A fine romance in the West End
There comes a time in everyone’s lives when we just want to take off the apron or switch off the hedge trimmer, lock the front door and let someone else take charge for a couple of days.
No, it’s not some kind of romantic notion and can be achieved very simply by taking yourself and your nearest and dearest on a London theatre break. Whether it’s a celebratory surprise or a joint decision, just think about how wonderful it would be to have all your needs met from 4 star hotel service to the best seats in the house at one of London’s world famous theatres?
With so much going on in our capital city, why not add on a few extras with a Champagne flight on the London Eye or a sumptuous Afternoon Tea at a top 5 star hotel? And there’s always an fascinating and jaw-droppingly good exhibition on at the Royal Academy of Arts.
After you’ve soaked up the sights and sounds of London during the day, the evening can be spent in the relaxation of the theatre taking in a musical, a play or dance show.
Here’s a pick of what’s currently hot in the West End…
Recently opened is The Bodyguard at the Adelphi theatre on The Strand.
Based on the hugely successful 1993 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the cast is lead by the phenomenal Heather Headley who delivers Ms Houston’s hits with expert finesse.
Romance Rating : 5 Hearts
For those who want to step back into the “Golden Era” of musicals the West End delivers with both “Singin’ in the Rain” at the Palace theatre, Cambridge Circus, and “Top Hat” at the Aldwych theatre on The Strand.
Both these productions have stayed true to the original films with the outstanding choreography leaving you wide-eyed in amazement.
Romance Rating : 5 Hearts
The Lion King at the Lyceum, Wellington Street
Romantic plot-line : Banished from the pride young lion, Simba, is reunited with his childhood friend, Nala. Can they feel the love under the Serengiti stars?
Our Verdict : Beautiful, stunning production with an Award winning musical score by Sirs Elton John & Tim Rice.
Romance Rating : 4 Hearts
Rock of Ages
Romantic plot-line : Small town boy meets small town girl on LA’s notorious Sunset Strip in the late 80s where big hair, big rock ballads and big guitar solos are all the rage.
Our Verdict : If you met the love of your life at a Journey concert and had your first wedding dance to Foreigner’s “I’ve Been Waiting…” then join in the rock party in London!
Romance Rating : 4 Hearts
The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s theatre, Haymarket
Romantic plot-line : Young opera singer must choose between young rich Viscount and mask-wearing, dungeon-dwelling obsessive. Believe me, for her it’s a hard choice to make!
Our Verdict : The ultimate love story if you believe that love never dies
Romance Rating : 5 Hearts
Mamma Mia! at the Novello theatre, The Strand
Romantic plot-line : It’s all about planning a beautiful wedding set on a Greek island, but will the couple actually say “I do, I do, I do”? The sun always shines on this Abba-tastic musical.
Our Verdict : You feel like you’ve had a much needed injection of Vitamin D during this vibrant, feel good show.
Romance Rating : 4 Hearts
Les Miserables at the Queens theatre, Shaftesbury Ave
Romantic plot-line : It’s love at first sight between Marius and Cosette, but he is unaware of the passion poor Eponine has for him which leads to tragic heart-break.
Our Verdict : The tangled love triangle will leave you with tears in your eyes but the rousing musical score will leave your heart full of love.
Romance Rating 4 Hearts
Shrek The Musical
Romantic plot-line : Yes – there is one! Angry green ogre falls for beautiful princess who is hiding a huge secret from everyone. Romantic sub-plot of love-sick fire-breathing dragon falling for wise-cracking donkey.
Our Verdict : Lots of fun from the characters in fairy book land. This feel-good musical will leave you with a BIG smile on your face.
Romance Rating : 4 Hearts
We Will Rock You
Romantic plot-line : Two strangers are thrown together on a quest to find the mighty axe of a great and hairy guitar god. Can the break free and become the champions of the Rhapsody world?
Our Verdict : Hard hitting rock numbers from the legends that are Queen with a witty script penned by comedian Ben Elton.
Romance Rating : 3 Hearts
Kiss Me Kate at the Old Vic theatre, Waterloo
Romantic plot-line : Divorced couple are set to appear together in Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”. Can they put aside their differences to order to make the show a success?
Our Verdict : Magnificent Cole Porter score includes “Another Op’ning, Another Show”, “I Hate Men” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”.
Romance Rating : 4 Hearts
Wicked at the Victoria Apollo theatre, Wilton Street
Romantic plot-line : Best friends at “sorcery school” Elphaba and Glinda vie for the affection of Prince Fiyero as their lives go in two different directions.
Our Verdict : The prequel to The Wizard of Oz gives you the background on the how green-faced Wicked Witch of the West came to be so angry with the world!
Romance Rating : 3 Hearts
Click here for more details regarding a London Theatre Break
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