditional theatre, The West End has something for everyone. Celebrities
from Britain and further a field flock here to be seen
treading the boards in one of the world’s greatest
theatre districts.
Choose from the familiar sounds of Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang and My Fair Lady to the newer rock productions such
as Tonight’s The Night and We Will Rock You. There’s
also some truly spectacular shows that could only be accommodated
by the enormous stages of the West End including The Lion
King, Rent, The Phantom Of The Opera, Chicago and Bombay
Dreams.
If musical theatre isn’t your thing Central London
also offers the chance to see award-winning and critically
acclaimed plays as well as brand new voices in theatre
at venues such as The Young Vic Theatre [map],
The Cut, SE1 and the close by Royal National Theatre
[map] .
As any theatre-lover will know there’s always a
cutting edge play on offer at the internationally regarded Royal Court Theatre [map],
Sloane Square, SW1. This is where Edward Bond, Richard
Bean and the eponymous Joe Orton began their careers and
this is definitely the place for those who want to be
challenged, impassioned and inspired by some of Britain’s
finest playwriting talent.
The Royal Shakespeare Company is based at the imposing Barbican Centre [map],
Silk Street. With three performance spaces, you can
expect to see some classics from a stellar cast.
Over in West London The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith [map],
King Street, W6, is a hidden away gem in a busy London
high street. The Lyric is perhaps one of the most surprising
theatres in the area offering ambitious programming and
seasons of startlingly good new writing. The Lyric offers
innovative drama, great value tickets, free first nights
and bargain Mondays and caters for a real mixed-bag audience
from across the city.
With more than 70 years worth of summer performances under
its belt, you are sure to be entertained at the Open
Air Theatre [map] in Regents Park in North West London. Vivien Leigh, Dame
Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Martin Clunes have all graced
this theatre's varied programme of events. Performances
can be seen from the end of May to early September when
the British weather will hopefully be on its best behaviour.
The legendary Hackney Empire [map] is the Mecca of theatre going in East London and appeals
to those wanting to enjoy popular dramatic and musical
performances from Shakespeare to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
A visit to South East London combines old and new theatre
experiences seamlessly. For modernist theatre with minimalist
sets head to The Southwark Playhouse [map],
a 90-seat studio located at Southwark Bridge Road, SE1.
Just a short distance from the famous Globe Theatre
[map] , the Playhouse is an excellent example of how theatre
has transformed since Shakespeare’s day and you’ll
be able to enjoy a packed programme from some of the UK’s
most exciting and vibrant young writers.
One name that everybody who enjoys light entertainment
will be familiar with is Bob Hope [map],
and the theatre that bares his name lies on the Wythfield
Road, Eltham, SE9. See the best of amateur theatre at
this venue that has been established for more than 60
years.
South West London is home to The Richmond Theatre [map],
which was built in 1899 and is a beautiful example of
Victorian architecture. Located at The Green, Richmond,
TW9, the theatre offers an innovative and exciting programme
of established and new writing. This is where you’ll
see famous faces in some very unfamiliar roles. Recent
examples include Keith Waterhouse’s 'Billy Liar'
staring The Royle Family’s Ralf Little and 'Just
Like That' starring Jerome Flynn as Tommy Cooper.
A range of professional and amateur companies show you
what they can do at the Battersea Arts Centre [map],
Lavender Hill. There’s also a number of other
activities happening here including adult learner courses
and opportunities for the kids to get involved in some
high-energy activities.
If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere,
why not use our What
You Recommend form to let us know. |
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