Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theatre group has faced criticism after it was announced that the West End production of the musical Cinderella is to close, with some current and future cast members suggesting they were only told when the news was made public. The production will close in the West End next month less than a year after its premiere. The show, which is being staged at … [Read more...] about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella to End London West End Run Early
Theatre
London Theatre: Final Cast Announced for Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light (Wolf Hall Sequel)
The cast has been officially announced for the upcoming play adaptation of Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light. Full details are below in the press release from the producers. Producers Playful Productions and the Royal Shakespeare Company have announced final full casting for The Mirror and the Light in the West End. The third and final novel in the Wolf Hall trilogy has … [Read more...] about London Theatre: Final Cast Announced for Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light (Wolf Hall Sequel)
Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
Andrew Lloyd Webber has unveiled the renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The West End venue has undergone a £60 million transformation. Bar and restaurant space has been added to the 17th-century venue, which will be available to the public regardless of whether or not they have a theatre ticket. (Andy Paradise/PA) An auditorium has also been renovated. Lord … [Read more...] about Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
A Brief History of London Theater
As well-known as Broadway is to American Theater, the West End is the heart of London’s vibrant drama scene. On the other side of the Thames River, you can find the recreated Shakespeare’s Globe that pays homage to the city’s history with the creative arts. And while a place such as the Globe honors London theater today, it also calls to mind that theater was not always … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London Theater
Exploring Agatha Christie’s London – Places to See for Mystery Fans!
One of the most prolific mystery writers of all time, Agatha Christie wrote as many as 75 works over her career and created such well-know characters as Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Many of her stories featuring both characters and other literary sleuths she created largely take place in London. These works rely on places familiar to most readers as well as locales that … [Read more...] about Exploring Agatha Christie’s London – Places to See for Mystery Fans!
The Bard’s Town: Shakespeare in London
William Shakespeare is regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in English history and quite possibly the greatest playwright in the world. Interestingly enough, for a man who spent the entirety of his life in England and London (and of course, Stratford-on-Avon), most of his plays seem to be set elsewhere. Italy, Scotland, Denmark, and other parts of Europe provide … [Read more...] about The Bard’s Town: Shakespeare in London
Through the Lens: Behind the Scenes of London’s (Closed) Theatres From New London Theatres Book
London photographer Peter Dazeley's beautiful photos of London's Theatres were released in a book a few years ago and as a fan of London, architecture and pretty pictures, I loved the book. Well, this year, the publisher has issued a new edition, with ten additional theatres included. Peter has contacted us and offered to let us share a selection of the pictures from this … [Read more...] about Through the Lens: Behind the Scenes of London’s (Closed) Theatres From New London Theatres Book
A London Mapping Wonder: A Guide to the London Theatreland Map of 1915
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!