Recommended theatre events for the London Autumn
Author: AndrewMitchell Total views: 4 Word Count: 636
When the weather turns brisk after a wet and none-too-warm summer we Brits well know that now is the time to enjoy London. The winter is too cold and miserable and the summer is generally blighted by hordes of tourists. But the Spring and Autumn are the highlights of the year with the best cultural events and reasonable weather to enjoy them. This Autumn there is heaps to do with theatre a particular highlight.
What?s on in the West End?
Right now there are a number of particularly good productions on stage in London. Whether you are interested in musicals or serious theatre there are in excess of 75 plays in production. However, as I know that many visitors in London are after a jolly show I have profiled three musicals below as well as a serious piece theatre which promises to be one of the most talked-about productions of the decade.
The 39 Steps has just past its second birthday at the Criterion and has just announced that its run has been extended yet again. The play is adapted from the novel by nineteenth century novelist John Buchan and the 1935 film of the book by Alfred Hitchcock. The play is a comedic spoof-thriller about Richard Hannay a London gentleman who is drawn into a foreign plot and ends up on the run himself after a woman is found murdered in his flat. I saw the original London show at the Tricycle before it opened at the Criterion and it is heartily recommended. The production won "Best New Comedy" at the Olivier Awards in 2006. A Broadway spin-off won two Tony Awards this year.
I still the recall the excitement I felt when I first saw Grease on screen with Olivia Newton John and John Travolta and I can't believe that was in 1978. Still the songs have stood the test of time and the story still uplifts. One of the classics now, this musical is a very strong revival with a great cast and outstanding choreography. A fantastic family musical for those bringing kids and teenagers to London.
Hamlet. Shakespeare?s signature tragedy is on at the edgy Donmar Warehouse with Jude Law as Hamlet and direction by Kenneth Banagh. With this quality of talent the production promises to be impossible to miss. The King of Denmark, Hamlet?s father, is murdered and Prince Hamlet is overcome with grief and resolves to avenge his father?s death. The consequences for Hamlet, his family and his Kingdom are devastating.
Mamma Mia! You have seen the film. Now see the stage show which inspired the ABBA revival. You will be singing and dancing in the aisles. It is unforgettable. The stage show was written by English author Catherine Johnson, and the project's originator, Judy Craymer while Bj?rn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA worked on the music for the show. The result is a stunning feel-good show with romance, comedy and incredible music. The story is the same as the film ? a young woman, Sophie, invites three men she suspects may be her father to her wedding, but without telling her mother, Donna. The story is a search for identity which leads to unexpected romance for Donna as love is rediscovered.
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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About the Author
Andrew Mitchell loves plays and the West End. He welcomes visitors from around the world to stay with him in London. Professionally he treats people with back and other health problems. Visit his website if you need an osteopath in London or elsewhere in the UK.
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