London theatre lovers

Posted on 28 April 2011

Anybody and everybody are flocking to London this week hoping to catch a glimpse of the Royal Wedding so whilst there, we thought it would be useful to put together some information for London theatre lovers. So whether it's romance you're after look no further!

There are thousands of exciting London events taking place, spanning theatre, music, dance, comedy, cinema, art exhibitions and special events.

In the world of theatre there are a variety of shows on that can make your trip to London extra special.

West End musicals often stay around for years but the next couple of months are seeing some of the biggest show leave London to go on national tours so now could be your last chance to catch them.

Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre is taking it's last curtain call this Saturday 30th April and is a fun show that will have everybody singing along to the well known hits and not long behind is another famous film turned theatre musical is Dirty Dancing at Aldwych theatre coming to an end of it's run this July which could be one for the romantics out there! And in the spirit of romance now is your chance to take a look at the cult film now being staged as a musical - The Umbrellas of Cherbourg featuring a score by Oscar winning Michael Legrand on at the Gielgud Theatre until 21st May.

For those entering into the spirit of the Royal Wedding, one show not to miss is Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre. This show, the first new muscial from producer Cameron Mackintosh in over 10 years is yet another film turned musical based on the 1984 Alan Bennett film A Private Function and is set in 1947 with a country preparing for the original Royal Wedding that our present Queen, then Princess Elizabeth to Prince Phillip. This heartwarming musical features Betty a groundbreaking animatronic pig flown in from Australia and voiced by Kylie Minogue.

If it is plays that are more your thing, currently whats on is The Children's Hour at the Comedy Theatre starring Keira Knightly. The show is nearly always packed and tickets can be hard to come but with the extra extension until 7th May, there may be a few tickets floating around allowing you to see one of the most talked about productions of the year so far. Another patriotic play also filled with well known faces is Flare Path set during World War II starring Sienna Miller, James Purefoy and Sheridan Smith on until 11th June at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Another show to catch whilst still on is End of the Rainbow at the Trafalgar featuring a performance by Tracie Bennett, this show about the last years of legendary Judy Garland's life has been getting standing ovations night after night. That show ends it's run prior to Broadway on 21st May and shouldn't be missed. For something a little bit scarier, take a look at The Vaudevillains at the Charings Cross Theatre until 14th May. A unique night out the show is from the team that brought us the multi-award winning ‘The Terrible Infants’ and ‘Ernest and The Pale Moon’ - Murder, mystery and mayhem combine with Les Enfants Terribles’ dark, twisted wit and inventive theatricality as they present their brand new musical extravaganza to celebrate their tenth year.

London theatre lovers rejoice! And celebrate the Royal wedding in style this weekend!