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Why visit the London West End in Autumn 2008?
By Andrew Mitchell | October 10, 2008
What attracts visitors to London when the weather cools? There is no cricket at Lords or tennis at Wimbledon. The days are short and the weather is even cooler than what purports to be a summer in these parts. The answer is the West End where theatre has always been a mainstay attraction in London whatever the weather. There is nothing quite like the West End for world-class theatre. London and New York which compete on so many levels for global supremacy in finance and cultural influence both offer superlative theatre. But many believe that for sheet range and depth of choice as well as deep professionalism there is nothing, not even Broadway, the match London.
What?s on in the West End?
The four top shows to see right now are all brilliant and well worth the investment.
Billy Elliot. Based on the hit film released in 2000 about a boy growing-up in a grim Northern town during the 1985 Miner?s strike, but with a passion and talent for ballet. Music by Sir Elton John is heart-warming and the direction is by Stephen Daldry. This is the original stage production which has been running since 2005 and has spawned many productions in countries like Australia, Canada and Japan. But the original show is still the best.
Grease. London revival of the 1972 Broadway hit immortalised by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in the 1978 film. This 2007 revival has been much acclaimed by critics and audiences. It is full of life and energy and will leave you singing the songs and feeling great.
The Donmar Warehouse is known in London for its confronting dramas. It is an intimate theatre around a horseshoe stage with only three rows so you can feel the actor’s effort and sweat throughout. The theatre attracts major stars returning to the stage for intellectual refreshment. In its latest production Shakespeare veteran Kenneth Branagh has cast Hollywood heart-throb Jude Law as Hamlet. Will Law succeed in such a cramped domain? Many stars have returned to the stage in London to sold-out runs but critical panning. I think Law is cut above the rest and will enhance his reputation in this performance which is certain to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
The Phantom is back. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic romance has been revived at Her Majesty’s theatre. For those who remember the London launch of the musical in the 1980s, relive the magic.
After the show why not head to Edgware Road. At the Marble Arch end is a row of about 30 Lebanese restaurants each more authentic than the next. The Arabian style strip stays open extra late so you will never go hungry no matter how late you get out. This is London with a twist.
Getting to the theatre district is easy. On the Central Line you have stations at Holborn, Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus. On the Piccadilly Line Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Holborn (again) may all be helpful. In addition there are plenty of buses from all over London.
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