Head to the box office, pick your favourites and prepare to be bowled over. Jo Caruana enjoys a magical long weekend in London indulging in her passion for everything West End.
For some it’s wine weekends, for others shopping trips, but for me it’s quick jaunts to the British capital to catch up on the latest – and greatest – theatrical masterpieces of the moment.
Yes, when it comes to indulgent getaways, for me nothing beats a few days of non-stop performances as I sing along to my favourites and fall in love with the newest shows to go ‘curtain up’.
Four days is the ideal length for a break of this kind in London – enough time to squeeze in a couple of the latest offerings, as well as an old favourite or two (and possibly a matinee if you still haven’t had enough).
Plus the remaining mornings and early afternoons leave you plenty of time to explore the rest of the cultural delights on offer, from museums and cutting-edgeexhibitions, to an impromptu street performance in charmingConvent Garden.
By basing yourself in the West End, the very centre of London’s glitzy ‘theatreland’, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do, and all within easy walking distance.
These include playing and shopping at the world-famous Piccadilly Circus and Trocadero Centre, exploring cutting-edge Carnaby Street with its chic boutiques and eclectic charm, and chowing down in China Town.
One of the best (and sometimes surprising) things about the city is that, if you plan ahead, it needn’t be all that pricey.
Websites including lastminute.com and laterooms.com are fantastic for finding central accommodation at reasonable rates, with decent rooms in the capital starting at around €80 per room, per night, including breakfast.
Pre- and post-theatre meals also help keep costs down. Most restaurants in the West End will offer two and three course meals for a special price (usually around €12 per person), if served during set times.
And it doesn’t stop there, because websites like discounttheatre.com will even be able to score you a deal on your meal plus theatre ticket, making a couple of cultural nights in the British capital altogether very reasonable.
Now, all that’s left to do is narrow down the shows you simply can’t wait to see.
Every West End seasonpromises a brilliant mix of well-loved classics and spectacular brand-new hits.
If you’re planning to spend a few days in the Big Smoke, these are our suggestions for showstoppers that certainly won’tdisappoint.
This season’s must-sees…
Matilda
Brand spanking new (it only opened in November), Matilda is the show everyone’s talking about. Perfect for adults and children alike (as the script enviably manages to please both in equal part), it is closely based on Roald Dahl’s kids’ book of the same name, with music and lyrics by the hugely-talented Tim Minchin.
The set wows from before the curtain even goes up, and the energy is infectious. Definitely our top pick if you only have time for one show while in the city.
Singing In The Rain
Critically acclaimed, this classic reopens at the Palace Theatre at the beginning of next month – and already it’s nigh near impossible to get tickets. The extended run celebrates the 60th anniversary since the release of the film, which starred Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
The glorious score will revive favourites including Make ’em Laugh and, of course, Singing in the Rain, and tells the story of silent film star Dan Lockwood.
One Man, Two Guvnors
If you haven’t been lucky enough to catch the original run starring James Corden at the National Theatre until February 25 (and which was also shown at the St James Cavalier cinema, Valletta), thenbeg, borrow or steal a ticket to the next run at the Theatre Royal,Haymarket.
Side-splittingly funny, very clever and non-stop fun, it is a more modern take on traditional commedia dell’arte. It opens again on March 2.
Ones to watch again and again…
Legally Blonde
This is the show I struggle to stay away from – and I’m not even going to dare tell you how many times I’ve seen it.
Now in its third year, Legally Blonde has fast become a West End classic, with a fabulous storyline, catchy tunes and outrageous medley of characters.
Sure it’s pink and girly, but even the men among you will struggle to stop their toes from tapping. Animal lovers will also love performances by the four-legged cast members; a definite highlight.
Phantom of the Opera
It’s been going for donkey’s years – 27 to be precise – but it never fails to disappoint, and is ideal for those who are fresh to the world of the West End.
Phantom is arguably Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best work – a tale that spins drama, magic and romance into the perfect musical.
The Mousetrap/The Woman in Black
Theatre buffs will argue that these two are hardly the best shows in the city, but they are two of the most established. Either can make a great night out for West End newbies.
The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie, is actually the world’s longest running show, and is great fun if you fancy a bit of mystery.
The Woman in Black, at theFortune Theatre, also has a dark side, spookily telling a horror story that will doubtlessly send achill. It celebrated its 9,000thperformance in 2011.