If you were to see one West End Show

[WingBingo]

What would it be?

I’ve never seen a West End show as it’s never been something that looked like I’d enjoy it.

DH loves them so I’m thinking about going to see one.

Which one, out of all of them, would you recommend I go and see?

I’d prefer great music, something upbeat and I like the thought of the cast dancing and singing in the aisles.

We would be going in June.

Thank you!

I love Hamilton, but definitely not the best thing I've seen live. If anything the live show was underwhelming compared to the filmed version on Disney.

The most upbeat thing I've seen is Hairspray, but we saw that the first day that theatres were open at full capacity following lockdown which i think made a difference to the atmosphere. It really made me realise how close we came to losing live theatre.

Cabaret has the performers walking around the tables if you sit downstairs, but it's not "upbeat, dancing the in aisles" music in the main.

I'm not sure that many of the things mentioned here meet that criteria tbh.

I can't think of many things I've seen where the cast are in the audience.

Moulin rouge - it’s absolutely spectacular - or Hamilton

I can't think of many things I've seen where the cast are in the audience.

The only 2 I can think of are Lion King - where some of the animals first get to the stage walking through the aisles where the audience are, and 'Cats'.

The shows I can think of where audiences are encouraged to get up and dance in the aisles have been the shows that tell the story of a group, or singer - things like 'The Buddy Holly Story', Jersey Boys, and one about the Beatles I saw a few years back. Some productions of Blues Brothers too.

Starlight Express is my most favourite musical of all time and is like no other - genuinely a feast for the senses despite thr lack of plot!

BUT - the current run ends at the start of May so probably gone by your visit. I am devastated as have seen it 6 times this run and into double figures when it was at the Apollo Victoria 😭

I like the thought of the interactions, Starlight Express looks amazing so that’s a shame.

thank you so much for all the suggestions. I love saucy, so Cabernet or Moulin Rouge are on the list.

Operation Mincemeat sounds good, as does Book of Mormon. I won’t be offended, long time lover of Monty Python.

Hamilton or Wicked.

Hamilton.

My daughter picked it for her 18th a few years ago and honestly I thought 'American political history and rap...meh'

I came out absolutely obsessed! Would love to see it again.

Moulin Rouge is also very good - better than the film imho.

Moulin Rouge was incredible!

The best show I’ve seen.

Here’s a picture from moulin rouge, while we’re all waiting for it to start. The performers were draped around the edges of the set / up in the boxes / walking around among the front few “cabaret” tables elegantly prancing about.

@Talipesmum that looks awesome.

Moulin Rouge ( been twice )
Les Miserable ( been 3 times ) 2 of dd’s friends were in it
Mj the musical ( been twice ) but it’s finishing this week
Loved them all and would see them all again
My dd has been asked to audition for Moulin Rouge when she finishes her dance / performing arts degree

Cabaret!

Not Six - awful waste of money! I’ve seen a lot of musicals. I saw it for a big birthday and was bitterly disappointed

Starlight express for aisles action. They go whizzing around you. It closes in May too, so it's now or never. My favourite ever is Les Miserables, but it's not upbeat and joyous.

Les Miserables - another vote as incredible vocals, standing ovation every time.

wicked is great, enjoyed the devil wears Prada but the music isn’t on a par with LK

Titanique is very kitsch and absolutely hilarious. Very rude and thought I’d hate it but was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.

im going to see Cynthia Erivo in Dracula, I adore her and can’t wait.

Not the only one. I went to see it having seen "hello" on the royal variety show and was all excited. I love a good swearing session too! But it felt racist and kicking down at the African villagers.

I hated Phantom too. The music was dated and far too much opera!

Pricilla queen of the desert was magical, but sadly long gone. We have tickets for jesus christ superstar, which looks great. Sam Ryder is brilliant.

Back to the future

Thank you! That articulates exactly how I felt about it. There was something unpleasantly superior about it in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
And I’m not easily offended and love certain parts of Monty Python🤷‍♀️

Anyway, there’s room on my hill to die upon on that topic if you’d like to join me there 😂

This is spot on, I completely agree!

Operation mincemeat is absolutely brilliant!! I don't really 'do' musicals but this was an abs blast!

If you enjoyed Stranger things then the stage show is great (& the actor playing young Joyce is totally spot on)

I saw Mamma Mia in the West End. Absolutely loved it!

Good luck to your dd @Whattheduck

(or break a leg)

Hamilton, The Play that Goes Wrong, Six.

My favourites are:

Titanique (funniest I have seen)
Book of Mormon (also very funny)
Play that Goes Wrong (very funny)
Les Mis (it was amazing although I hear they have changed it a bit)
Phantom (probably my fav non funny musical)
Matilda
Wicked
Miss Saigon (touring this year but not on West End anymore)
Blood Brothers (same as Miss Saigon)

I didn't like:
Mamma Mia
Lion King

I really want to see Cabaret and Operation Mincemeat

Personally if I were you I'd see Titanique - a very good night out!

Titanique sound good. It finishes the week before we go, which is a shame.

we could change the date we go but the idea was to go for our wedding anniversary

@WingBingo they showcased Titanique on Strictly, it looked really poor it was uncomfortable to watch