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London theatre shows

120 replies

BirdChirp · 23/04/2023 15:01

What have people been to see lately that they've enjoyed (and is still on...am sad I missed Come From Away).

I saw Oklahama recently and LOVED it so it's inspired me to see a few more things.

I've shortlisted 2:22 (though accidentally found out the ending so not sure if it's worth it now), Witness for the Prosecution, and Hamilton (though seats don't seem to be on sale at the moment). Interested what else is out there I should consider and haven't. No DC to consider in my choices, just for me.

OP posts:
BusySittingDown · 23/04/2023 19:28

Over the past couple of years we've seen:
Hairspray (fab)
Wicked (best thing I've ever seen!)
School Of Rock (good, but wasn't bowled over)
Blood Brothers (DD1 and I really enjoyed it, she's studying it for GCSE which is the main reason we went. DH and DD2 didn't like it.)
Six (I love it - was already a fan of the music. DH hated it but I had told him he would!)
Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical (amazing! Enjoyed it so much. The guy playing Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel was brilliant - he must have been absolutely knackered by the end with all the running about and changing etc).

I'm taking DD1 to see Heathers in Summer on tour. I'm really looking forward to that one. I hope it's good!

Houseplantmad · 23/04/2023 19:46

Seen Lehman Trilogy (ends 20th May).
Moulin Rouge - just mind blowing and such fun.
Patriots (excellent play about Russia).
Going to How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying next month
Have booked A Little Life for June
Seeing Guys and Dolls in September (now that they’ve extended the run)
seeing Mrs Doubtfire in June as a friend is in it.

viques · 23/04/2023 19:54

I’ve got tickets for Dancing at Lughansa on Coronation Day, really looking forward to it.

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Theatre
IceCreamNuts · 23/04/2023 19:56

Another vote here for The Lehman Trilogy and To Kill a Mockingbird, both of which had me mesmerised.

viques · 23/04/2023 19:56

JaneFondue · 23/04/2023 18:49

Just be warned The Lehman Trilogy is v long. 3.5 hours I think. But marvellous. I wish I has hidden some snacks in my pockets though.

There are two intervals, one for a drink and one for a wee! I found the time went really fast.

Cheerfulcharlie · 23/04/2023 19:59

Loved Back to the Future!

Pinkflipflop85 · 23/04/2023 20:03

@BusySittingDown Heathers is fabulous.

Got my tenth visit coming up soon 😍

aberlot · 23/04/2023 20:06

Hamilton is booking up to March 2024!

Meredusoleil · 23/04/2023 20:08

I would recommend Six, Wicked or Matilda.

BusySittingDown · 23/04/2023 20:09

Pinkflipflop85 · 23/04/2023 20:03

@BusySittingDown Heathers is fabulous.

Got my tenth visit coming up soon 😍

Seriously 10th?! 😂Brilliant!

I listen to the original West End recording all the time and love it (my family think I'm weird). I think that the show looks like such good fun. I'm glad you recommend! 😁

Lemursandions · 23/04/2023 20:19

Dancing at Lughansa is a really good production - it’s very quietly devastating I think, kept thinking about the characters as I walked home.

@Houseplantmad - interested to hear your thoughts on a little life - I still have mixed feelings about it having seen it.

BodGaoithe · 23/04/2023 20:20

The Lehman Trilogy is absolutely brilliant. It is very long, but it flies by and it has 2 intervals.

My Neighbour Totoro was magical and probably the best thing I have ever seen at the theatre. It’s coming back to the Barbican later in the year so definitely try to get tickets.

I saw Operation Mincemeat years ago at the New Diorama theatre and it was fantastic; so nice to see it getting bigger. I believe it has been turned into a film as well.

Talking about New Diorama, the current play “Little Scratch” is extremely good. It deals with some quite heavy issues and it is quite intense, but it’s very funny at times as well. My husband thought it was the best play he’s ever seen and it was up there for me as well.

Lemursandions · 23/04/2023 21:01

@BodGaoithe - I’ve been trying to find an evening I could make it to Little Scratch ( and not long left now) reviews look great but good to know it sounds as good as they say.

Could I ask re Totoro - do you think it would be engaging enough for a fairly mature 8 year old? My youngest is very into drama and dance and am half thinking of taking him.

I’ve also seen For the Black Boys who consider Suicide when the Hue gets too Heavy. Found that enjoyable and also challenging in lots of ways - partic making me realise how much theatre normally is kind of made for my demographic without me even really realising.

downtonupton · 23/04/2023 21:13

My neighbour Totoro is fine for a kids that age. There were quite a lot of kids there when we went.

BodGaoithe · 23/04/2023 21:20

Yeah there were a fair few kids at My Neighbour Totoro and they all seemed really engaged. It was brilliant for kids and adults alike!

Also if you can get to Little Scratch I highly recommend it. It was sooooo good. It’s 24 hours in a woman’s head, with her internal dialogue talking through 4 actors. A bit like a very adult version of Inside Out. Definitely check the website re: trigger warnings if you are sensitive about things like SA though.

It also prompted a really interesting chat afterwards about internal dialogues and how different people actually think. My husband has aphantasia (he can’t picture things in his mind) and swears he doesn’t have an internal dialogue either, so he could never relate to when people describe thoughts swirling around in their heads, stopping them sleeping. After this play he was like “woah! Is that what people are describing?!” The ladies working on the bar said lots of people coming out chatting about that aspect of it.

beguilingeyes · 23/04/2023 21:31

Guys and Dolls is very good. Especially Daniel Mays, we love him and the staging is good fun.
My favourite G&D was Euan McGregor and Jenna Russell a few years ago but this is great.
Mark Rylance is coming back in June with a new play so that's a must. The tickets are pretty expensive so I'm hoping for day seats.
The demise of in-person day seats is one of the worst recent developments. I used to do a lot.
I want to see Oklahoma because Rory (Arthur Darvill) is in it!
The George Takei musical Allegiance was very good. I didn't know much about the history.

Daffodilwoman · 23/04/2023 21:43

Dd saw Newsies and absolutely raved about it.
I saw Heathers on tour and it is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
I also enjoyed Six but preferred Heathers.

ASGIRC · 23/04/2023 21:50

BirdChirp · 23/04/2023 19:02

That's hilarious about Frozen. I'd quite like to see Matilda as I like Tim Minchin and I was quite drawn to the Sponge Bob the musical Grin. But thought it would be a bit odd for an adult on their own (and don't think I could cope with noisy children).

Signed up for Come from away notifications. Had a look at Six, it's very booked up but I have quite the list to work through now anyway.

If you like Tim Michin, then Groundhog Day is a must!!! It opens on the 20th of May at the Old Vic. It is AMAZING! (and the music is all Minchin)
Back to the Future is also really good!

partystress · 23/04/2023 21:55

AthenaPoster · 23/04/2023 19:10

It's not out until the autumn but everyone should go and see My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican. It's stunning.

@AthenaPoster I am teetering on booking this, because it sounds like incredible theatre, but my only previous Studio Ghibli experience was Spirited Away, which I didn’t love. Do you need to be a Ghibli fan to enjoy?

I have loved lots that have been mentioned, but the surprise for me was the Bake Off musical. Was a gift, not something I’d have chosen, but it was very heartwarming and funny - if you watch GBBO.

Come from Away is definitely worth seeing on tour. It’s the only show I’ve come out of and immediately booked to see again. Life of Pi is touring too and is spectacular.

AthenaPoster · 23/04/2023 22:19

@partystress tricky one. I'm not a fan of all Studio Ghibli but I am a Totoro fan so I was coming from that perspective. My gut is that even if you aren't a massive fan the staging is so magical you'd still enjoy it. It's just beautiful to look at and has some really breath taking moments.

Lemursandions · 26/04/2023 16:17

Just wanted to say that it looks like Accidental Death of and Anarchist will be getting a west end transfer - is so I’d really really recommend it if Daniel Rigby is still lead.

I saw it at Hammersmith lyric and it was very very funny but also extremely thought provoking. Brilliant night of theatre!

lostinfusion · 26/04/2023 16:49

No longer on but is returning in November - My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican was absolutely brilliant (although we are fans of the film)

Also Back to the Future was excellent

Mangoandbroccoli · 05/06/2023 23:04

Just got tickets for Totoro next year - can't wait!

Recent shows:

'Bleak Expectations' - really good fun, lighthearted and a different 'star' plays the narrator each week, so likely to be different each time.

'Operation Mincemeat' - amazing. So fun and so clever with some really moving moments too.

'The Play That Goes Wrong' - didn't personally enjoy this one (got a bit repetitive) but I'd say I was in the minority judging by audience reaction.

Pinkflipflop85 · 05/06/2023 23:10

Operation mincemeat is flipping fabulous.

Off to see it for a third time next week 😍

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 05/06/2023 23:43

If you need a laugh the play that goes wrong is hilarious.

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