A Standing Ovation for Theatre Breaks in London

The famous quote, ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’ still rings true today. This exciting capital city offers endless entertainment, fine dining, shopping, history, and outstanding theatre. Famous actors take to the stage in the West End, Fringe productions push the literary boundaries, and musicals thrill audiences night after night. If you’re looking for an excuse to cross the pond, theatre should be at the top of your list.

Overview of London Theatres:

Very similar to Broadway and off Broadway productions in New York City, there are a variety of ways to experience theatre in London. The most popular is the large, expensive productions of the West End. An alternative is the intimate Fringe theatres, or off West End productions. One final choice is the subsidized National Theatre, which is known for taking risks with their shows.

• West End: The West End of London is the heart of theatre in the capital city. Located around Leicester Square and many central London hotels, this district is home to many of the most famous theatres in the city. Popular musicals such as Dirty Dancing, Wicked, and Les Miserables are currently playing in the West End. Sit-at-the-edge-of-your-seat drama is also on stage in the West End, including Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. Expect to pay approximately £15 – £70 ($23 – $110 at £1.55 to the dollar) for a ticket.
• Fringe / off West End: Everything from small theatre to pub theatres can be considered Fringe productions. These shows are known for their intimacy and literary slant. Expect theatres to host anywhere from 40 – 400 people. From adaptations of classic novels such as The Invisible Man to new productions from up and coming playwrights such as Enda Walsh (Penelope is currently playing), Fringe productions tend to be a little more avant-garde and of-the-moment. If you’re drawn to London to see Shakespeare, current Fringe productions include Hamlet and King Lear. Prices are significantly cheaper than the West End, costing £10 – £25 ($15 – $38 at £1.55 to the dollar) for a single ticket.
• The National Theatre and the Globe Theatre: Another place to see Shakespeare is his famous Globe Theatre. These subsidized theatres are also known for taking risks with productions that might only appeal to a small audience. Yet at the same time, many of these plays have gone on to see successful runs as full-scale West End productions. Tickets to the Globe Theatre cost approximately £50 ($77 at £1.55 to the dollar).

While there is always an excuse to plan theatre breaks in London, celebrity appearances often draw significant audiences. From American heartthrob Patrick Swayze in Guys and Dolls to Jude Law in Hamlet, there is almost always a famous actor showing true talent on the live stage in London. If you are drawn to a certain production, the next step is to discover how to buy tickets and what types of tickets are available.

How to Buy Tickets:

• The most popular place to buy tickets is the Tckts booth in Leicester Square. If the production you want to see isn’t on sale at the Tckts booth, you can go directly to the box office of the individual theatre. If you prefer to make reservations in advance (which is necessary for some of the most popular productions) you can call the box office of the individual theatre or use online booking agents.

How Seating Works in London Theatre:

• The closest section to the stage is called the ‘Stalls’. This is the equivalent of ‘Orchestra’ in American theatre. The ‘Dress Circle’ or ‘Royal Circle’ is the equivalent of Mezzanine, and is located behind the Stalls. The ‘Upper Circle’ or ‘Grand Circle’ is equivalent to the balcony, and here is where the most affordable seats are located.

Another difference to Broadway is that theatres in the West End are typically closed on Sundays (while Broadway is dark on Mondays). Whether you are planning a theatre break to see the productions with the best reviews, such as Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape or you want to see an old classic like Les Miserables, the theatre offers an exciting way to experience the creative side of London.

For even more theatre, plan a trip to the nearby city of Dublin. The Irish capital is home to several major theatres, including the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre, and the Gaiety Theatre. From Irish classic plays to productions by up and coming playwrights, nowhere is theatre as affordable, electric, and emotionally charged as the stages of Dublin.

From one capital city to the next, the productions of these two cities will bring you to your feet for a standing ovation.

This post is sponsored by Hotel Direct; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

Photo Credit: SXC