Theatre
Wilma’s Christmas Crackers: The shows you have to see this season
Stuck for something to buy for your mum, dad, brother, sister or dog? Why not treat them to a trip to the theatre? I love buying theatre gifts because it means I get a great excuse to go as well (as you obvs have to accompany them as part of the gift experience!)
Here are some of my top picks for gifts this Christmas season, which are all shows you just can’t miss!
Slava’s SnowShow
Royal Festival Hall
17 December – 5 January 2015
Returning for another year on the Southbank, this show is magical, enchanting and captivating and offers a real Christmas feel for adults and children alike.
Get tickets for Slava’s SnowShow
Fawlty Towers: The Dining Experience
Weekends at the Amba Hotel (next to Charing Cross Station)
Until August 2015
This is a real hoot if you want to take a few people for a night out. A three course meal is served to you by the characters from the popular 70s TV show, Fawlty Towers. Lots of laughs are guaranteed and the beautiful hotel is situated next door to Charing Cross Station, so very convenient too if you don’t live in London.
The Book of Mormon
Prince of Wales Theatre
Until 7 March 2015
If you’re not easily offended and a fan of shows like Avenue Q and the TV programme Southpark, then this is the musical for you. It’s probably not something your granny would appreciate due to the very crude language and subject matter used in the show, but The Book of Mormon is a very funny spectacle for those who can appreciate it for what it is.
Get tickets to The Book of Mormon
White Christmas
Dominion Theatre
Until 3 January 2015
This one is Christmassy and only playing for a limited time. Great music, great dancing that will leave you with a warm glow inside this festive season (and it’s nothing to do with the mulled wine you can buy at the bar)! Making it extra festive is Aled Jones who sang the theme tune to the Snowman back in the 80s. He doesn’t sing it in this show but there is still plenty of festive cheer.
Get tickets to White Christmas now.
Urinetown
Apollo Theatre
Until 24 January 2015
Now starring Phil Jupitus.
Terrible name isn’t it, Urinetown! As well as the musical’s subject matter, which focuses on a dystopian future world where water is limited and the public must pay for the privilege to pee! But, don’t be put off by this because it is actually one of the best shows I’ve seen in 2014. Every song is a showstopper and the story is wonderfully told.
Matilda
Cambridge Theatre
Until 20 December 2015
Another show for kids big or small. Based of the children’s book by Roald Dahl and the 1996 film, the musical is a brilliantly staged version of the story with clever, funny songs by comedian Tim Minchin. Matilda is probably one of the best shows the West End has right now. From the second you enter the theatre to the moment you leave, it is complete magic.
Get tickets to Matilda the Musical
Memphis
Shaftesbury Theatre
Until 31 October 2015
When you put two powerhouse performers together like Beverley Knight and Killian Donnelly you are destined for great things. However when you combine these two musical stars with great music and a great story you get Memphis, one of the greatest shows possibly ever made. Don’t miss it this Christmas, you won’t regret it.
Cats
London Palladium
6 December – 28 February 2015
Having already taken £6million at the box office before it has even opened, Cats is one of those well-loved classic that never leaves theatre lovers’ memories. Now it’s back for a limited Christmas season starring the Pussycat Doll and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger. I’ve not seen this new production yet but Andrew Lloyd Webber has hinted at rewriting some songs and even introducing a rap sequence so it should certainly be one not to miss!
Miss Saigon
Prince Edward Theatre
Until 25 April 2015
I was so excited to see Miss Saigon return to the West End this year after it closed in 1999. I’ve seen it five times since it reopened in May 2014 and I’ll probably end up going again! It’s a beautiful story but not a particularly happy one. However, the music is exquisite and I could happily watch this show every day for the rest of my life.
Shakespeare In Love
Noël Coward Theatre
Until 18 April 2015
One of my favourite plays of 2014, Shakespeare In Love is based on the 1998 film (which I still haven’t gotten around to seeing). It manages to do that rare thing of pulling you so far in to the story that’s unfolding on stage that the world around you goes fuzzy for a couple of hours and all your troubles are left outside. Sit back, relax and enjoy this wonderful play.
Get tickets to Shakespeare in Love
