You would have to be living under a rock not to have heard about the hit musical Mamma Mia, based on the music of Swedish pop sensation ABBA. Although productions of Mamma Mia can be found from coast to coast all over the UK since the very first showing in 1999, the best place to see it is London’s West End.

Best Value for Money

It is a common misconception that the strength of a musical stands on its plot and songs. If that was true, then there would be no reason for anyone to go to the West End or even across the Pond to Broadway when the local drama club is putting on a revue. Productions in the West End have the highest calibre of talent, special effects and professionalism. If you buy a ticket for a musical at the West End, that musical is going to go on, no matter what.

Now contrast this to musicals performed on theatres other than the West End. Even with the same choreography and costumes, the effect is a pale imitation at best. As the recent Hollywood movie ‘Mamma Mia! The Movie’ (2008) proved, not even Hollywood’s best could do proper justice to the musical. Although ABBA songs are catchy, they are incredibly hard to sing. Just watch poor Pierce Brosnan struggle with ‘SOS’ in the film. Better yet, skip the film and book a trip to the West End.

Safety, Variety and Transport.

Ever arrive at your holiday destination and discover there aren’t any busses, trams or trains? Or if they are, they only run once a day and you missed it? This is one problem you never have to face in London. You don’t even need to bring your car in order to get about. All UK railway lines inevitably end up in London.

Since the West End is the posh area, a lot of money has been invested to keep all of the upper class actors and divas happy when they work at the West End or go to see the shows of their friends. The West End is well supplied with CCTV cameras that operate 24 hours a day. The West End is usually better lit than more other dodgy areas of London.

So, you’ve seen the musical and it was fab. Now what are you going to do? Sit in your hotel room all day and stare out of the window? In many other towns, that is your only option. But the West End is full of restaurants and shops so that there is always something to do before and after the musical. If one restaurant is booked solid for the night, no worries – there is always another to choose from.

The musical STOMP is the unique creation of Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell that captalizes on a ‘less is more’ premise. It is a passionate production, not easily classified into a particular musical or theatrical genre. Through the absence of melodies, the audience listens to music getting broken down into basics as eight chiseled and energetic performers pound out rhythms with ordinary objects: poles, drumsticks, match boxes, water, brooms, bins, and lids. Ironically, the ordinary quality of these objects catapults STOMP to an artistic level not matched by other modern theatrical acts. The ease in which the cast manipulates their ‘instruments’ and body stretches the imagination into an exciting reality.

Its set design is flashy and colorful at times; an elaborate metal construction showcases instruments that are struck by performers harnessed from the ceiling. This restriction frees the cast to use their feet, legs, and arms to create loud group rhythms that shake the rafters and audience with its intense, tribal rhythms. These in-your-face cadences are a potent avenue for individual and collective expression, leaving many on the edge of their seats. STOMP’s lack of fancy performer outfits keeps the focus on what really counts: dance moves and musical rhythms, which become more intricate with each subsequent scene.

Subtlety is also used to balance out these raw rhythms. One scene is centered around performers tapping six foot poles, as they stealthily circle the stage, almost preying on one another with their sly moves and rhythms. Their sense of connection is palpable and sensual, cast eye contact igniting the anticipation, as you almost find yourself wondering who is going to ‘win’ at this musical game. Yet, everybody wins, the audience even invited into the performance through a cast member who initiates a clap-and-response session.

Approximately two hours in duration, STOMP keeps one’s attention, making you wonder how items usually reserved for math problems, cleaning, and construction projects can entertain and create a powerful musical group dynamic. In this age of modern technology, STOMP is a refreshing blend of primal instincts meeting musical genious, reminding us of the musical and rhythmic potential right under our noses.

Originally produced in the United States in 1975, Chicago remains to this day as one of the most famous and distinguished Broadway plays to date. It tells a the tale of a chorus girl Roxie and her increasingly-troublesome encounters with the city of Chicago’s penal system. Its gripping is only matched by the energetic musical performances peppered throughout the production. Each song is performed in a classic vaudevillian style, thought no two musical acts are completely similar. Indeed, each piece has its own character that not only attributes to the overarching storyline but also stands out with its dynamic lyrical style and accompanying choreography.

Chicago is an exuberant tale of crime and corruption whose plot is as enchanting as its soundtrack. The play has been showered with numerous accolades throughout its running history, including a sweep of the 1996 Tony Awards by winning in the categories of Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Leading Actor and Actress in a Musical, and Best Revival of a Musical. The London Production won the awards for Best Actress in a Musical and Outstanding Musical Production at the 1997 Oliver Awards. The play has been reproduced in nearly every major country in the world, including but not limited to India, China, Russia, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Located in the heart of London, the West End is widely considered to be the entertainment center of the United Kingdom. Containing the largest shopping district in Europe, the West End caters to almost every taste with its eclectic mix of department stores and high-end boutiques. London’s West End is also home to numerous embassies, government institutions, art galleries, nightclubs, and perhaps most famously, theaters. Many of the world’s leading plays have either placed their foundations or hosted a spot in one of the West End’s historic theaters. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the longest running play in history, has been entertaining audiences for over fifty years and is currently showing at St. Martin’s Theatre. Other notable plays and musicals include The Phantom Of The Opera, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, and Oliver.

Chicago has been continually performed in the West End for twelve years; the first nine were at the historic Adelphi Theatre though it has since moved to the Cambridge Theatre. It is ranked second in the list of the top ten musicals one must see while in London, and notable cast members have included David Hasselhoff, Jerry Springer, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson, and Michelle Williams from the R&B group Destiny’s Child, who was the first African American woman to fill the shoes of Roxie in the West End.

In the early 1990s, it seemed that the world of theatre was crashing and burning. With the expenses of putting on a musical theatre production skyrocketing, few people were willing to shell out for high priced theatre tickets when they could just as easily visit the movie theatre for a fraction of the price. Fortunately, Disney rescued the struggling Broadway scene, first with a stage version of Beauty in the Beast, and then a production of the Lion King. Today, this flashy modern musical can be seen at a variety of venues, including the Lyceum Theatre, located in London’s West End. Here are five reasons why you should attend this spectacular show.

1. Appealing to All Age Groups

Clearly, the Lion King is a hit with kids. But the rhythmic music and sophisticated plot makes it an entertaining show for adults as well. Young adults will enjoy relieving memories of the first time they saw the movie as children.

2. Award Winner

The Lion King has received a number of distinguished awards, including eleven Drama Desk awards and six Tony awards. It was also nominated for an additional five Tony awards. Any production that is the recipient of this many awards is clearly worth seeing.

3. New Songs

Everyone loves the songs from the movie version of the Lion King. A lot of the favourites from the film are included which you can sing along to, such as ‘Be Prepared,’ ‘Circle of Life,’ ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,’ and ‘Hakuna Matata,’ are featured in the West End stage production. But there are also several new songs that were composed for the musical version. These new songs include ‘Endless Night,’ ‘Shadowland,’ and ‘One By One.’

4. Beautiful Costumes

One might wonder how a musical production of the Lion King is able to portray animals such as giraffes and zebras while using humans as actors. This feat was achieved with the help of several excellent costume designers. It is fascinating to see the costumes, which are simultaneously intricate and simple. The amazing thing about these costumes is that they manage to convey human characteristics while retaining important animalistic elements. This anthropomorphic balance between animal and human helps keep the story believable.

5. Unique Scenery

There a number of complicated scenes in the Lion King that could not work without the use of sophisticated scenery and props. One such scene is the stampede, during which wildebeast props on rollers create an effective feeling of danger with the animals racing towards you giving the illusion of depth.

With great music, lovely costumes and unique scenery, the Lion King musical is one of the most entertaining shows in decades. A must see for adults and children alike!

The story of Les Miserables is set in early 19th century France and is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 entitled Les Miserables. The unique story of characters that strive against all odds for redemption is both endearing and engaging. Through the lives of student revolutionaries and factory workers the tale of Les Miserables unfolds before your very eyes.

The creation of Victor Hugo, Les Miserables continues to be one the most successful musicals the world has seen. Les Miserables first opened its doors on December 4, 1985 at the Palace Theatre. The Palace Theatre performances were the tip of the iceberg as just prior to the grand West End opening Les Miserables experienced a sell-out season at the Barbican in London.

Les Miserables has had some of the theatre industries talented actors bring to life the most heralding performances the theatre going crowd had ever seen. Newly confirmed performances are expected to feature one of the pop sensation Jonas Brothers bringing to the stage yet another resounding yet unparalleled element. Nick Jonas, 17, is scheduled to make his West End debut as Marius from June 21st.

Another excellent reason to go and see Les Miserables is the introduction of British singing sensation Susan Boyle. Boyle, 49, is in negotiation with the production bosses to take to the stage just in time for the musicals 25th anniversary performances. Boyle burst onto the international scene during her audition for ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ Her haunting performance of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ made her a household name overnight. Boyle is expected to take up the role of Fantine and perform her world famous version of ‘I Dreamed A Dream.’

Les Miserables enters into its 25th anniversary in the West End. The celebration of this great achievement makes this musical a must see and experience. The production celebrated the 21st anniversary in grand fashion in 2006. Queen’s Theatre has been the long standing venue for the world known musical production. The history of the musical encapsulated within the halls and corridors of this extraordinary theatre is legendary.

Lastly, the most predominate reason to go and see Miserables is so that you too can experience a bit of history and theatre magic. The Tony Award winning musical took top honors for its most famous song ‘I Dreamed A Dream.’ Through out the years ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ has resonated deeply with all who have had the opportunity to hear it. ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ has produced several cover versions since its 1985 debut. Some of the most famous artist cover recordings include Neil Diamond, Arethra Franklin, David Essex, Michael Crawford and Susan Boyle.

The rising Stars of West End Theatre provide wonderful entertainment. Each play offers new and interesting interpretation of ideas and concepts from our current culture. Other plays revisit plays from the past. These plays provide new insights into famous and successful plays and play-writes.

I had the opportunity to see Nicholas Hoult many years ago when he played opposite Hugh Grant in the British film, ‘About a Boy’. Nicholas Hoult was 11 years old at that time. Yet he was able to capture the emotional expression of needs and desire for bonding that can only be acted by an accomplished actor. Again he was only 11 years old at the time. It was an auspicious start for the young actor. He continued to act in several fine movies.

What is new and exciting is that Nicholas Hoult will open in his West End debut in the play ‘The Boy’. He will be playing alongside the renowned actor Mel Giedroyc. This is a new play. It is always very exciting to attend new plays. You never know whether you will be seeing a brilliant interpretation of some concept and personal feelings, and leave the theater entertained with thought provoking ideas. Or you will leave the theater grateful that the play is finally over and you are released from that cramped seat.

In contrast, the play Fatal Attraction is a play which is inspired by and a remake of the movie by the same name, Fatal Attraction. The Rising Stars of West End Theatre in this play have not been announced. While the film’s original writer, James Dearden, has written the play, he has make a number of changes in the character development. The play will walk a fine line with being true to the gruesome actions of the movie and a more palatable sanitized version that might be more appreciated by current London audiences. Older plays that are remade speak to new audiences. To entertain new audiences, it is often necessary to make changes in both the plot and character development.

Current rising Stars of the West End Theatre are Martin Harvey as Johnny Castle and Hannah Vassallo as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman in Dirty Dancing. Dirty Dancing brings back to life the romantic story of two young people who fall in love. The play stays true to the original movie. The dancing and the sound track are excellent. The musical tract is outstanding. Many of the song are current today, and they will move you today as they did in the 1980′s at the movies.