Planning on heading to the West End this festive season but not sure what to see?
Let us help you…
Memphis
What’s it about?
Inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis follows the fame and forbidden love of a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break.
Who’s in it?
British singer/songwriter Beverley Knight.
What do the critics say?
“David Bryan evokes the powerhouse funk of James Brown, the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry, the smooth harmonies of the Temptations and the silken, bouncy pop of the great girl groups of the period.” – Charles Isleworth, New York Times.
Where’s it on?
Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H 8DP.
Urinetown: The Musical
What’s it about?
Urinetown is a social and political satire set in a fictional future where a terrible 20-year drought has crippled the city’s water supplies. Water is so scarce that the government enforces a ban on all private toilets in an effort to control water consumption.
What do the critics say?
“Brilliant music, fittingly grotesque characters and a twisted vein of pitch-black humour make Urinetown: The Musical a runaway success.” – CultBox
“Move over Book of Mormon, this is funnier’ – Mail on Sunday
Where’s it on?
Apollo Theatre, 31 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 7EZ.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical
What’s it about?
The plot follows, quite strictly, that of the film. Confidence trickster Lawrence Jameson, played here by TV star Robert Lindsay (My Family), teams up with fellow conman Freddy Benson, portrayed by comedian Rufus Hound (Celebrity Juice), in the French Riveria in an uneasy alliance which sees them battling for the money of “American Soap Queen”, Christine Colgate. With, of course, hilarious consequences.
Who’s in it?
Robert Lindsay (My Family), Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors) and Bonnie Langford (Doctor Who).
What do the critics say?
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical is a dirty, rotten success. Packed full of laughs, your smile won’t leave for some time after.” – CultBox
Where’s it on?
Savoy Theatre, Savoy Place, Strand, WC2R 0ET.
Matilda
What’s it about?
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.
What do the critics say?
“Matilda immerses the audience in a world of mischief and stories, and the plot never loses pace.” – CultBox
Where’s it on?
Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU.
Wicked
What’s it about?
Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.
What do the critics say?
“A wicked and wonderful vision of Oz. A remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations, Wicked works like a dream.” – Evening Standard
Where’s it on?
Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd, SW1V 1LG.
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