It’s time to get back out there. Here are a few suggestions that may gently persuade you back to the theatres and concert halls of London.
The West End has so much to offer. Art galleries, restaurants and shopping alone make it easy to love the culture and atmosphere
However, it is the theatres and concert halls of London that attract visitors from all over the globe. They come to sample our amazing shows and be thrilled by our world class music making.
Here’s a nod to what is currently out there or coming soon for you to see…
Traditional Musical Theatre
“Anything Goes” by Cole Porter
Anything Goes is a traditional ‘old style’ musical. It follows two unlikely pairs who set sail on the SS American and find themselves – amid mistaken identities, confusion and chaos – to be on course for true love.
The music is jam packed with toe-tapping hits such as You’re The Top, I Get A Kick Out Of You and It’s De-Lovely!
It stars the wonderful Sutton Foster, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot.
Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall is directing and choreographing the show!
A family show suitable for all ages.
With a little help from a crew of 15 tap-dancing sailors what’s not to like!
It is on at The Barbican Theatre from August – October and ticket prices start from £24.
Shakespeare
“The Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare
A lot can happen in a day in Shakespeare’s darkly mischievous The Comedy of Errors.
One man finds love, another is sentenced to death. One wife finds her long lost husband whilst another finds that she has two!
Two sets of identical twins are separated in childhood. Years later, they all show up in the same place at the same time. The Comedy of Errors tells the story of a father, mother, brothers, sisters, masters and servants, all of whom find themselves confused, baffled and bewildered by the events of a single day.
This is brought to you by the highly acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company team and is sure to be a wonderful production.
It is showing at The Barbican Theatre from the 16th November – 31st December. Tickets from £24.
Contemporary Musical
“Six” by Marlow and Moss
The Six Wives of Henry VIII finally take to their microphones to tell their tales. The music and attitude of 21st century ‘girl power’ is packed into this show. 500 years of heartache can be heard from Tudor Queens Pop Princesses.
“Uplifting”, “thrilling” and “exciting” are just some of the review comments.
Suitable for those keen on a more contemporary style musical and of course, history!
It is showing at Lyric Theatre now! Be quick to this one as it ends on 29th August. Tickets from £31.
Opera
“The Magic Flute” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
David McVicar has returned to the Royal Opera House with his outstanding production of The Magic Flute.
Mozart’s compelling journey of one man’s search for wisdom and virtue is as current today as it was when first premiered in 1791. Love remains at the heart of this story as we meet meddling villains and comic side-kicks along the way.
Do listen out for one of opera’s most famous arias sung by the protagonist the Queen of the Night. The coloratura soprano is singing about as high as the female voice can go. It is a truly incredible aria.
It will be sung in German, as Mozart intended, so do read up on the story before you go. With five star reviews it is well worth making the journey!
A great opera for all the family. There is drama and humour in equal measure. A great opera for those who are just dipping their toe into the world of opera and seasoned professionals alike.
It is showing at the Royal Opera House from September 15th and booking opens on 24th August. Prices are dependant on when you attend so do use the Royal Opera House website for ticket information.
Opera
“The Cunning Little Vixen” by Janáček
A seemingly innocent pastoral tale that has much more profound psychological undercurrents if you look closely. The music and drama is filled with humour and wit.
A clever little vixen named Sharp Ears manages to escape a local Forester who tamed her. She manages this by inciting a revolution amongst the animals of the forest. When free she marries the fox Goldenstripe and produces a large family. She is unable to resist trouble and taunts the local poacher who eventually succeeds in killing her.
The Forester who has remained haunted by her memory sees one of her young cubs and reassures himself that in the forest there are no endings, only new beginnings.
This new production is directed by up-and-coming director Jamie Manton. An Outstanding cast includes the soprano Sally Matthews as the Vixen, soprano Pumeza Matshikiza as the fox, baritone Lester Lynch as the Forester, bass.
A visually exciting production from the staging to the costumes. The music is wonderfully balanced and a good for all the family.
It is showing at English National Opera from 18th February – 19th March 2022. Booking is already open and tickets are available from £10.
Jazz
“Late Night Jazz” Deelee Dubé
This is sure to be a fabulous evening celebrating the wonderful voice of Deelee Dubé. It is part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Late Night Jazz series held in their Elgar Room.
Deelee Dubé is a singer who can boast to be the first and only British singer to win the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition in 2016. Her silky and warm voice is beautiful and can be heard often at the famous Ronnie Scotts Jazz club in Frith Street, London.
This intimate evening of jazz will see her present a live performance of some of her most loved jazz, blues and latin classics along with some new arrangements and compositions.
For the real jazz lovers amongst you this is not one to miss!
This is Showing at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 28th October at 9.30pm. Tickets available now from £17.
Classical
“The Messiah” by George Frederick Handel
This most wonderful work has been in the Royal Albert Hall’s programme 542 times since 1872! It has become a real tradition to host the work just before Christmas.
Composed in 1741 this has become one of Handel’s most celebrated works.
It tells of the epic story of Christ in three parts.
The first part tells of the prophecies and the shepherds, the second of the passion and the third the redemption and resurrection.
The most famous chorus “The Hallelujah” can be heard at the end of the second part of the work. It is one of the most recognised choruses throughout the world.
The work is always beautifully presented and with a fabulous Royal Albert Hall Christmas backdrop… Christmas really does begin with this concert every year!
This is showing at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 15th December at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are already on sale from £17.50.
With approximately 241 Theatres across London ranging from West End playhouses with vast capacity to small pubs and private clubs there really is ‘something for everyone’!
You never know…I might just see you there!
B Eveleigh
25/08/21
A great Blog Debbie