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London Attractions – West End Shows
ADELPHI THEATRE – Love Never Dies – The principal characters of The Phantom of the Opera continue their stories in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of The Phantom from the Paris Opera House, Christine Daaé accepts an offer to come to America and perform at New York’s fabulous new playground of the world – Coney Island. Christine arrives in New York with her husband Raoul and their son Gustave. She soon discovers the identity of the anonymous impresario who has lured her from France to sing. Love Never Dies is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue… in which music and memory can play cruel tricks… and The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, Love Never Dies. From 13 March until 23 October.
ALDWYCH THEATRE – Dirty Dancing – Experience the excitement and romance of the blockbuster film – live on stage. Featuring the hit songs from the best selling movie soundtrack of all time including: Time Of My Life, Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby and Do You Love Me? That was the summer of 1963, when everybody called me baby and it didn’t occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy got shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn’t wait to join the Peace Corps and I thought I’d never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman’s. Until 23 October.
AMBASSADORS THEATRE – Stomp – If you never had a chance before to see this show, please go to Vaudeville Theatre in the Strand. To describe this show is fruitless, the cacophony of noise, and speed of players and dancers is astonishing. You will be mesmerised, helpless and dumbfounded by it. Until 19 December.
APOLLO VICTORIA – Wicked – WickedWicked, the spellbinding and spectacular hit Broadway musical, tells the incredible untold story of the legendary witches from L. Frank Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now Wicked brings to life the captivating, surprising story of how a misunderstood, green girl named Elphaba became “Wicked” but her unlikely friend, Glinda, became “good”. Based on Gregory Maguire’s “outstanding novel” (The Independent), Wicked transports audiences to a fantasy land of wizardry and witchcraft, with Grammy Award-winning music, Tony Award-winning sets and costumes, and stunning special effects. The sensational London cast will be headed, for a limited season, by Broadway star Idina Menzel, who will recreate her acclaimed, Tony Award-winning performance as Elphaba (the green girl whose destiny is to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West). Wicked also stars Helen Dallimore making her West End debut as Glinda, Adam Garcia (Saturday Night Fever, On The Town) as Fiyero, Miriam Margolyes (Professor Sprout in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) as Madame Morrible and Nigel Planer (We Will Rock You, Chicago, The Young Ones) as The Wizard. Until 30 October.
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE – Chicago the Musical – One of the hottest shows wherever staged, Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a nightclub singer who dreams of headlining in Vaudeville, but only achieves celebrity status when she murders her lover and enlists the help of Chicago’s shrewdest lawyer to whip up the publicity surrounding the case and ensure her acquittal. Slick, sexy and sassy, Chicago is a must-see musical, with choreography in the style of the legendary Bob Fosse and a fantastic Jazz score. Tel: 0870 890 1102. Until 9 October.
CRITERION THEATRE – The 39 Steps – After a sensational sell-out run at the Tricycle Theatre, John Buchan’s gripping whodunnit, memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935, transfers to the Criterion Theatre in the West End. With four actors playing a minimum of one hundred and thirty nine roles, it’s the most astonishing theatrical tour de force of the year. Book now to avoid incredible disappointment. Cast: Rupert Degas, Charles Edwards, Simon Gregor and Catherine McCormack (Braveheart, This Year’s Love). Until 23 October.
DOMINION THEATRE – We Will Rock You -Dominion Theatre By Queen and Ben Elton, directed by Christopher Renshaw, designed by Mark Fisher and Willie Williams. The Queen/ Ben Elton 7.5 million pounds musical set on a place called Earth. Booking to October. Tel: 0870 169 0116
DRURY LANE THEATRE ROYAL – Oliver! – The new production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane promises to be even more spectacular than ever before, starring Rowan Atkinson as Fagin, a cast and orchestra of over one hundred and an exciting new Nancy and Oliver. The sensational score is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more. Rupert Goold (Best Director, 2008 Olivier Awards), will be restaging Sam Mendes acclaimed production, and along with Tony award winning director and choreographer Matthew Bourne will be using every inch of London’s greatest musical stage with even more sensational sets by Anthony Ward. Until 20 October.
DUCHESS THEATRE – Ghosts – Lesley Sharp, Iain Glen, Harry Treadaway, Jessica Raine and Malcolm Storry unite in Frank McGuinness’ version of Henrik Ibsen’s gripping, classic tale of hope in the face of infidelity and deceit. Controversy and hidden pasts are suddenly and painfully exposed as wealthy widow Mrs Alving prepares to open a new orphanage in memory of her seemingly beloved husband. Her treasured son Oswald’s return from Paris and her relationship with old friend Pastor Manders are no longer the source of joy they once were, as secrets are turned into a frightening and desperate reality. Until 15 May.
FORTUNE THEATRE – The Woman in Black – By Susan Hill, adapted by Stephen Mallarat, directed by Robin Herford. Thriller, young solicitor tries to recounts his experiences from the past when he was sent to wind up the affairs of a dead woman. Runs 120 min. Until 18 December.
GARRICK THEATRE – The Little Dog Laughed – Rising film star Mitchell Green is every girl’s fantasy and soon to become a household name, thanks to his devilishly determined agent Diane, who excels at navigating the choppy waters of Hollywood. With Mitchell on the brink of superstardom, Diane encounters one teensy-weensy obstacle – she can’t seem to keep her leading man in the closet. With Mitchell’s new ‘friend’ Alex on the scene and Alex’s beautiful girlfriend Ellen (yes, he has a girlfriend) causing a drama of her own, what lengths will Mitchell go to play the part and will there be a Hollywood ending when the final credits roll? Douglas Carter Beane’s Tony Award-nominated comedy hilariously satirizes the superficial world of show business and the game playing of the movie industry. Until 10 April.
All the Fun of the Fair – Directed by David Gilmore. Like Father like Son… They’ll take you for a ride! David Essex stars in the new musical All the Fun of the Fair. Featuring a mix of David Essex hits alongside brand new songs. With crafty cons and candy floss – dodgems and death-defying feats – fairground horses and fights – romance and rock’n'roll – you’re sure to go on a rollercoaster of a ride. Inspired by David’s best selling album… From 20 April until 5 September.
The Phantom of the OperaHER MAJESTY`S THEATRE – The Phantom of the Opera – Musical, life beneath the haunted stage of the Paris Opera. Based on the Gaston Leroux gothic novel, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious masked man who falls in love with Christine, a beautiful young soprano who inspires “The Music of the Night.” Runs 150 min. Tel: 0870 160 2878
LONDON PALLADIUM THEATRE – Sister Act – Sister Act is a divine new musical comedy which will raise the roof at the London Palladium from 7 May 2009. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood. Based on the smash-hit movie, Sister Act features a brand new score by eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and most recently the hit movie Enchanted. Until 18 December.
LYCEUM THEATRE – Disney`s the Lion King Disney`s the Lion King – Musical, young lion prince Simba flees the kingdom after escaping the plot to murder him and his father by his evil uncle Scar, believing he was responsible for his fathers death. Runs 165 min. Tel: 0870 243 9000
LYRIC THEATRE – Thriller – Live – Tito Jackson, star of The Jackson 5, and most recently judge on BBC1’s hit celebrity talent show, Just The Two Of Us, has just been confirmed as compere for this year’s highly anticipated Thiller Live tour. With Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 (following Jermaine’s Celebrity Big Brother success and Tito’s success on British TV) very much in the news, Thriller Live, a multimedia stage and video spectacular celebrating the amazing career of one of the world’s greatest entertainers – Michael Jackson – will be one of the year’s most crucial shows, brought to you by Flying Music and Key Concerts. This amazing show, featuring over 30 performers, including a full company of singers, dancers, gospel choir and live band, will celebrate the King Of Pop like never before. With dazzling choreography (from MTV award-winner LaVelle Smith Jnr – credits include Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Tour, Beyonce’s American and UK tours, Rolling Stones’ Steel Wheels Tour and more) and brilliant vocal performances, Jackson’s amazing songs and videos are brought to life on stage in a spectacular and sensational way. Until 12 September.
NOEL COWARD THEATRE – Enron – The world premiere production of Lucy Prebble’s celebrated new play Enron, which sold-out its entire run at the Minerva Theatre Chichester and has sold all 21,800 tickets before opening its six-week run at the Royal Court Theatre, will transfer to the Noel Coward Theatre on Saturday 16 January 2010. Inspired by real-life events and using music, dance and video, Enron explores one of the most infamous scandals in financial history, reviewing the tumultuous 1990s and casting a new light on the financial turmoil in which the world currently finds itself. Until 8 May.
NOVELLO THEATRE – Cat On a Hot Tin Roof – Richard Blackwood, Derek Griffiths and Nina Sosanya will join the previously announced Sanaa Lathan, Adrian Lester, Phylicia Rashad and James Earl Jones in Debbie Allen’s sell-out Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Following its sold-out run on Broadway, the explosive 2008 production of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, will be opening in London’s West End in December this year. Featuring a dynamic all black cast led by Academy Award® nominee and two-time Tony winner James Earl Jones, Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad, Olivier Award – winner Adrian Lester and Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan. Until 10 April.
OLD VIC – Six Degrees of Separation – David Grindley directs Obi Abili, Anthony Head and Lesley Manville in John Guare’s adrenalin-fuelled, Olivier Award-winning play, Six Degrees of Separation. A sharp, vivacious take on two worlds colliding, the play is inspired by the real life story of a flamboyant con artist who managed to convince wealthy residents of Manhattan’s Upper East Side that he was the son of Sidney Poitier. Six Degrees of Separation had its official Broadway debut in 1990 and in 1993, was adapted into a film starring Stockard Channing (reprising her Broadway role), Donald Sutherland and Will Smith. This new production at The Old Vic will be the first major London revival of the play in almost 18 years. Until 3 April.
The Real Thing – Anna Mackmin returns to The Old Vic to direct Toby Stephens in Tom Stoppard’s multi-award winning modern classic. Deeply moving and startlingly funny, this razor sharp drama brilliantly examines the complex nature of love, art and reality. From 10 April until 5 June.
PALACE THEATRE – Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical – Get ready for the ride of your life! Priscilla: Queen of the Desert – The Musical is rolling into London’s West End in March 2009 and parking at the Palace Theatre for the ultimate feel-good theatrical experience! Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a score featuring more than 20 dance-floor classics, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a sensational journey to the heart of fabulous! So hop on board! Life’s an adventure. Dress accordingly. Until 30 October.
PHOENIX THEATRE – Blood Brothers – Music and lyrics by Willy Russell, directed by Bob Tomson, designed by Marty Flood. Musical, twins from Liverpool separated from birth, cross their paths in friendship and anger. Runs 165 min. Until 31 July.
PICCADILLY THEATRE – Grease – Grease, the World’s Number 1 Greatest Musical and the perfect feel-good family show, returns to the West End this summer. It will be bringing with it all the unforgettable hit songs from the movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease is the Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin’. Until 4 September.
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE – Dreamboats and Petticoats – Dreamboats and Petticoats became the biggest selling album of the decade after its release last year, amassing an amazing 600,000+ sales. Inspired by the album, Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical will give you the greatest time of your life – taking you back to a time when each passing week bought another classic track. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more. In 1961 emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans – and more importantly, the gorgeous Laura. But when Laura shows that she’s no slouch with the guitar, rock‘n’roll fame beckons….. Until 29 May.
PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE – Jersey Boys – Jersey Boys, The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is now open at the Prince Edward Theatre, London. Discover the rags-to-rock-to riches tale of four boys working their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights on international pop-stardom. “This is an utterly wonderful show full of vitality, pace and power. The audience rose as one at the end of this true-life mega hit story of The Four Seasons.” – Daily Express. The critics are united in their praise hailing “The phenomenal Jersey Boys” (Daily Telegraph) “a triumph of style, substance, heart and soul – A definite must-see!” (London Lite). Featuring all the classic hits: Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Working My Way Back To You, Walk Like A Man, December 1963 (Oh What A Night) and more. Until 24 October.
PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE – Mamma Mia! – Mamma MiaMusic and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, designed by Mark Thompson. 20-year-old Sophie is determined to find a father to escort her down the aisle on her wedding day and this means inviting to the wedding the three men who escorted her mother to the beach nine months before her birth.
QUEEN`S THEATRE – Les Miserables – Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, designed by John Napier. Emotional lyrics, easy melodies, villains and seamless scenes help make this play good entertainment. Runs 180 min.
ST.MARTIN`S THEATRE -Mousetrap The Mousetrap – Whodunnit, Agatha Christies play that after so many years still goes on. Classic thriller as the world`s longest run. Runs 135 min.
SAVOY THEATRE – Legally Blonde – College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods (Sheridan Smith) doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner (Duncan James), dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School! Based on the hit movie of the same name, Legally Blonde the Musical is the Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). Legally Blonde the Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard’s Halls of Justice with the West End’s brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser. Until 23 October.
SHAFTESBURY THEATRE – Hairspray – It’s time to let your hair down and dance the night away. Hairspray, Broadway’s hit musical comedy, is here! Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular dance show. She finds herself transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity, but will she be able to change the world and win the boy she loves? Until 24 September.
VAUDEVILLE THEATRE – Private Lives – Noel Coward’s dazzling comic masterpiece provides a riotous show down between two of the screen’s most magnetic stars, Kim Cattrall and Matthew Macfadyen, when Private Lives opens in the West End February 2010. Glamorous, rich and reckless, Elyot and Amanda have been divorced from each other for five years. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses in the South of France. When by chance they meet again across adjoining hotel balconies, their insatiable feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. Without a care for scandal, new partners or memories of what drove them apart in the first place, they hurl themselves headlong into love and lust… Until 1 May. Buy tickets
VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE – Billy Elliot the Musical – A funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy’s dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity. This original story captured the hearts and minds of the world when the movie was released in October 2000. Nominated for 3 Oscar’s and 13 Bafta awards this poignant film broke box office records across the world. Until 18 December.
WYNDHAM`S THEATRE – An Inspector Calls – From the Oscar nominated Director of The Reader, The Hours and one of Britain’s best-loved films Billy Elliot – now an Olivier Award-winning musical – comes the magnificent West End & Broadway production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls. Hailed as the theatrical event of our generation winning more awards than any other play in history, this landmark production has thrilled audiences across the world with its epic and wildly imaginative staging, raw emotion, evocative score, lashing rain and chilling suspense. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. Until 13 March.
Avenue Q – Avenue Q is now in its 4th sensational year as London’s funniest show! The characters on this downtown street in New York are out of work, out of luck and desperately seeking their purpose in life; just what are you supposed to do with a B.A. in English? With its hugely talented cast of performers and puppets – you’ve never seen a show like Avenue Q before! So don’t let your life suck, book your tickets today! Brash, vulgar and just downright funny – you’ve never seen a musical like Avenue Q before! The characters on this downtown street in New York are out of work, out of luck and desperately seeking their purpose in life; just what are you supposed to do with a B.A. in English? This is a hilarious show you’ll want to see again and again. From 19 March until 25 September.