Westend Theatre Breaks
Offers from the Westend Theatre Breaks
Holding the Man
A Funny, Tender and Moving PlayFalling in love with the captain of the football team was never going to be popular for a boy growing up in a 1970s Melbourne high school. For Tim Conigrave being young and gay in Australia was an uncharted experience. Adapted from his book of the same name, 'Holding the Man' is his true life story, tender and moving with plenty of laughs. 'Holding the Man' is one of the most successful Australian stage shows of recent years. It is brought to the UK by original Australian Director David Berthold and Tony Award-winning Designer Brian Thomson. Comic actress Jane Turner, of Australian TV hit 'Kath and Kim', will make her West End debut.
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity - Starring Tamzin OuthwaiteTamzin Outhwaite stars as 'Charity Hope Valentine', a young woman who is always giving away her heart, but never to the right kind of man. Working as a dance hall hostess, Charity meets a lot of men. From movie stars to neurotic loners, Charity stumbles through each whirlwind romance. Sweet Charity has music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon. Originally directed by Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway in 1966, running for over 600 performances. Well-known songs include 'Hey Big Spender', 'If My Friends Could See Me Now' and 'Rhythm of Life'.
Birdsong
Birdsong Birdsong tells the love story of Stephen Wraysford, in pre-First World War France. Whilst being the guest of a factory owner, Stephen embarks on a passionate love affair with Isabelle, the wife of his host, changing them both for ever.A few years later Stephen finds himself back in the same part of France, but this time, as a soldier at the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest encounters in British military history. As his men die around him, Stephen turns to his enduring love for Isabelle for the strength to continue and to save something for future generationsBirdsong is brought to the stage for the first time in a version by Rachel Wagstaff. The world premiere of this production is directed by Trevor Nunn.
The Woman In Black
The Woman In Black has been chilling the spines of terrified audiences since 1989, and she shows no sign of stopping. In this wildly successful stage adaptation of Susan Hill's spooky thriller, young solicitor Arthur Kipps is appointed to organise the affairs of the deceased Alice Drablow in her isolated house in a quiet market town, enduring an increasingly terrifying series of chilling noises and unexplained events. Will Kipps uncover the story of the woman in black? Dare to be scared as you join Kipps as the ghosts of Mrs Drablow's past make their presence felt on his present and future.
Deathtrap
Simon Russell Beale and Jonathan Groff star in a new Matthew Warchus production of Ira Levin's comic murder thriller 'Deathtrap'.Groff plays the part of Clifford, a gifted young writer who befriends Sidney Bruhl (Russell Beale), a best-selling novelist and playwright. He turns up at Bruhl's Connecticut home with a new stage thriller which turns out to be superior to anything Bruhl has done. Deathtrap took Broadway and the West End by storm in the 1980's and became a hugely succesful motion picture with Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.
The Railway Children
The Railway ChildrenAdapted for stage by Mike Kenny, the new production comes to life at Waterloo Station where the former Eurostar site has been transformed into a unique theatre space, with the audience seated either side of the railway track. The Railway Children tells the unforgettable story of three siblings, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis who go to live in the country after their dad is taken away suddenly. Not used to country life, the siblings become bored and find a new playground, the local railway and station. Visiting almost daily, they make friends with the porter named Perks and encounter many dramas along the way, including the famous red petticoat scene where Phyllis tries to stop a disaster. The play comes after two sell out summer runs at the National Railway Museum in York. The production co-inside's with the 40th Anniversary of the film
Lilies on the Land
Lilies On The Land Based on the real lives of the women's land army Lilies on the Land is a unique play bringing to life the emotional stories of the Women's Land Army of World War II. The play tells the gripping yet charming stories of four women who sign up to become Land Girls, determined to work endless, backbreaking hours on farms across the country to do their bit for the War Effort. See how these women, from all different backgrounds cope with being torn from their families, stripped of all basic home comforts and deal with the hardships of farming life and the pressures of war. Based on hundreds of letters from and interviews with the original Land Girls along with songs from the period, Lilies on the Land is a revealing, funny and moving story of some of Britain's pluckiest ladies.
Tower Of London
History and Intrigue at the Tower of London With dozens of amazing sights and activities a visit to the Tower of London is a trip into British history. A home of government, monarchy, political prisoners and precious jewels the Tower of London is a fascinating attraction with lots to see for the price of a ticket. Join a Yeoman Warder tour or step inside the historic Medieval Palace. Be dazzled by the priceless Crown Jewels and see the Scaffold Site where many great names from history met their end by order of the state. Marvel at some of the world's rarest arms and armour from the treasures of the Royal Armouries, but beware the ravens that guard the tower! The Tower of London is a fantastic family experience, from the 'Beefeaters', to Traitors' Gate there's plenty to see and do. Educational and gripping, take a visit and bring some of the Tower's memorable stories to life.
Les Miserables - O2 Arena
Les Misérables in Concert - 25th AnniversaryWith a cast of over 300, the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary concert at the O2 Arena promises to be a theatrical spectacular. Already the world's longest running musical, the show will make history when three different productions of the show perform in London at the same time (The O2 Arena, Queens Theatre and Barbican Theatre).The O2 concert will feature cast from the Original Production at the Queen's Theatre, the New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican Theatre and members of the Original 1985 London cast. Also in the line up are stars Alfie Boe, Nick Jonas, Norm Lewis, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, Jenny Galloway and Camilla Kerslake.
Room on the Broom
Adapted from the best-selling book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.A spellbinding new adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo!How the cat purred and how the witch grinnedAs they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a gust of wind blows her hat, bow and wand away into the night.With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, the lost belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick's not meant for five and - CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch?And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+
Into the Woods
Once Upon a Time The tales of the Brothers Grimm are retold in this inspired musical, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The tales of 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk' meet 'Cinderella' and 'The Baker and his Wife'. Stories and lives are turned upside down in a fairytale world that goes beyond 'happily ever after'. Celebrating his 80th birthday this year, Stephen Sondheim ('A Little Night Music' and 'Sweeney Todd') is one of theatre's best known composers. 'Into the Woods' is co-directed by Timothy Sheader, whose production of 'Hello Dolly!' won the 2009 Evening Standard Theatre Award for best musical.
All My Sons
Arthur Miller's All My Sons Arthur Miller's 'All My Sons' returns to London in 2010 with a star-studded cast, featuring David Suchet and Zoe Wanamaker. David Suchet, best known for his TV portrayal of Hercule Poirot, plays Joe Keller, an American businessman who sold faulty aircraft parts to the government during the Second World War. Zoe Wanamaker, of 'Harry Potter' and 'My Family' fame, plays Joe's wife Kate Keller, a woman who refuses to accept that her eldest son, a pilot, has been killed in action. The arrival of Ann Deever, the daughter of Joe's jailed business partner Steve, raises the tension in the Keller household. After his debut play had closed after only four Broadway performances, 'All My Sons' was Arthur Miller's first big commercial success. Written and set in the years immediately after the Second World War 'All My Sons' is based around the real story of a businessman who sold damaged parts to the US Air Force during the conflict.
Hair
Hair The revival of the 1967 rock musical is back in the West End. Written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni's and set to the score by Galt MacDermot's and features well known songs Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine and Let The Sunshine In. Hair centres on a group of hippies who promote peace, love and freedom against the backdrop of the Vietnam War during the 60s. Claude, his good friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their friends struggle to uphold their strong morals in trying times they find themselves in. Ultimately, Claude must decide whether to resist the draft as his friends have done, or to compromise his principles and risk his life by serving in Vietnam.
Stomp
Stomp is an extraordinary mixture of music, dance, wit, power and household objects all put together with incredible energy and rhythm. The show is guaranteed to get your pulse racing and your toes tapping. Stomp uses inanimate objects in a very different way, ranging from garbage bins and brooms, to drums and matches. The show delivers a dynamic mix of abstract ideas, theatrical flair and infectious rhythm. "Pure stage magic, you'll be dancing in your seats! Some of the wildest and most imaginative rhythms and movements ever seen." The Sunday Telegraph "The energy and discipline is awesome, the sheer thumping dynamism irresistible." The Evening Standard "Brilliant and very funny: theatre at its most seductive" New York Times "This is comedy, but it's music too - it's entrancing, exhilarating and uncannily orchestral. Terrific" Independent "With an acute sense of humour, STOMP takes the audience on a frenetic, rhythmic and jubilant trip" Figaro "Pop art for the ears. Rhythm for the eyes. Theatre for the feet." The Advertiser, Adelaide "A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking - a joyous invention!" Chicago Tribune "Big, noisy and irresistible." Sun Herald, Australia
Oliver!
The largest production of Oliver! ever staged has landed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Lionel Bart's classic, first staged in London in 1960, starsGriff Rhys Jonesas Fagin. Appearing alongside them are the stars of BBC television's I'd Do Anything, Jodie Prenger as Nancy with Gwion Wyn Jones,Zac Hurst and Francesco Piancentini-Smithalternating the title role.An expansion of Sam Mendes' iconic London Palladium production in the early 1990's, Oliver! features a cast of 35 adults, a 22 piece orchestra and three alternating companies of 50 children. The breathtaking and ambitious set uses every inch of the Drury Lane's expansive stage, and features some spectacular choreography by world renowned dancer and choreographer Matthew Bourne.Oliver! features all your favourite classics as immortalised by the 1968 movie, including Food Glorious Food, Oom Pah Pah, You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, As Long as He Needs Me and Consider Yourself, as well as a few fantastic songs you will only hear on the stage such as the hilarious I Shall Scream, That's Your Funeral, and Bill Sykes' menacing My Name.On Wednesdayevening performances, the role of Nancy will be played by Tamsin Carroll. All cast appearances are subject to illness, emergency and holiday.
The Phantom Of The Opera
There's a very odd man living deep within the bowels of the Paris Opera House. He wants his protégé, Christine, to star in the company's next production and, as everyone discovers, it is an extremely bad idea to obstruct his desires. This dramatization of Gaston Leroux's 1911 novel, Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, captures the darkness and occultism he ascribes to turn-of -the-century Paris. We are nearly certain that there are no demented beings lurking in the shadows of Her Majesty's Theatre! "Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical extravaganza... as spectacular a piece of true theatre as has been seen in years" The Daily Telegraph "Magic, memorable and so spectacular" The Sunday Express Popular Songs Phantom of the Opera All I Ask of You Masquerade Angel of Music The Music of the Night
Ghost Stories
Ghost StoriesGhost Stories, billed as a "truly terrifying theatrical experience", transfers to the Duke of York's theatre after a successful run at the Lyric Hammersmith. The show is hosted by Andy Nyman (Derren Brown collaborator) who presents the audience with a petrifying lecture about the paranormal leading to numerous spooky stories of some of the subjects he has interviewed over the course of his career. Not for the faint hearted, Ghost Stories is a truly unique theatre experience. WARNING: Please be advised that 'Ghost Stories' contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.
Tap Dogs
Tap Dogs is the impressive new show that reinvents tap dancing. Six muscled packed men from a steel town north of Sydney, Australia combine a show full of the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing. The Olivier Award-winning choreographer Dein Perry heads up the team with designer/director Nigel Triffitt, and composer Andrew Wilkie to create Tap Dogs; an 80 minute reinvention of tap, featuring an impressive scene of tapping on water, a most see alternative tap dancing show
