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Post by garjobo on Dec 5, 2022 13:46:12 GMT
So much info coming back on this thread - mostly on food! Wimpy will get a look-in.
Seeing as thread is still going, I thought I would ask a series of questions currently on my mind. Not being lazy!, I will be checking maps/ seating plans myself / but asking in the hope someone out there in theatre land can see a better alternative / or a couple of hints/tips/suggestions.
Having now decided what we ( myself and daughter ) are doing, we are coming from the sticks so to speak, so London, Tubes, timetables....heck even mobile phone apps are new to me, a budget is very much on my mind, but equally want to make the short trip/flight worthwhile / spur of the moment thing.
Nothing is booked, but week around Christmas or so is the timescale. Maybe not the most sensible, or maybe it is, looking into January prices, for flights, hotels, theatre seats appear even a little more expensive. Avoiding the shops etc
So, 3days ( maybe 4 )
Arriving Gatwick > train etc to Wembley > seeing 7.30 Newsies all be well / next day seeing &Juliet 2.30pm ( again, if that all works out ok ), and then 7.30pm Newsies again. Perhaps a 4th day needed ( was lookng at BacktoFuture - thoughts? )
- Travel from Gatwick / Travel card / prebookin / Oyster?? / for tube..worth doing seeing as wont be using it much? - Not direct to Wembley from Gatwick...ok you think..wont get 'lost'?
- Flying back from Birmingham Airport ( i think, seems cheaper option ), again no direct train...but...you think..be ok? from Wembley station..easy enough really?
- Hotel - It's been mentioned on here, Premire Inn, Wembley..their is also one nearer the station...much of a muchness...either / or? anything else..along same quality/price? around area?
- Newsies - seats - aware been mentioned. Worth paying a little more - middle row...all ok? nothing to try and get? - Newsies - Can you wait backstage - get a photo/meet a few ?
- Newies - Merch - aware issues with booklet, i think a jacket..anything else / buy at the venue / aware toliets maybe an issue.
- &Juliet - Grand Circle ok?
-&Juliet - getting to Shaftsbury ok? easy enough to get back to Wembley? again, Tubes new to me. So long as safe enough, bit of a short walk.
- Pic. Line and then Circle line...all quite easy then?
And finally, thoughts on..anything else..worth doing for an afternoon or so....any musical treats / hidden away / musical musuem etc...worth taking in if have the time? Heck, even visit Wembly Stadium no? no real interest..but anything closeby...missing out on ?
Thoughts welcome. Bit of an adventure i suppose. But would like to make the most out of it / even if pay more for 1 more show...to take in....again thoughts welcome.
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 5, 2022 13:49:28 GMT
garjobo - worth considering Mary Poppins. Has some large dance numbers, discounts daily via TKTS and closes 8th Jan.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 5, 2022 14:14:04 GMT
Discounts yes..i checked, but all a bit..confusing...like..not sure when actually going etc...but must take a better look into all that.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 5, 2022 14:36:31 GMT
Wouldn't recommend Back to the Future unless you're a huge fan of the film. It's a terrible musical, although others will argue it's a good 'spectacle'.
You can't go backstage at Newsies, but could possibly wait at stage door (clearly signposted outside the theatre) however Covid still has some hold here and it's very possible they don't want people waiting to meet the cast. They could all go down quite quickly if one of them gets it!
Every view is decent, but those at the back of the theatre can feel quite far away. It's a huge set so even sitting mid-way back still feels like it has some distance. But there are performers throughout the auditorium at various points so you don't feel disconnected.
Merch wise, it's possible a lot will be selling out. The newsies thread has a list of what they, in theory, sell, but when I was there they didn't yet have the tote bag or the pin set. They're now sold out of the programme and other items may follow. Not sure when they'll be restocking (but they almost definitely will because they have a decently long run).
Everywhere you're walking will be safe. The Wembley area is well lit and the area around & Juliet is similarly safe and busy. Don't do anything foolish (walking around next to the road with your phone out, etc.) and you won't have any problems.
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Post by viserys on Dec 5, 2022 15:05:15 GMT
Nothing is booked, but week around Christmas or so is the timescale. I'm not even British, but if you plan to be in England around Christmas, make sure you keep an eye on the potential train strikes around that period, especially when coming from Gatwick Airport, where you pretty much have to rely on the Gatwick Express or if you want to take a flight back from Birmingham Airport rather than one of the London Airports. Also find it hard to believe it's the cheaper option once you factor the cost for the trains in?? Oyster Card is no longer necessary as you can tap in and out with your credit card. Can only speak for myself, but I like Premier Inn as it's the only of the big chains that has bath tubs and I love me a good bath to chill between doing stuff during the day and going out to the theatre in the evening. Inside, the rooms all look pretty much the same. When I booked the "Wembley Stadium" one I didn't really pay attention to the location, if I'd choose Wembley again, I'd choose the "Wembley Park" one directly beside the tube station. Otherwise, if you've never been to London, I wouldn't cram too much into a schedule... just take your time to wander around and enjoy the city itself. My favourite walk, after all these years, is still the one along the South Bank (where you'll also pass some famous theatres like the National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe) with the view over the city.
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Post by viserys on Dec 5, 2022 15:09:42 GMT
On Saturday I turned right out of the station and followed the road around past McDonalds and then around the side of the Fountain Studios to the theatre entrance. Is it quicker to come out of the station and head up Wembley Way before turning right to the theatre? Probably around the same. Look at Google Maps/Earth to get an idea? For me Wembley Way felt slightly shorter, but maybe that was because it was all neat angles and of course I didn't do the other walk "straight" but went to Wimpy from the tube station and then onwards. As a single female I also found the broad brightly lit and busy Wembley Way safer to walk after dark.
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Post by alece10 on Dec 5, 2022 16:18:52 GMT
I didnt stage door on Saturday but walked past as the cast were coming out and they were definately chatting to people and doing selfies. This was after the matinee so they were probably coming out to get some food before evening show. Not so sure after an evening performance as they probably will want to get to the tube ASAP.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 5, 2022 20:41:39 GMT
As usual thanks for the few bits of advice there. Ok, BackFuture, i admit might be a waste of our short time there ( although if it tours would be a welcome view ), Wicked perhaps then being the possibly 3rd show then..thinking something very WestEnd. daughter actually said, 42nd Street ( knows little about it , but any thoughts welcome? considering &Juliet/Newsies..would 42nd Street be a ...spectacle? )
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Post by garjobo on Dec 5, 2022 20:42:57 GMT
btw, now looking perhaps flying into Heathrow...closer than Gatwick? to Wembley? perhaps the best option?
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Post by kyvai on Dec 5, 2022 20:49:40 GMT
For anyone who’s been recently - where’s the best (cheapest) place to park nearby? I remember a big flat car park when we went up for Sleepless (pray god this show is better than that), but can’t recall the name. We went to the Guardians of the Galaxy Secret Cinema right by Wembley recently, and parked in the big Asda car park, you can book ahead on JustPark and it wasn’t expensive.
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Post by alece10 on Dec 5, 2022 21:27:10 GMT
42nd Street isn't currently in London. It closed a few years ago and there is a production coming to Sadlers Wells but not until next year.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 6, 2022 17:10:02 GMT
Thanks regarding 42nd Street. So I'm aware this is not exactly musical question but is related to the thread and my initial query. Gatwick,Heathrow and now being told try Luton Airport to get to Wembley. What do you think. Newbie re tubes London. I think Heathrow is closer but been told its a nightmare,take ages to get to Wembley. Any thoughts. Coming from Ireland.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 6, 2022 17:15:50 GMT
Keep meaning to ask..dress code..for likes of Newsies and &Juliet and Wicked. Trainers Ok?
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 6, 2022 17:37:15 GMT
City Airport is the easiest route if that's an option. Otherwise, there isn't much to choose between Heathrow and Gatwick, so go with whichever is the best value. All this is assuming you are taking public transport. Luton may be slightly nearer, but it is awkward as you have to take a shuttle bus to the local railway station.
Many (perhaps most) people at the theatre will be wearing trainers. I think it never hurts to dress reasonably, but you could go in a jogging suit if you wanted (and some do).
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Post by alece10 on Dec 6, 2022 17:50:07 GMT
Keep meaning to ask..dress code..for likes of Newsies and &Juliet and Wicked. Trainers Ok? Really no dress code for London Theatres. Go with whatever you are comfortable on
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Post by garjobo on Dec 6, 2022 18:02:52 GMT
Thanks Dr Tom for that reply, good to know. Sadly London City doesnt seem to be an option. May plum for Gatwick arrival and Depart Heathrow. Have to start the hassle of booking it all very verty soon, bit of a job..to say the least.
At least Heathrow isnt a total nightmare then..just heard..take ages to get anywhere as its like a 'city' itself! just to get out of the place.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 6, 2022 18:46:23 GMT
Tried looking for a Hamilton thread - best i could do.
So, question, Daughter 15, seen the tv musical version. We are coming to london to see Newsies, &Juliet...and..now looking for another one...cram it in, seeing as flying over. So, Hamilton?, Wicked? personally BackFuture and Les Mis. What would your choice be, a good London spectacle..seeing as seeing Newsies/&Juliet.....something big.
Something..involving and just really good. Thoughts more than welcome.
I assume easy enough to get to Hamilton in London, and seats..so a lot of working out needs done..but love to know recommendations - not really a muscial fan myself, thought Les Mis fantastic movie / good show?
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Post by sukhavati on Dec 7, 2022 6:15:04 GMT
Tried looking for a Hamilton thread - best i could do. So, question, Daughter 15, seen the tv musical version. We are coming to london to see Newsies, &Juliet...and..now looking for another one...cram it in, seeing as flying over. So, Hamilton?, Wicked? personally BackFuture and Les Mis. What would your choice be, a good London spectacle..seeing as seeing Newsies/&Juliet.....something big. Something..involving and just really good. Thoughts more than welcome. I assume easy enough to get to Hamilton in London, and seats..so a lot of working out needs done..but love to know recommendations - not really a muscial fan myself, thought Les Mis fantastic movie / good show? Les Mis isn't what it used to be, although I do feel as if everyone should see it at least once; I have seen the bus tours and class trips there. It's a popular choice, and I did like what they did with the sound effects in the second act. A friend whose theatrical opinions I trust just saw Wicked again within the past few weeks and was let down by the lack of charisma/so-so voices she heard, so you can decide whether or not that opinion makes a difference to you. Personally, if it were between Back to the Future and Hamilton, I'd go for Hamilton. It will only take you five minutes to cross the street from Victoria Station, so easy access to the tube or other rail services.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 10:46:54 GMT
Hamilton and Wicked both have an appropriate level of spectacle - maybe Wicked a little bit more so. Les Mis is a must see in life at least once, but not necessarily the most interesting/attention-grabbing for someone young. Honestly, I'd suggest Come From Away. It's one of the absolute best shows in the West End at the moment and it's closing early January, so the chance to see it will soon be gone (although there are touring plans).
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 7, 2022 11:19:14 GMT
CFA isn’t spectacle though, and it’s about an event that predates our OP’s daughter. I think the original idea of BTTF was the best one. It delivers in droves on spectacle and even if you haven’t seen the film (as was the case with me) it’s an entertaining story in its own right. Hamilton - buy Disney+ for a month over Christmas period and watch it, and anything else for £7.99. Ts massively overhyped in my opinion. Les Mis - not for a 15 year old who is new to musicals and is looking for pizazz. She’ll likely be bored. Watch the film.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 11:28:27 GMT
I know CFA to have gone down well with people who didn't live through 9/11. It's still probably the best show in the West End and it would be a shame to miss it. I definitely don't think Back to the Future would entertain a 15 year old any more. I was bored to death and that's despite knowing the original film! Both the 'present' and the past in that show take place way before the events of CFA...
If the insistence is on spectacle, Wicked is probably the best choice. If you want the best show the West End has, then CFA. But hey if you also want to sample the worst show, nothing is stopping you from booking Back to the Future.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 11:30:19 GMT
Or Frozen is also good for a spectacle, actually, as I think has already been mentioned. Costumes are gorgeous, too. The theatre is one the grandest we have, especially after the refurb, so might be nice to visit for a special trip [and the afternoon tea is lovely!]
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Post by TallPaul on Dec 7, 2022 11:34:28 GMT
Come From Away is likely to visit Dublin on its forthcoming tour. Les Mis will probably run in the West End for years to come, along with returning to Ireland on the next tour. The Wicked tour is spending summer 2024 in Dublin.
It may be best, on this trip, to focus on those shows that, right now, can only be be seen in London. Just my opinion, of course.
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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 11:42:04 GMT
. I definitely don't think Back to the Future would entertain a 15 year old any more. I was bored to death Well, you're not a 15 year old, are you? Back to the Future has a teenage hero (even if Marty is played by guys in their 20s) and the story is very appealing to teenagers, plus, as people say, it's spectacle. CFA is populated by adults and has zero spectacle. Given that it's already announced a tour, it's a safe bet that it will turn up in Dublin sooner or later, so the OP can likely catch it at home then. BTTF won't tour and even if it did, I'm sure it would be a downscaled version. Hamilton, if she's seen the televised version, I don't think is a necessity and will also indubitably go on tour sooner or later. That said... BTTF is on virtually every streaming portal (I think), so why not watch the movie and see if it makes you go "ooh, I want to see how they do that on stage?" and THEN decide? You may be able to enjoy it without having seen the movie, but I think it will add another layer of fun to it. If not BTTF then Wicked and Frozen are certainly the shows to look for that deliver both spectacle and stories that are appealing to female teenagers.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 12:10:31 GMT
the story is very appealing to teenagers, Is it? I'm not sure I see any appeal in it for someone not very familiar with the film and/or likely to get the 80s references. The religious adherence to the film means the show doesn't hack into a younger audience the way Heathers has.
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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 12:34:25 GMT
Teenager strands in a foreign world (the past), where another socially awkward teenager is being bullied by a group of jerks and too shy to talk to the girl of his dreams, who develops an unfortunate and impossible crush on the newcomer. The newcomer has to fix things and somehow get home to his own world, supported by a crazy old uncle type.
It's pretty timeless and I don't think the 80's setting feels that alien to teenagers, even if no one is permanently glued to their smartphones. Marty's electric guitar, the DeLorean, even the funny moment in the school fight when Marty suddenly produces a "lightsaber" are still as relevant today as they were then. Even 80s fashion is currently pretty trendy again.
Heathers is more popular with female teenagers, because it taps into a very specific teenage girl world, where the scorned but tough outsider (Veronica) gets one over the popular Queen Bees (the Heathers) and still gets (and finally rejects) the mysterious hot guy. As a teen girl I'd also be all over this - more so than BTTF, yes, but Heathers is not a show currently on offer (or spectacle).
PS: I'm not trying to start an argument, just giving my opinion. Maybe the OP can get something out of it and if not, well it made for a few good minutes of work procrastination.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 7, 2022 12:39:49 GMT
My goodness, a lot of different and yet similar replies. Does appear some shows are like marmite. Thank you for your thoughts.
Well, trip is booked, Newsies couples times( atl least ..could get one more in before flight..we'll see ) , &Juliet...2.30pm showing and then, whilst in London, the same day..plan to see 7.30 showing of......I think Hamilton (yet to be booked....seats are not great, but need to watch the budget )...but Wicked is up there more so then BTTF.
Daughter would love to see a proper WestEnd show. Does appear by you comments, the same names crop up though..and really Wicked V Hamilton perhaps, although im sure likes of CFA would be ok too.
Having 1 evening in London/Wembley to spare...any thoughts on where to go for a few hours...a musical tour would be nice..but equally london dungeons...maybe the Wheel....as mentioned never really been to London more than a couple times, Mad.Tuesauds and and few other usual places.
No - hidden away ( musical related? places? just to break up the shows......Wondering the chances of not booking..Wicked and turning up to the door - standing room type thing?
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 13:16:29 GMT
There's the Theatre Cafe? And newly opened Theatre Diner. Can imagine they would both go down very well with a teenage girl who likes musicals. thetheatrecafe.co.uk/
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 13:18:49 GMT
Heathers is not a show currently on offer has it finally closed???
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Post by alece10 on Dec 7, 2022 13:20:24 GMT
Theatre Royal Drury Lane does a great backstage tour and I am sure there will be lovely things to see around Covent Garden Piazza. Also several ice skating rinks set up including Somerset House which is central for the West End.
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