Londontopia

The Website for People Who Love London



You are here: Home / Archives for Culture / Theatre

Theatre

A London Mapping Wonder: A Guide to the London Theatreland Map of 1915

By Leave a Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Back in 2015, I redecorated my dining room to include a feature wall section with a London Theatreland map from 1915. (This is the wallpaper – as an aside, I got the self-adhesive version so it was really easy to hang.) One hundred years after the map was published for London Underground, I got to admire it in large-scale at home. For a less permanent version, you can get … [Read more...] about A London Mapping Wonder: A Guide to the London Theatreland Map of 1915

Ian McKellen’s One-Man Show Comes to the West End for One Man Show from September

By Leave a Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Ian McKellen has been touring Britain, doing a one-man show based on his career, raising money for charity in celebration of his 80th birthday. The show sold out and he's been wowing crowds all over Britain. Now, news has come in that he will continue to the show with an extended run in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre starting September 20th. It will continue until … [Read more...] about Ian McKellen’s One-Man Show Comes to the West End for One Man Show from September

Christmas in London: London Pantos to See This Christmas Season

By Leave a Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

“Panto” short for “pantomime” is a type of play based upon traditional fairy tales.  These pantos rule London’s theater scene during the Christmas holidays, with stories ranging from traditional family fare to more “adult” performances.  Especially due to London’s status as the center of entertainment in the UK, many of the city’s pantos feature a number of big-name celebrities … [Read more...] about Christmas in London: London Pantos to See This Christmas Season

Ian McKellan To Go On Tour For His 80th Birthday – Tolkien, Shakespeare, others

By 1 Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

  Big news for fans of British star Ian McKellan, to celebrate his 80th birthday next year, he's going to go on a national tour around Britain, celebrating his greatest hits and raising funds for theatre. Here are the details: Ian McKellen is to celebrate his 8oth birthday next year by raising funds for theatres, with a new solo show which will play on 80 … [Read more...] about Ian McKellan To Go On Tour For His 80th Birthday – Tolkien, Shakespeare, others

The Fiver – Five of London’s Oldest Theaters

By Leave a Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

London is home to one of the best theater districts outside of Broadway.  Most can be found throughout the city’s West End in Westminster and Camden.  Naturally, being the center of the drama world means that the West End is also home to London’s oldest still-standing theaters, grand palaces built to house everything from Shakespeare to modern productions.  We’ve managed to … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five of London’s Oldest Theaters

London Theatre Reviews: The Moderate Soprano Starring Nancy Carroll and Roger Allam – Review

By 2 Comments

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

I’m a big fan of the British actor Roger Allam so when a press release came across my inbox earlier this year announcing that he was performing in a play on the West End this spring, my interest was immediately piqued. Especially since I was currently in the middle of binge-watching Endeavour. The play in question was The Moderate Soprano. And as fate would have it, I would be … [Read more...] about London Theatre Reviews: The Moderate Soprano Starring Nancy Carroll and Roger Allam – Review

London Theatre: First Look at The Moderate Soprano Starring Roger Allam and Nancy Carroll

By Leave a Comment

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

I'm getting very excited about this play which has just started at the Duke of York Theatre. I'm a big fan of Roger Allam - I love him in Endeavour - so I've booked a ticket to see it when I'm over covering Harry's Wedding. A series of pictures was recently released by the producers - scroll down to see them all. You can book your tickets here. About the play Olivier Award … [Read more...] about London Theatre: First Look at The Moderate Soprano Starring Roger Allam and Nancy Carroll

Theatre Alert: Ian McKellan’s King Lear Coming to the West End for Just 100 Performances – Booking Now Open

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Big news today in the London theater world. A production of King Lear starring Ian McKellan that started out in Chichester is coming to the West End. This will be a great chance to see McKellan in a major role in London Theatre. Here are the details released today: ATG Productions, Chichester Festival Theatre, Gavin Kalin Productions and Glass Half Full Productions are … [Read more...] about Theatre Alert: Ian McKellan’s King Lear Coming to the West End for Just 100 Performances – Booking Now Open

London Theatre: Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall – Review

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

One of the best parts of visiting London is going to the theatre, and on a recent trip, we got to have a very different theatre experience in a very special place. I’m not a huge Agatha Christie fan, but when it was announced that there would be a special production of Witness for the Prosecution in the former London County Hall, I knew I would have to try and go the next time … [Read more...] about London Theatre: Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall – Review

London Alert: Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to be Staged in Windsor Castle’s State Apartments This December

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

This is a really unique experience that I thought was worth sharing. An adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is to be staged for the first time in the state rooms at Windsor Castle (the Queen's favorite home). What a rare treat! Here are the details: This December, for the first time, an immersive Christmas performance will be staged in the magnificent … [Read more...] about London Alert: Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to be Staged in Windsor Castle’s State Apartments This December

London Theatre: New Adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution to Be Staged in Unique Venue – London County Hall

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

I don't normally post about the latest plays - there's just too much to keep track of. But this came across my inbox, and I thought it sounded really unique. There's going to be a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution to be staged in London's old County Hall, a large room that looks like a courtroom. So, it will be a play about a court case in a very … [Read more...] about London Theatre: New Adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution to Be Staged in Unique Venue – London County Hall

The London Fiver – Five of the Best Theatre Venues

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

While theatre is available in London throughout the year, the start of warmer weather means the theatre season really kicks off.  Everything from classic Shakespeare to newer favourites such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and their casts are ready to entertain.  Being one of the world's drama centres, there are many great theatres to visit and take in a show.  Whether … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Theatre Venues

London Alert: New Chance to Get Tickets for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Tickets

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Get your wands ready! Harry Potter & The Cursed Child has proven to be a big hit in London's West End; that's despite the criticism the story has received from many Harry Potter fans (personally I enjoyed it, more than the movie that came out last weekend). The show is sold out until next year. Tomorrow, fans with quick fingers will have their chance to secure tickets … [Read more...] about London Alert: New Chance to Get Tickets for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Tickets

The Show Must Go On – A Brief History of the Theatre in London

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

While the theatre in London today is known mostly for the West End and Shakespeare’s Globe, the history of the city’s theatre scene stretches back centuries.  The Romans invaded Britain in 43 A.D. and brought the great tradition of Greco-Roman theatre with them.  Thirty years after establishing Londonium, the Romans built a wooden amphitheatre on the site where the London … [Read more...] about The Show Must Go On – A Brief History of the Theatre in London

Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

The Globe is, perhaps, the most famous theatre in the world.  This is due, in no small part, to the successes of playwright William Shakespeare, for years the Globe was the headquarters for the Bard and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men).  Together, they formed one of the most formidable drama groups of the Elizabethan period.  Today, Shakespeare’s success means … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

The Show Must Go On: A Brief History of the Theatre in London

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Theatre was introduced in Britain by the Romans and has been a part of British society ever since. Being the capital, London was no exception to the theatre’s involvement in daily life. From the earliest days of traveling troops to the modern West End, theatre has always had a role to play in London. Sure, it has been through dark times, bans, controversy, and more, but one has … [Read more...] about The Show Must Go On: A Brief History of the Theatre in London

Video: Top 10 London Musicals To See On Your Next Visit

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA_FSCZQCNM Experience the magic of West End theatre in London. See the capital’s best musicals come to life with our video guide to the most popular shows currently appearing in the West End. See amazing scenes and hear the famous songs from these hugely popular musicals. Book tickets now for the best prices and hottest tickets in … [Read more...] about Video: Top 10 London Musicals To See On Your Next Visit

All The World’s a Stage: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures About the Globe Theatre in London

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

It is perhaps the most famous stage in the world, the place where many of literature’s best-known plays were first presented. It was built for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s acting company, in 1599 and stood until destroyed by fire in 1613. Another was built the following year and remained until 1642, when it was closed by the Puritans and pulled down in … [Read more...] about All The World’s a Stage: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures About the Globe Theatre in London

London Alert: Jeeves and Wooster Play Ending London Run Early in September and Going On Tour

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

One of the highlights of our trip last year was seeing the Jeeves and Wooster play at the Duke of York's theater. We saw it with the original cast - Stephen Mangan and Mathew Macfayden. It was a phenomenal play. The original cast had to move on and the next run wasn't as popular. Now there's been a final cast change and the play has not performed well enough to maintain its … [Read more...] about London Alert: Jeeves and Wooster Play Ending London Run Early in September and Going On Tour

Bomb of the Century? Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever to Close June 29th

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

File this under the 'not surprised' section. News has come out that the musical based on the Spice Girls, Viva Forever will have its final curtain call on June 29th, 2013. It was panned in early reviews, which led to low ticket sales and overall lack of interest. From the Evening Standard: The show opened with £4 million advance ticket sales and made money for the … [Read more...] about Bomb of the Century? Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever to Close June 29th

VIVA FOREVER! A new musical with songs from The Spice Girls

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Judy Craymer, producer of the global smash-hit musical phenomenon MAMMA MIA!, has announced that the new musical, VIVA FOREVER!, will open at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End, with previews from Tuesday 27 November and officially opening on Tuesday 11 December 2012. With songs from the world-famous Spice Girls, Judy Craymer has assembled a creative team that … [Read more...] about VIVA FOREVER! A new musical with songs from The Spice Girls

London Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Coming to the West End in 2013

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

News has come out the a new version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adapted for the stage will make it's way to the London Palladium Theatre in London's West End. According to the BBC: Sam Mendes will direct the show, which will have its world premiere on 23 June 2013 at the London Palladium. Dahl's 1964 book tells of a poor young boy who wins the chance to explore … [Read more...] about London Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Coming to the West End in 2013

Star-studded night for London theatre – The Olivier Awards in April

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

The most prestigious event in the UK’s theatrical calendar will take place at the Royal Opera House, London on Sunday 15 April. The Olivier Awards, named after the famous English actor Laurence Olivier (later Lord Olivier) are given for West End shows and other productions staged in London, and winning an Olivier is internationally recognised as the highest honour in British … [Read more...] about Star-studded night for London theatre – The Olivier Awards in April

Guest Post: The World Shakespeare Festival Comes to London in 2012

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

The World Shakespeare Festival will run from the 23rd April to the 25th November 2012 as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Projects are happening across the country but London will be home to many of the most exciting events and performances. The full programme has now been announced and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) - in collaboration with London partners … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The World Shakespeare Festival Comes to London in 2012

The Mousetrap – Agatha Christie’s record-breaking play

By

Missing proper British Food? Then order from the British Corner Shop – Thousands of Quality British Products – including Waitrose, Shipping Worldwide. Click to Shop now.

Next year the world’s longest-running stage production will celebrate its 60th consecutive year in London’s West End. For over 50 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest-running theatrical show. Richard Attenborough and his film-star wife Sheila Sim played the leading roles in the opening production at the Ambassadors Theatre in 1952. The play … [Read more...] about The Mousetrap – Agatha Christie’s record-breaking play