Go on a London theatre break
Go on a London theatre break
If you're a culture vulture who likes to take in a show every now and then, you'll find plenty of things todo in London.
The West End is probably the theatre capital of the world. If it's drama you are after, then you're sure to find something. And if you're a comedy fan, you won't have to look far, while there's plenty of music to listen to as well.
Just about every taste is catered for here, from long-running shows, new versions of old classics and brand new productions.
The area has been a hub of drama and music ever since the 16th century and has continued to flourish, hosting world-famous venues such as the Palace Theatre, the London Palladium and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
So you've decided to go on a theatre break in London, but how do you decide which show to go and see?
It depends on what you are after. For sheer escapism, Phantom of the Opera is a good bet.
This Andrew Lloyd Webber production, which is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, is one of the world's longest-musicals.
Even those who have never actually gone to see the show, currently being staged at Her Majesty's Theatre, tend to know most of the songs from it, so you should revel in the sounds of Music of the Night and All I Ask Of You.
The popularity of Phantom of the Opera has been so strong that Andrew Lloyd Webber has gone one step further and unveiled a sequel.
Love Never Dies opened at the Adelphi Theatre in March 2010 and is set a decade after the events of its predecessor. While the critics may not have warmed to it unanimously, theatregoers have been flooding in to see the show.
Of course, musicals aren't for everyone, so you may prefer to see a drama played out by some of the leading actors of our generation.
Whereas some are period plays and others offer a complete escape from real life, some are staggeringly close to home.
Lucy Prebble's Enron for example tells the story of the scandal behind the collapse of the American energy company of that name.
Running at the Noel Coward Theatre, the show has been acclaimed by both critics and audiences and offers a fascinating insight into the world's financial system before it eventually collapsed in 2008.
Famous and established actors such as Samuel West and Tim Pigott-Smith give the show a sense of gravitas and credibility, and therefore prove to be a valuable draw to audiences.
The West End attracts a lot of regular visitors and you may feel that going to the theatre in London is like stepping into another world.
If that's the case, you might find something like Mamma Mia! more accessible. Just about everyone has seen the film version by now, which was made in response to the success of this Abba-themed musical.
So come and see the show in its natural habitat and be treated to pop classics such as The Winner Takes It All, Dancing Queen and Take a Chance on Me.
Music fans may also want to pop their heads round the door of the Dominion Theatre, where the long-running show We Will Rock You is still going strong.
The show is based on the songs of the rock band Queen and combines anthem after anthem with an epic sci-fi storyline.
We Will Rock You has been so popular that it has spawned spin-offs across the world, but you cannot beat seeing it in the venue where it first established itself.
And who knows, you might be lucky enough to attend on those occasional nights when the actual members of Queen put in an appearance.
So for comedy, drama, fantasy, music and just about every other type of story you can think of, it's all here in the West End for your enjoyment. Indian Ocean Holidays: Glorious Weather, Incredible Destinations And Unlimited Fun Halloween Coloring Pages Credit Card Debt Settlement Vs Debt Consolidation - A Debt Relief Comparison Holiday On Shell Island Christmas Anxiety - Help stop Pannic Attacks Caribbean holidays, where can i book? Buying Ideas for your Girl's Christmas Gifts Dubai And Nepal, Tourists Paradise How to plan a fun birthday night in London Getting your Christmas tree ready Travel To Orlando, Florida By Cheap Flights And Visit The Citys Alluring Places Avoiding Power Trips Rajasthan Tour: Filled With Thrilling Attractions