Spring breaks in London
As I walk my dog in the mornings, I cannot help but smile as I see the snowdrops are sprouting through the grass verges in London already.
It, happily, reminds me that it’s 6 weeks away until the long Easter weekend when I will be able to enjoy quality time with friends and family.
With the Spring months making a welcome appearance it’s time to make the most of what London has to offer with a variety of hit musicals, jaw-dropping dance and glorious garden shows. Here’s our pick of the best…
Family fun at Easter
For giggles galore why not treat the grandchildren and yourselves to Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge theatre. Adapted quite brilliantly from the Roald Dahl classic with award winning music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin, Matilda tells the story of an unloved little girl with magical powers and a talent for story-telling. The Cambridge theatre is set in the heart of the West End in an area called Nine Dials (a monument with nine clock faces on it) that is well worth looking at before going into the theatre. Any children in your group will love it too and it’s a great photo opportunity. Lots of cafes, restaurants and coffee shops situated around Nine Dials makes a family trip to see Matilda the Musical a most enjoyable visit.
Dazzling dance moves
Missing your weekly fix of Strictly Come Dancing already? Counting off the sleeps until it starts again in the Autumn? Do not fear, this Spring sultry dance moves set to smouldering Latin music come to the Shaftesbury theatre in the form of Burn the Floor featuring Strictly professionals Robin Windsor, Kristina Rihanoff and Karen Hauer. So, if you are a fan of ballroom, Latin and more this show will not disappoint. The Shaftesbury theatre is at the top end of Shaftesbury Ave within walking distance of a variety of great restaurants on Southampton Row (to the north) and also Chinatown to the South.
Welcome to Summer
Nothing says “summer is here” more than the annual flower shows in Chelsea and Hampton Court.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show set in the grounds of the Royal Hospital which cares for the “Chelsea Pensioners” war veterans. Over the last weekend of May, the usual tranquil gardens of the hospital are taken over by a cacophony of flora and fauna and outstanding garden designs. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a must see for any budding or experienced gardening which will inspire and amaze every visitor. It takes place from 23rd to 27th May.
The second of the two shows is set in the beautiful grounds of Hampton Court Palace just South of Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. The added bonus of a day out to this spectacular horticultural show is that you can add on a tour of the Palace itself (highly recommended) and wander through the maze as well as enjoying the rest of the Palace’s landscaped gardens. The Hampton Court Flower Show takes place from 11th to 14th July.
And remember for Mother’s Day on 10th March there are some great shows in London that have Sunday Matinées to treat that very special Mum. Take your pick from Burn the Floor, Jersey Boys, Let It Be, The Lion King, Stomp and Thriller Live!
Author Simon Harding runs www.theatrebreaks.co.uk, offering a range of weekend breaks in London – from garden shows to dance shows.
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