IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TODAYTIX
With more than 75 plays and musicals to enjoy during London Theatre Week, don’t miss this exclusive offer from TODAYTIX to book great seats at incredible prices …
As a final hurrah of the summer, you may be popping over to London for an inspiring city break. Our failsafe formula when visiting the capital is to combine a spot of culture with a chic stay, taking in the city’s buzzing café and restaurant scene. Not to be missed is a theatre evening – the finale to any trip – which gives us the chance to dress up and enjoy some award-winning performances and musicals.
And if you’ve often felt that ticket prices are prohibitive, take note, that London Theatre Week runs from August 19-September 1. This much anticipated event celebrates the best of the London theatre scene and gives audiences the chance to explore the West End’s incredible range of plays and musicals at show-stopping prices.
During the event, tickets for over 75 shows and plays start from £15, £25, or £35. So, if you have always wanted to see a classic, toe-tapping musical such as Guys & Dolls (at The Bridge Theatre) or a beautiful ballet, such as Akram Khan’s Giselle (performed by the English National Ballet) or a thought provoking play, try Shifters, the story of a slow-burn romance and enduring love at Duke of York’s Theatre, all these and more are available to book on www.todaytix.com.
During London Theatre Week there’s something for every interest and age – whether you are booking a family trip, a girls’ night out or a romantic evening for two. Family friendly shows include The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre) and Mrs Doubtfire (Shaftesbury Theatre). All of these musicals guarantee irreverent, feel good fun with a side helping of stunning visual effects and scenography.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for something more cerebral? Brian Yorkey’s Next to Normal (at Wyndham’s Theatre) combines an exploration of family and illness, loss and grief via a central character who is living with bipolar disorder. It’s been the recipient of three Tony Awards and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize and has been described as a “feel-everything musical” with an electrifying rock score. As it’s only on for a limited time, get your tickets on Todaytix.
There’s also captivating courtroom dramas, and classic theatre pieces such as Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, (at St Martin’s Theatre) which is the world’s longest running play offering a mix of drawing room comedy and murder mystery. (Tickets for these cost £20 or less). Visitors can also get affordable Rush tickets (last-minute deals for same-day tickets) to acclaimed shows such as Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Sister Act and The Book of Mormon and more, while also having the chance to enter the Lottery, offering you the chance to win tickets for the best seats in the house at a reduced rate. That’s what they call a win-win!
If you’re planning a last minute break, our recommendation is to stay somewhere central. A favourite GLOSS location is in-the-know Ebury Street, conveniently close to Victoria Station, but in elegant Belgravia, where there is an abundance of pretty hotels (try The Lime Tree Hotel) as well as the great cafés and boutiques in nearby Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yard.
Drop off your bags, refuel at Tom Tom or the Instagrammable Peggy Porschen Cakes, before taking in some must-see exhibitions. Currently on show is “Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look at The National Gallery”, which connects the dots across the centuries. For a fashion fix, head to the V&A to see “Naomi: In Fashion” (leave time to browse the excellent museum shop) or “Barbie: The Exhibition” at the Design Museum. Afterwards, if time is limited, head to Liberty – a one-stop shop of visual inspiration and perfume heaven.
Then it’s back to the hotel to dress for drinks and dinner. As a precursor to any theatre visit, book a pre-theatre menu – Côte never fails to disappoint at an affordable price point, or an aperitivo at Polpo or at one of the Cichetti by San Carlo outposts.
After a show, it wouldn’t be London without a nightcap to debrief on the performance and soak up the late night atmosphere. If the weather is balmy try Flute, the chic terrace of the Broadwick Soho hotel, which has great views of the Soho skyline, or The Rooftop St James, the bar on top of the Trafalgar Hotel. Then toast a trip well spent!
Need to Know: To book tickets from £15, £25 or £35 for over 75 shows during London Theatre Week, follow this link … www.todaytix.com.
