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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 10:07:07 GMT
I'm not too sure if this is even allowed but I've hit a brick wall and there seems to be plenty of people on here who could offer me the advice needed!😂 My girlfriend recently turned 21 so I decided to book us trip to London in August as her gift. I've been to London a plenty of times before so I've done all the touristy stuff but she's only been once, (and that was with me as I took her to see Lion King for her first London show, a few years back) and we didn't do any sightseeing. I absolutely love anything theatre/ stagey and I've been going to shows as long as I can remember, unfortunately, she isn't as bothered about theatre but she is trying to have a bit of interest for my benefit😂So for her birthday gift, we have the trip, the generic sightseeing stuff like the London Eye, Open Top Bus and The Shrek Adventure and I gave her the option of seeing a show, she would love to see a show but we can't decide on one, I feel like she's more into big, flashy, fun and modern productions rather than the alternatives! Preferably, I would've like to see one that I haven't already seen, but I will duplicate if needs be, there's some I'm happier to see again! As I was looking at seats today, it seems that most shows are starting to sell out, I assume this is because of the school holidays! So here is a list of a few that I have seen and my thoughts etc. I don't want to start any drama in the list, I'm honestly just listing the shows that are in London at the moment that I have seen so that people can hopefully avoid suggesting the shows that I have already seen. To be honest I would just appreciate any guidance/ advice or tips!
(Also on a side note, if anybody has any recommendations for any quirky, interesting or fun restaurants or bars, please help a guy out!!)
I know she'd enjoy Matilda, I've seen it a few times and can't stand it (selfish, I know but I physically can't watch it again)😂. I recently saw Come From Away, it's an option if I need to see a duplicate, I'd enjoy it and so would she but I'd like to see something new. I really enjoyed Waitress recently and would love her to see that, I worry from reading stuff on here that it may not even be open in August! Wicked is a no go, it's my favourite show, we saw it last time we went to London and she enjoyed it but couldn't see why I go over and over again. Book of Mormon, I thought it was funny, it's a possible contender but I'd like to hear what you guys think about it and if you'd recommend it for a non-regular theatre goer!
Other than that, Jaime was on option but the seats available for the budget don't look great and there seems to be a lot of restricted views if you're not in the stalls! Mamma Mia was also an option, seems to be selling out fast though and as we're both lovers of the film, we worry that it might not be the 'same'. I know it sounds like I'm picky, I'm really not, I just want it to be perfect as it's her birthday gift! It's an agreed opinion that theatre is more my thing so she is leaving it with me (and unbeknown to her, she's leaving it to you guys too).
Thank you so so much for reading and thank you in advance for the advice and tips....
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 28, 2019 10:28:38 GMT
Might help people to steer you if we knew a bit about your girlfriend? Is there a genre of tv, films or books she likes for example?
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 10:34:01 GMT
Might help people to steer you if we knew a bit about your girlfriend? Is there a genre of tv, films or books she likes for example? To be fair, we've just completed our course at Uni, so she hasn't had much time to read and we like all genres of films really! We love a Disney film. I was hoping to catch Aladdin but it seems that it's only booking until July. I was just hoping for some sort of guidance, recommendations or tips on the situation about Waitress, Aladdin, seat tips etc! Seems to be some clued up people on here! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2019 11:14:22 GMT
Well Aladdin is closing this summer, so thats probably why you can't get tickets after July. Which makes the decision slightly easier.
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Post by latefortheoverture on Apr 28, 2019 11:27:04 GMT
I would imagine she would enjoy waitress. I think it really does appeal to the chick flick sort of crowd. I didn't think I'd enjoy it but left loving it.
Evita at Regents Park will be on, they're productions are always good, and it's so special sitting in the open air watching some great theatre. Could make a little picnic and chill in the park before hand. The first time at the Open Air theatre can be magical if the production hits the mark.
I love the big easy restaurant in covent garden, book a table for 17:30 and you'll just catch the lunch menu that ends at 18:00. Its £10 (!!!!!!!) and you get an amazing meal, I always have a lobster roll and chips, and you get a choice of either frozen cocktail (the Pina colada is amazing), beer, wine or soft drink. It's unreal how cheap it is. The grill at the savoy also do a great set menu for around £30 if you're looking for something fancier. Fancy Crab and STK never let me down. Don't eat in a chain in the tourist trap of Leicester square or covent garden, there's so many affordable eats everywhere, I always think it's such a waste to come to London and eat Bella Italia :\ Franco Manca and Pizza Pilgrims are great pizza shops, Pizza Pilgrims is lovely but very informal. And there's always homeslice if you fancy a 20inch pizza.
If you're looking to splurge go to the Radio Rooftop on Aldwych. My favourite bar in London, beautiful panoramic views of the city. The ice bar is always a laugh. Mr Foggs have bars of all different themes dotted around London that are always nice. Trader Vics is also a great bar, very chilled tiki vibe, underneath the hilton park lane. The Covent Garden Cocktail Club is also a nice bar. There is so many great bars all over London that never fail to disappoint.
If you want some other suggestions for different food types etc just message me! I'll be more than happy to help!
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 28, 2019 11:48:57 GMT
I doubt seats for many shows are anywhere near as sold out as you think. Seats are often released in stages (and some are held by resellers). You won't see many of the deals yet either, it's too early and the dynamic pricing discounts won't have kicked it.
We still don't know much about your girlfriend. What subject did you study?
The Crystal Maze live show is a lot of fun if you want to do something different.
I'm presuming you prefer musicals, but might she be more of the play type?
Hamilton is the show that comes across as something special to most people who aren't fans of theatre.
A lot of people prefer Mamma Mia on stage to the film. It's a pretty safe pick. School of Rock might also be an option.
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Post by HereForTheatre on Apr 28, 2019 15:53:13 GMT
How about Six?
Only 1hr 15 too so she won't have to sit through a 2hr45min musical if she's not so keen. But i bet she'd love it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2019 16:13:23 GMT
Joseph at the Palladium will be on in August which might be an option - amazing theatre, good cast and it's fairly short  Depending how long you are in London for maybe you could book something in advance and get cheaper tickets nearer the time for something else Also if you haven't looked already, check @theatremonkey's site - www.theatremonkey.com/ for seating tips and also special offers. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2019 16:43:16 GMT
Would Fiddler on the Roof be something that appeals? It’s a fantastic show and I’ve heard wonderful things about this production. School of Rock rarely disappoints too. Personally I loathed Mamma Mia! On stage but love the film. I was flabbergasted that for a show which charges the prices it does, that the set was so cheap and lifeless. If you’re girlfriend likes big production values then Mamma Mia! Probably won’t deliver.
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Post by andrew on Apr 28, 2019 17:13:24 GMT
Don't believe what you read here about Waitress, I'm sure it will be open in August. I think she will enjoy it and you will get to see a different Jenna so that could be interesting. Alternatively, you could try to get tickets to the all-star staged concert of Les Mis (it's going to be really expensive though but a special experience for sure) or Hamilton, as people already mentioned. Not a musical but Harry Potter is a great option as well.
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Post by longinthetooth on Apr 28, 2019 17:32:01 GMT
If she likes 'flashy and fun', how about 9 to 5? And I'm another one in favour of 'Waitress'.
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 18:45:40 GMT
I would imagine she would enjoy waitress. I think it really does appeal to the chick flick sort of crowd. I didn't think I'd enjoy it but left loving it. Evita at Regents Park will be on, they're productions are always good, and it's so special sitting in the open air watching some great theatre. Could make a little picnic and chill in the park before hand. The first time at the Open Air theatre can be magical if the production hits the mark. I love the big easy restaurant in covent garden, book a table for 17:30 and you'll just catch the lunch menu that ends at 18:00. Its £10 (!!!!!!!) and you get an amazing meal, I always have a lobster roll and chips, and you get a choice of either frozen cocktail (the Pina colada is amazing), beer, wine or soft drink. It's unreal how cheap it is. The grill at the savoy also do a great set menu for around £30 if you're looking for something fancier. Fancy Crab and STK never let me down. Don't eat in a chain in the tourist trap of Leicester square or covent garden, there's so many affordable eats everywhere, I always think it's such a waste to come to London and eat Bella Italia :\ Franco Manca and Pizza Pilgrims are great pizza shops, Pizza Pilgrims is lovely but very informal. And there's always homeslice if you fancy a 20inch pizza. If you're looking to splurge go to the Radio Rooftop on Aldwych. My favourite bar in London, beautiful panoramic views of the city. The ice bar is always a laugh. Mr Foggs have bars of all different themes dotted around London that are always nice. Trader Vics is also a great bar, very chilled tiki vibe, underneath the hilton park lane. The Covent Garden Cocktail Club is also a nice bar. There is so many great bars all over London that never fail to disappoint. If you want some other suggestions for different food types etc just message me! I'll be more than happy to help! WOW - thank you for replying!! I absolutely loved Waitress and was shocked that it wasn't doing so great as I thought it was a brilliant production and I imagine that is something she'd love! She definitely enjoys theatre that has a solid story to it! Thank you for the food and drink recommendations, I checked the menu out for Big Easy and it looks brill and would be perfect for me but she's veggie so that sort of gets in the way! I will 100% be going to one of the Mr Foggs bars though - they look fab! I'd love to drop you a message about some more places to eat and drink, if thats okay? I've been to London and eaten plenty of times before, just never had to worry about the romantic/ fancier places! Thank you again 😃 |
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 18:46:45 GMT
How about Six? Only 1hr 15 too so she won't have to sit through a 2hr45min musical if she's not so keen. But i bet she'd love it. I actually took her to see Six! on tour after I caught it at the Ed Fringe, and you're right...she did love it!!! Thank you! |
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 18:50:17 GMT
Would Fiddler on the Roof be something that appeals? It’s a fantastic show and I’ve heard wonderful things about this production. School of Rock rarely disappoints too. Personally I loathed Mamma Mia! On stage but love the film. I was flabbergasted that for a show which charges the prices it does, that the set was so cheap and lifeless. If you’re girlfriend likes big production values then Mamma Mia! Probably won’t deliver. I've seen Fiddler on the Roof dotted about online but don't know much about it! I'll definitely look into that! Thank you for replying! I agree with Mamma Mia!, the set and staging doesn't look too impressive and to be fair, the trailer is a definite off put, I'd hope that it would be slightly better when actually watching it! Thank you again! |
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Post by xanady on Apr 28, 2019 18:54:43 GMT
Once again,the wealth of info on this site is world class.You guys should write a book.Is there a Lonely Planet guide to WE theatreland yet?
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 18:57:02 GMT
Don't believe what you read here about Waitress, I'm sure it will be open in August. I think she will enjoy it and you will get to see a different Jenna so that could be interesting. Alternatively, you could try to get tickets to the all-star staged concert of Les Mis (it's going to be really expensive though but a special experience for sure) or Hamilton, as people already mentioned. Not a musical but Harry Potter is a great option as well. Oh really? That's a relief, to be honest I was quite gutted that I wouldn't get chance to see it again! Nice to hear something positive about it! Thank you for the other suggestions, I hadn't really considered Hamilton but I probably should! I'll look into the Harry Potter too, I know she loves the films! Thank you so much! |
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 18:59:03 GMT
If she likes 'flashy and fun', how about 9 to 5? And I'm another one in favour of 'Waitress'. I totally forgot about 9 to 5! Thank you very much! (also relieved to see a positive about Waitress) thank you! |
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Post by bd06bnd on Apr 28, 2019 19:01:12 GMT
Once again,the wealth of info on this site is world class.You guys should write a book.Is there a Lonely Planet guide to WE theatreland yet? ? |
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Post by xanady on Apr 28, 2019 19:10:20 GMT
Sorry just commenting on how much great advice you have had from other members.From my pov,I would say Joseph if your girlfriend likes Sheridan Smith.Harry Potter and Mama Mia are v hot tickets atm but I agree on the marvellous Waitress.Hope you find something to suit.Oh btw,August is Kids Week in the WE so a lot of the more family-friendly shows will sell out v quickly.
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