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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 13:21:05 GMT
Heathers is not a show currently on offer has it finally closed??? LOL, I don't know? I enjoyed it well enough the two times I saw it, but I'm not keeping track of it. It just never came up in this discussion so far!
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18,904 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 7, 2022 13:25:35 GMT
Heathers current run continues until February.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 14:46:47 GMT
The Globe also does a tour which I rather enjoyed during the Covid theatre closures
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4,974 posts
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Post by TallPaul on Dec 7, 2022 15:12:12 GMT
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Post by garjobo on Dec 7, 2022 17:07:44 GMT
Once more thanks for the replies.i will be looking into theatre cafe re distance,cost and quality of food. And also see what the backstage theatre tours are like cost depending and time wise as all shoehorned in .think will plum for wicked in place of Hamilton although Hamilton theatre does look stunning.
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Post by yokollama on Dec 7, 2022 18:56:36 GMT
1. I'd recommend downloading the Tube Map app, or similar, so you get a better sense of direction and which stations are on which line. 2. Gatwick Express runs between Gatwick and Victoria station. The station is within very short walking distance of Victoria Palace (Hamilton), Apollo Victoria (Wicked), and The Other Palace (Heathers). But the Tube should get you from Wembley to other theatres in relatively short time. 3. V&A museum are running a free exhibition, if that's your thing: Re:Imagining Musicals
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Post by nicolaa on Dec 7, 2022 19:06:24 GMT
I would avoid the Theatre Cafe, you're in London - plenty of websites offering deals at far better establishments. Plenty of eateries around Victoria as well.
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:02:18 GMT
I used to live in Wembley - for 30+ years, so you're talking to a local here ...
Gatwick to Wembley is an easy journey (probably easier than Heathrow in truth). Gatwick onto Thameslink train into London (any destination). Get off at Farringdon Station and walk up the stairs and cross over to the Metropolitan tube platform heading North. It's that easy. Any northbound train will stop at Wembley Park - there are destination boards up and down the platforms. The benefit of the Thameslink is you get that amazing view as you go over London Blackfriars ....
From Heathrow you'd probably get a tube into London and have to change at Green Park which is hellish with luggage.
Hotels at Wembley Park - the Wembley International Hotel is probably 3*, basic but clean and I've found it much cheaper than the Premier Inn or Travelodge. The Designer Outlet, as others have said, has a variety of chain restaurants.
Enjoy your trip!
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:17:32 GMT
Whoops! forgot - car park. Wembley Park Station has a car park, £6 per day on a pay by phone (the cash ticket machine has been broken for ages). There are car parks for the Design Outlet but they are (I've found) much more expensive, they cater for the shoppers. The car park is usually full during the day but will empty from 6pm onwards as people head home after work. You can park in the street where the car park is to, if there is space and it's not an Event Day. There are a couple of spaces around the Wimpy/McDonalds area too but they fill quickly.
Absolutely Wimpy over McDonalds, which is practically opposite McD's on the other side of the petrol station. But it opens at 9am and shuts at 9pm. Now I live in Lincolnshire it's easier for me to stay in Wembley after a show - it's my local area after all. BUT please keep your belongings close to hand, be aware of those around you. And a big YES to the lift rather than the stairs - or walk out the other exit and walk down the slope next to the black taxi ramp.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 13:17:50 GMT
Londonmzfitz, thanks for the simply easy to follow guide re Gatwick to Wembley, very keen with daughter in hand, budget and timescale to keep it running smooth as possible - particulary as time going all these strikes are looming but i think will miss thankfully.
I will be checking - but will also ask here, never been to Gatwick, easy enough to find the Thameslink ( thats definately the one to go for..no matter how busy? ), pay upfront ( cash on train / better get a card..as coming back to gatwick later in week? ), and then easy to walk to Metro tube North - spelled out for you? im a simple folk! - and again pay for that tube? do i have to exit and enter to pay..or..just pay when i get off a Wemberly..how will it know i crossed over at Farringdon?
Too late re hotel, already booked, wasnt too bad. Its the flights for us that was bad really.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 13:22:47 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so its just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing?
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18,904 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 8, 2022 13:31:23 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so it’s just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing? garjobo I have moved this post from the Frozen thread to here. Please use this thread for further advice/opinions from members about any show rather than posting requests for advice in multiple different show threads. Cheers!
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 8, 2022 14:34:54 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so its just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing? I would vote for Frozen over Wicked, for a number of reasons.
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Post by kyvai on Dec 8, 2022 16:16:08 GMT
You’ll probably find cheaper tickets for Wicked than Frozen. I’ve been to Wicked twice this year (many more times over the years!) and from a lot of other reports, my impression is that the current production is a bit patchy in terms of quality. I’m also not a fan of the theatre itself, although if you are further forward it is a much better view, I wouldn’t even bother going if the only seats you could get were say in the back 2/3rds of either stalls or circle. If the Wicked tour is coming near you in the next few years, I’d say see that instead. It can’t be worse than the Apollo currently is.
I love Frozen and it is fabulous for spectacle, but it is expensive unless you can get tickets during a sale or offer period. And I think it will be around for a looooong time so you’ll probably get another chance.
Not a Hamilton fan at all, just don’t like the style of the music, so won’t comment on that.
Back To The Future is great spectacle, especially if you can be mid stalls or front of the dress circle. Upper circle was a poor view IMHO. It won’t be around forever. Also don’t think this has been suggested for spectacle - but Mary Poppins. A lot of impressive stagey stuff at Mary Poppins, and the nostalgia factor is high as most of us whatever age know the film right? I’d definitely recommend Mary Poppins as worth a visit for anyone, unless they know they hate the film! And it’s closing soon.
So yeah, Wicked vs Frozen, I vote Mary Poppins 😂
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 8, 2022 16:30:37 GMT
Also don’t think this has been suggested for spectacle - but Mary Poppins. A lot of impressive stagey stuff at Mary Poppins, and the nostalgia factor is high as most of us whatever age know the film right? I’d definitely recommend Mary Poppins as worth a visit for anyone, unless they know they hate the film! And it’s closing soon. So yeah, Wicked vs Frozen, I vote Mary Poppins 😂 I did suggest this earlier in the thread - no longer a lone voice! 😂
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 18:06:50 GMT
Kyvai - thanks for all that advice. my daugher is set upon Hamilton however..its not the reason we are going to london so is the cheap, side seats..hopefully wont be a total waste of time? But yes, personnally MaryPoppins and BTTF and Les Mis ( aware not as good as it has been ), would be my choices..but im only the one paying so dont get a say!!
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 8, 2022 23:03:01 GMT
Londonmzfitz, thanks for the simply easy to follow guide re Gatwick to Wembley, very keen with daughter in hand, budget and timescale to keep it running smooth as possible - particulary as time going all these strikes are looming but i think will miss thankfully. I will be checking - but will also ask here, never been to Gatwick, easy enough to find the Thameslink ( thats definately the one to go for..no matter how busy? ), pay upfront ( cash on train / better get a card..as coming back to gatwick later in week? ), and then easy to walk to Metro tube North - spelled out for you? im a simple folk! - and again pay for that tube? do i have to exit and enter to pay..or..just pay when i get off a Wemberly..how will it know i crossed over at Farringdon? Too late re hotel, already booked, wasnt too bad. Its the flights for us that was bad really. There will be signposts at Gatwick for trains to London, you want the Thameslink (it's been a while since I flew into Gatwick but I think it's really easy to find) - costs - google Thameslink or www.trainline.com - shows as being £12.90 for a single journey for an adult, depending on time of day. You'll need to buy a ticket before you get on the train, there are automatic ticket machines at the station, you can't buy tickets on the train. I'd get a single rather than a return in case you find you want to go via Victoria on the way back. The Thameslink train will arrive at Platform 4 at Farringdon. At this part of the station there are only 4 platforms - there's signs directing you to the Metropolitan Line (District line tube trains run from the same platform) - you walk up a few steps and over a clear panel walkway to Platform 2 - Westbound trains - you need the Metropolitan line train running to Amersham, Chesham, Watford, Rickmansworth or Uxbridge; all of the Westbound Metropolitan tubes stop at Wembley Park Station. However you will need either your debit card or an Oyster Card for your onward journey here - you will see the touch-tap machines on the platform at Farringdon, you don't need to go through the barriers or anything. The Tube lines (East and West bound) and Thameslink (North and South) run side by side, so there's no maze of tunnels or anything like that, just have to walk up and over. I hope that's clear-? At your destination (Wembley Park) you "tap out" (the barriers will be closed and won't open unless you do)- there is a maximum limit for expenditure on the tube/buses so it's not an expensive way to travel at all! If you are concerned I'm travelling through Farringdon tomorrow and will take some pics - dm me your email and I'll send the pics to you. You'll enjoy the view from London Bridge into London Blackfriars especially if it's at night. Make sure you have a window seat.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 23:14:01 GMT
Thanks once again Londonzftiz. I will note all the above, as that is the way we will be travelling. I've asked too many questions, thanks for all your replies. Hamilton tickets are not cheap! final purchase! 6 shows into 4 days..yep! ( a few being Newsies )..now lets hope illnesses stay away and dont spoil things!
Thanks once again Londonfitz for going into that details, there is no need honestly to go to any trouble regarding pics, really, you have been more than helpful as it is. i will be viewing/youtube etc before to get gist of it as well - wanting it to be straight forward as possible - printed out already your post and adding to the endless tickets/document collection etc i now have! travelling is not fun!! but we will enjoy the adventure and hopefully the musicals! ( not really being a fan ( Showman x6 cinema best it got )but so long as my daughter enjoys it thats the main thing )
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 9, 2022 11:58:43 GMT
No problem at all. Just a thought, if you don't have luggage and want to sight see before checking into hotel, then the Thameslink from Gatwick also stops at London Bridge - a few steps to Tower Bridge and walk along the Thames, there are some Christmas Market stalls up around there, and Hays Galleria is pretty, few restaurants there too. And of course Borough Market looking pretty with Christmas lights. And the Jubilee line tube from London Bridge runs into Wembley Park too, so another option of travel.
Also, just to keep in mind, there is a multi screen cinema at the Designer Outlet in Wembley Park, Cineworld, so if your feet hurt and you can't face the journey into Central London, there's that ...
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Post by garjobo on Dec 9, 2022 17:14:54 GMT
More useful info which I will note although do have a bag..daughter Insists! Strike ..very apt seeing as seeing Newsies. Daughter will get first hand of strikes. I now hear don't travel on Thames link for time when going!!! Taxi to wemberley! Hummer.. bit worried. I take it somehow easy enough to get to Central London...and then plenty options to get to we.bley??
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 9, 2022 21:00:09 GMT
Ah, you now have to look at coaches from Gatwick ... National Express, book a single so you have the option of trains back to Gatwick. You might want to book in advance rather than turn up and hope to get on - with train strikes the coaches will be busy! National Express from Gatwick will take you to London Victoria Coach Station, which is probably a 10 minute walk to Victoria tube station. Then it's a Victoria line tube to Green Park, then Green Park on the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park. You get to walk past the Theatres with Hamilton and Wicked! There are some better places to eat nearer the tube station than around the coach station in case you need food when you arrive in London.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 10, 2022 9:50:39 GMT
Thanks once again for the reply and useful information. This is turning into a bit of..hassle to say the least. Well, to be honest, i was as the strike days do not fall going out...im thinking of 'risking it' re the Thameslink. Recommendation is not to travel between 13th and over xmas....but, with you knowing London, do you think will be ok re gatwick -getting into London? Possible reduced service, bit more of a waiting time perhaps. But overall, do-able?
Basically, i sense Wembley is some distance from Gatwick...so long as can get into central London should we be ok. Not impossible regardless of whatever 'strikes' are thrown at us. I hear Tubes strikes voted to carry on...hopefully not over before xmas...else i would assume that would be a total distaster!
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Post by Dr Tom on Dec 10, 2022 11:34:34 GMT
You are fortunate in that there are routes to Wembley by rail, by tube, by coach, by bus, and even by taxi. Strikes don't normally shut down the whole transport network. I'd recommend pulling up Google Maps just to get a sense of distances.
For people at airports, even on strike days, the authorities generally find a way to get everyone out of the airport. It gets rather crowded otherwise. Personally, I would try to not carry too much baggage (anything you forget or need can be purchased in the UK, sometimes for less than it would cost to check in an extra bag), but that's just me. But I'm also quite experienced and spontaneous with travel.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 10, 2022 11:52:27 GMT
Thanks Dr Tom, thats good to know it wont be like a ghosttown upon arrival.
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Post by sophie92 on Dec 10, 2022 12:54:32 GMT
Thanks once again for the reply and useful information. This is turning into a bit of..hassle to say the least. Well, to be honest, i was as the strike days do not fall going out...im thinking of 'risking it' re the Thameslink. Recommendation is not to travel between 13th and over xmas....but, with you knowing London, do you think will be ok re gatwick -getting into London? Possible reduced service, bit more of a waiting time perhaps. But overall, do-able? Basically, i sense Wembley is some distance from Gatwick...so long as can get into central London should we be ok. Not impossible regardless of whatever 'strikes' are thrown at us. I hear Tubes strikes voted to carry on...hopefully not over before xmas...else i would assume that would be a total distaster! Even on rail strike days, there will be both Thameslink and Southern trains between Gatwick and London. On strike days, there will be a reduced service but there are still plenty of trains, and they start later (not before 07:00) and finish early (usually between 17:30 and 18:00). The only days with no Thameslink trains running are Christmas Day and Boxing Day. (I commute from Gatwick to London)
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Post by garjobo on Dec 10, 2022 14:11:16 GMT
Well thats also good to know Sophie. Typically, if all goes well, cramming in a(nother) 2.30 show of newsies and then 'rushing' to Gatwick for late flight..the possible early stopping of Thamelink at 6pm! could be an issue. It will be an adventure for a newbie in london. Hopefully, simple enough to get from theatre to subway to london and then to gatwick with or without relying on the express. ( giving ourselves 2hours or so go do that ).
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Post by garjobo on Dec 11, 2022 14:46:42 GMT
I see that the last Tube from Wemberly is....5pm!!! is that correct? Just looking now, re getting from one show to another..couple cases, ideally, 6pm to get into London..and also..getting back to Wemberly from London..around 10.30pm at night!!! is this not possible via tube?
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Post by garjobo on Dec 11, 2022 16:51:44 GMT
Kit66 (thanks for that, thats a bit of a relief to hear ). I contacted London, re Oyster card ( totally getting lost in all the info to be honest..different card for daughter 14, cant use on gatwick express..separate child caredor.....and then theres some £25 deal or £20 ...too much info thats the problem! ) and then..have to get the Oyster card posted out! ( theres strikes on!! )
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Post by garjobo on Dec 11, 2022 17:08:01 GMT
HI Kit66, I got a reply back from transport there, to say cannot be purchased from gatiwck; below part of reply, For standard Oyster cards you need to visit Transport for London directly on tfl.gov.uk/fares/contactless-and-oyster-account - you need to create an account with them in order to purchase the oyster cards, however, they will be shipped to your home address, you cannot pay and then pick them up at Gatwick. But in the same reply, mentioned, 'you can get one in person from gatwick..." So, i take it, no panic, i can just get one after getting off the plane ( im assuming there will be no queues!! ) , and then my daughter can get a young persons one 'added'. All want to know really is, can this 1 card, be used for the gatwick express AND then also be used for any tube or bus i get for the next 3 - days in/our London and Wemberly.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 11, 2022 17:55:51 GMT
thanks for the replies. Viewed the video, but , he seemed helpful enough, but didnt really answer the questions. But thats ok, i have enough advice im sure, case of just getting there and see what happens i think!
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