to start a thread for us to discuss our favourite musicals?

[CharleyDavidson]

I spend a fortune each year on my favourite hobby and scour the 3 or 4 local ish theatres to see what's out there.

I have this week just discovered Rent and was blown away by the performance of Layton Williams. Singing, dancing, back flipping and doing the splits - all in three inch heeled red boots! Just wow. The ticket price was worth it for that itself!

So, what are your favourites (so I can find some new ones to watch)...?

Thanks Ruhrpott but WAY AHEAD of the game on that one.

I may need to make sure I'm free on the 16th Jan to just sit on the phone

The worst have got to be Starlight Express and Once, dull and disappointing.

Passion

Adore musicals! My favourites :
Matilda
Les mis
Half a sixpence (so excited this is just opening now in the west end)
West side story
We're going to New York in the spring, what would people recommend to see on Broadway? Going with DH and boys who will be 7&9.

If you consider Gilbert & Sullivan more musical than opera (as I do) then Peter Hall's adaptation of the Mikado is fab - have seen it numerous times. Of the classics, I like West Side Story, & South Pacific.
Not a fan of AL Webber, though.
Love Kurt Wiell - recent Three Penny Opera at The National tremendous.
Also saw Imelda Staunton at Chichester in the fantastic Gypsy (and Kevin Whately, singing & dancing

The Book of Mormon is genius! Wicked is so enjoyable, I laughed and cried all the way through. Miss Saigon is a heartbreaker. Les Mis is spectacular. I've never been in expensive seats, but thoroughly enjoyed all of the above. I've been to more, but these stood out for me.

Great thread! I'm just back from seeing the opening night of The Last Five Years at the tiny St James theatre in London. It was amazing, just two in the cast, telling the story of their 5 year marriage. He starts from the beginning and she from the end meeting in the middle with their wedding.

I'm a little bit in love with this musical, it's funny and touching and tonight's vocal performances were just amazing. We sat with our knees brushing the edge of the stage, the performers right in front of us and it only cost us £5 each! Great night and a wonderful end of half term treat for DD13.

I've just got in from seeing Sunny Afternoon - the story of the Kinks. It was fabulous, all the cast danced and played instruments as well as singing. It was funny, and sad, emotional and ridiculous and ended with everyone in the theatre up on their feet singing along, more like a gig than a show! Would really recommend it (language and some suggestive acting may be a bit much for young kids though!!)

OP I was there too at Sunny Afternoon tonight, amazing show.

Glad you started the thread

I mean to the last poster not OP

Dd & dh went to St James to see Songs for a New World last year.

Rocky Horror
Caberet
Chicago
Guys and dolls
Fiddler on the roof
The King and I
Blood Brothers
South Pacific
The Pajama Game

Really Creme that's a film! Anna Kendrick as the girl, beautifully opening song but after that I stopped engaging. I might enjoy it on a stage though. I didn't realised it was out in the UK.

Last 5 years was a stage show long before it was filmed.

Miss Saigon - moving story as well as beautiful music

I work in theatre and currently in the west end... Bloody love a musical, me

Really looking forward to Hamilton. Still haven't seen In the Heights and want to. Also quite would like to see Side Show.

And am very much looking forward to 42nd Street.

Book of Mormon and Hamilton.

I desperately want to transfer. It looks so good!

Oh yes I know Balletgirl but I didn't think it had been done in London.

londonrach I am with you! Don't get the Lion King love!!

Joseph is my favourite and best. Seen it far too many times and love it!

Thoroughly enjoyed Matilda and would love for it to tour to take the younger DC.

Sunset Boulevard was my first big west end musical (with John Barrowman before he was a big name) so holds a special place.

Didn't really rave about Miss Saigon, it was ok but wouldn't go again, same for Wicked.

Have seen Grease, Mamma Mia, Chicago and Blood Brothers (first time with Paul from Neighbours ) a couple of times and enjoyed them - would see them all again.

Have only seen Les Mis on telly and was about to give up when it suddenly 'got good'! Would like to go and see it live now.

Other telly faves include Oliver! and My Fair Lady.

I saw the first preview of School of Rock on Monday. It was fantastic and I have booked to see it again as it was that good!

Some of my favourite musicals over the years have been the Broadway versions of American Idiot & Hair. Taboo and Next to Normal I loved.

I love Billy Elliot.

Ooh forgot to mention The Scotsborough Boys which was absolutely superb.

I was lucky enough to see Alan Cummings on Broadway in Cabaret back in 2002 and that was amazing too. P

By the way, if anyone is on the South Coast, I can heartily recommend a certain production of Oliver! playing next week at The Kings Theatre ;-)

OMG how has no one mentioned Avenue Q?!! It's BRILLIANT!

Anyone seen Murder Ballad at the the Arts Theatre? Fab cast - Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo but don't know the musical at all. Thinking of booking to take DD13 but would like to know a bit more about it first.