lion-king | Theatre Breaks

London Theatre Break

http://theatrebreaksltb.co.uk/225/london-theatre-break/

London Theatre Break I’m just running through a few options here for a London theatre break. It’s going to be fun and I’m getting excited already at the thought of going back up to the West End for what seems like the first time in ages. The last time we went to see a big musical was around this time last year when we went on a short London theatre break to see Oliver. Jodie Prenger was great and Fagin was good too, I think we caught the show at a good time after they’d all relaxed into their parts and before the Fagins kept changing. Still you can’t blame any of these people for whom the London stage is perhaps not their main sphere of activity for not wanting to carry on and do really long runs. It was definitely the singing and classic song that made the show so I think that makes up my mind which genre I’d like to book up this time around. Musical London Theatre Break Much as I do appreciate a bit of Shakespeare , Oscar Wilde, Pinter or Beckett if I’m going to splash out on the whole London theatre break thing with a posh hotel, meal out and everything like that then I like to know with absolute certainty that I’m going to laugh and cry and dance in my seat, and come away with several great chorus lines ringing in my ears so once again it’s going to be a Musical London theatre break this year. Now there would appear to be about 25 musicals on offer in theatreland at present so that doesn’t really narrow down the choice of show very much does it? I’ll list them down, then cross off the ones that aren’t really my cup of tea shall I? Avenue Q, Billy Elliot, Blood Brothers, Chicago, Dirty Dancing, Dreamboats And Petticoats, Grease, Hairspray, The Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, Les Miserables, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Oliver, Phantom of the Opera, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Sister Act, Stomp, Thriller Live, We Will Rock You, Wicked So what does that look like? Well obviously we can cross out Oliver as we saw that one last year. Out of the rest, I think it’s got to be either Phantom or Grease. Different ends of the spectrum in some ways, but we know some of the songs from Phantom after hearing the CD whereas Grease is a musical we could perform half of by heart without any mugging up at all! OK, we plumped for Phantom of the Opera, and if it comes up to expectations then we might just go and see Love Never Dies for next year’s London theatre break, or even earlier if some of my investments come through in time. Next we need to choose a Hotel and dates. That’s the slightly precarious part because it all depends on availabiity. Choice of Hotel for a London Theatre Break I like to be near the City of London, which is a bit further east from the West End but only a short cab ride away, but I’m going to be flexible and if something comes up in Holborn, Westminster or the Strand that’ll be fine for a weekend London theatre break. We are lucky enough to be able to take Mondays or Thursday off too though, or any day really, so access to the City next day would be convenient, if I can get away with it. Right, I’m off to check the online theatre breaks booking sites now, wish me luck! This was a guest post by a reader from London Theatre Break who wishes to remain anonymous

December 13 2009, 12:31pm | Comments »

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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tennessee Williams’ classic story of the Deep South, has come to the West End. The Broadway production has transferred to the Novello for a reasonably long run. It should be with us till April 2010 but if you want to see it I suggest you book as soon as possible. It could easily sell out before you get a chance to book, just like it did on Broadway! Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Novello We were lucky enough to see an open dress rehearsal last Saturday. I know, I love my job sometimes I thought it was a piece of great theatre and beautifully acted. The use of an all black cast hardly has any effect on the story at all. It really highlights the universal nature of the themes of family, love, friendship and the lies we tell each other and ourselves. It is wonderful to see such a piece of classic American theatre on the London stage. (It is a real treat to have both this and Miller’s All My Sons in London) The Cast of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Introduce Themselves

James Earl Jones is an American actor of stage and screen, well known for his deep bass voice. He was the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. He played Terrence Mann in Field of Dreams and was recently seen in an episode of House. Phylicia Rashad is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the 1984-1992 NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. In 2004 she became the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for her role in the revival of A Raisin in the Sun. Adrian Lester played the title role in Henry V for the National Theatre but he is perhaps best known on television for playing con-artist ‘Mickey Bricks’ in Hustle. His has also been in Merlin, Ballet Shoes, Being Human and Afterlife. He has also appeared in a number of films including Primary Colors, Born Romantic, Day After Tomorrow and Doomsday. Sanaa Lathan was also in Raisin In The Sun. She is best known in the UK for playing Michelle Landau in Nip/Tuck. Her film work has included Wonderful World , The Family That Preys Together, Something New, Alien vs. Predator and Out of Time. This is Debbie Allen directorial debut in the West End. Her directing credits on screen include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air featuring Will Smith, A Different World, Girlfriends, The Jamie Foxx Show and Family Ties. She is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress and is best known on screen for playing Lydia Grant in the original film and television series of Fame. The Story of Cat Cat on a Hot Tin Roof tells story of a rich Southern family in crisis. It focuses on the turbulent relationship of Brick and Maggie and the rest of Brick’s family over the course of one evening at the family estate in Mississippi. The whole family has gathered to celebrate the birthday of patriarch and tycoon “Big Daddy” Pollitt but the night brings more than just a birthday party. a

Related posts:Fiddler on the Roof closesLion King is 10Oliver! another new Fagin

November 25 2009, 3:04pm | Comments »

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The Lion King 10th Anniversary Theatre Breaks £60

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/the-lion-king-10th-anniversary-theatre-breaks-60.html

Lion King Anniversary theatre breaks As you may well know by now, the Lion King musical is celebrating a tenth anniversary in London’s West End. It’s a great family show and we’d like to offer this special theatre break package from Superbreak of Lion King theatre tickets and a three star hotel for only £60 per person: The Lion King Celebrates its 10th Anniversary, ticket & 3*, £60.00pp Show Available until August 2010 The Lion King Theatre Breaks Disney’s marvellous musical about the young Prince Simba, his father King Musafa and evil Uncle Scar. An award-winning score with fantastic choreography continue to make The Lion King one of London’s favourite shows. Lion King London Video

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Related posts:Lion King is 10The Lion King – cast changes and newsThe Lion King – perfect for birthday treats

November 2 2009, 11:02am | Comments »

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Theatre Breaks Review 2009

http://theatrebreaksmag.co.uk/theatre-breaks-review-2009/

Theatre Breaks Reviewed for 2009 Linda looks back on 2009 for London Theatre Breaks as the top of the year approaches: Winter 2009 is here and I’m just wondering what sort of a year this has been for theatre breaks. There’s been a recent survey that assures us reality TV has actually boosted ticket sales. The box offices are claiming the credit crunch has had little effect on bookings, with most theatres usually full. But what has been the reality? The West End Shows In terms of shows one or two have closed early but the old favourites like We Will Rock You carry on. Avenue Q was saved from oblivion by popular demand and has moved to a new theatre. The Lion King is as popular as ever and proudly boasts that it is so well booked that it has NEVER released tickets to the reduced ticket agencies. Priscilla Queen of the Desert Some good shows reached the end of their natural life and wonderful though Spamalot was it really was time for it to say goodbye. It’s been replaced by Priscilla and that has been a fair swap. Carousel never really quite hit the spot and its closure wasn’t any great surprise. It was sad to see the end of Cabaret and a shame they couldn’t take a leaf out of Chicago’s book and find a constant stream of new familiar faces to keep us going back. Joseph went too and no doubt was mourned by thousands of Lee Mead’s fans but it was another how that seemed ready to go. No doubt it will be back someday. One show I thought should have done better was Spring Awakening, which I just loved. All that energy and a theatre full of young people the night we went. I felt positively ancient, and that’s a good thing! (honest!) Oliver has of course been a total triumph with Jodie Prenger making a real name for herself. Who would have thought she’d still be there doing 8 shows a week nearly a year later? What a star. I saw her at West End live this year and she has a super voice and a lovely stage presence. She managed to upstage Christopher Biggins, to great comic effect and that takes some talent for comedy! I think we’ll see more of Jodie once she moves on but for now she seems happy where she is. She’s on her 3rd Fagin and this is the one I’d really like to see. I think Griff Reese Jones will make a great Fagin and be well worth the trip. Hairspray has seen some major changes with the departure of Micheal Ball. Still Phil Jupitous is doing a grand job and Brain Connely was very well recieved in the part. I wonder how long Micheal will stay away, I’m sure I heard somewhere that he’s thinking of coming back to Edna. We hope! Wicked is going from strength to strength and is the most popular musical at this witchy time of year. Kerry Ellis is just a distant memory now and Alexia Kadhim has made her own interpreation of Elphaba. I think she has a lovely voice, quite different to Kerry’s but wonderful all the same:

New shows coming into the West End and available for theatre breaks include Legally Blonde which I was less than keen on when first announced. Since then I’ve had a good look at the videos on youtube and listened to the cast recordings and I might just change my mind. It might be fun and has the sort of casting that makes me want to see it. What to say about Love Never dies (apart from “I can’t wait!!”)? Well it’s definitely going to be a huge event and it should be a spectacular in the best Andrew Lloyd Webber tradition. The Coney Island setting should give it a great atmosphere, you know how creepy fairgrounds can be. We’ve all seen Scoobydoo It’s got two faboulous stars in Sarah Boggess and Ramin Karimaloo (I’ve been doing this so long I can now spell these names without flinching!) In the next part of this annual theatre breaks review I’ll be looking at the travel implications and prospects for London theatre breaks into 2010.

October 30 2009, 7:03am | Comments »

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Lion King is 10

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/lion-king-is-10.html

Lion King Disney’s THE LION KING has a 10th birthday party at London’s Lyceum Theatre on Sunday 18th October 2009. Over 250 cast members new and old will celebrate along with famous faces from the world of theatre, music, film and fashion. Since its opening in1999 THE LION KING has been seen by over 8 million people in London at over 4200 performances. This is an average attendance of 93%! The show ranks among the top ten longest-running shows in West End history and is still of the most sought-after tickets in the West End. Tickets are almost never reduced in price and it can be tricky to get weekend tickets, especially during the run up to Christmas. One of the best ways to get the dates you want for Lion King is to book a Lion King Theatre Break. THE LION KING – Times Evenings – Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm Matinees – Wednesday and Saturday 2.00pm and Sunday at 3.00pm. THE LION KING and Children Did you know?

400,000 school children have seen the show as part of THE LION KING education programme Lion King has a great education website with free resources

64 children have played the roles of Young Simba and Young Nala and many of them have gone on to successful musical or theatrical careers

THE LION KING ‘Cub School’ was started this year (2009) to train young performers for the show. The first graduates from the programme joined the production in September 2009

Lion King Theatre Breaks with the Family All of this makes The Lion King an ideal choice for a family theatre break. Your children should be over 5 and need to be old enough to sit comfortably for the length of the show (running time is 2 hours 40 minutes with only a 15 minute interval) . Surprisingly this is often not a problem as the spectacular staging entrances children and pins them to their seats. London hotels are in the main very family friendly and some offer family rooms at quite reasonable prices. Try to choose a fairly central hotel and then it’s easy to do a bit of sightseeing during the day. Lots of attractions can be booked at the same time as your theatre break and usually with good discounts. It’s worth having a look at what’s on offer when you book.

a

Related posts:The Lion King – cast changes and newsThe Lion King – perfect for birthday treatsThe Lion King – Lyceum Theatre

October 17 2009, 6:00am | Comments »

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The Lion King - perfect for birthday treats

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/the-lion-king-perfect-for-birthday-treats.html

We think The Lion King is a great musical to take the kids to and Michelle Obama seems to agree. Cast and audience alike were delighted on Tuesday night when they realised there was a very special birthday girl in the audience! It was Malia’s 8th’s birthday and like many parents the Obama’s decided an evening at the Lyceum to see The Lion King was the perfect way to celebrate. They’d been for a pre-theatre supper of fish and chips first and arrived at the side entrance just before the performance. Unlike most little girls, of course, they had a huge security team with them but they were careful not to spoil other members of the audience’s evening. The Obama party sat in one of the private boxes, just above the stage. Sadly this meant the girls didn’t get the best view but I’m sure they had a great time anyway! One of the cast members (Craig Williams - giraffe) said: “We looked out of the window and saw all their cars so we knew it was true. All the actors were incredibly excited and there was a massive buzz. “A lot of us were sneaking glances up at their box during the performance. They all looked like they were really enjoying it though, especially the two girls….. He went on to explain that the girls didn’t see the last few minutes of the show: They had to leave so they wouldn’t be mobbed at the end and they missed a few minutes of the show as well as the bows.

Related Posts:The Lion King - cast changes and newsThe Lion King - Lyceum TheatreTheatre Breaks in London with the kids - top 5 shows this summer.Wicked Theatre Breaks - the new castHigh School Musical - what do kids think of it?a The Lion King - perfect for birthday treats

June 10 2009, 11:16am | Comments »

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Friday Theatre Breaks with Dinner and Hotel

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/friday-theatre-breaks-with-dinner-and-hotel.html

Fridays are a good choice for Theatre Breaks with Dinner and Hotel. Here’s why:

You can easily travel to London on a Friday afternoon Once you get to your hotel all you have to do is book in Go to you room to relax and freshen up Next stroll down to the hotel restaurant. Then you have your delicious pre-theatre dinner in the restaurant of a classy 4* London hotel. You get to your chosen show in nice time Blood pressure remains within normal range as you’ve had none of the stress or hassle of wondering when and how you are going to eat.

Stress Free Theatre Breaks. Show and Stay’s latest Friday Dinner, Theatre and Hotel Offer lets you have a totally stress-free break and even save money. What they’ve done is put together an inclusive package. You’ve got the choice of 27 top shows and 4 great *4 hotels, all with good restaurants. Just as an example we all know that Priscilla Queen of the Dessert is the latest hot ticket. Prices for Priscilla for a Friday in May.

Stay at the 4* Holiday Inn Bloomsbury (handy for the theatre) 3 Course Dinner in the Junction restaurant Cost per person only £148

The list of participating show also includes:

Spring Awakening Blood Brothers Billy Elliot Hairspray Oliver Jersey Boys Sister Act Dirty Dancing Wicked The Lion King We Will Rock You

All you have to do is select your favourite musical and a Friday date then look for the “Hotel with Dinner” packages at the top of the results. Not only that but with the Show and Stay deal you can book your rail fare at the same time and save up to 40% on that too. This is really the best way to get into London for a stress free theatre break. You can bring your car but don’t forget you’ll need to pay the congestion charge if you bring it into central London and also hotel parking rates are not cheap (allow £17 - £20 a day for hotel parking). Limited Offer This is a limited offer. There are only a limited number of these Friday deals available so you’ll need to be quick to grab the best shows and be sure of getting your dates. Last date to book May 31st 2009 Last Stay date June 26th 2009 Act now to book your Dinner, Theatre and Hotel Stay Participating Hotels and Restaurants

Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum’s Consortia Cafe/Bar. Choice of 2 courses from set menu. Holiday Inn Bloomsbury’s Junction Restaurant. Choice of 3 courses from set menu. Crowne Plaza London St James’ Brasserie Restaurant. Choice of 2 courses. Crowne Plaza London City’ Spicers Restaurant. Choice of 2 courses.

Related Posts:Book Zorro and get a free hotel!Buddy theatre breaks with free hotelStomp with Free Hotel in AugustMarguerite - theatre breaks from £60!Cheap Theatre Tickets with Meal - Summer Offera Friday Theatre Breaks with Dinner and Hotel

April 5 2009, 12:22pm | Comments »

Theatre Breaks

London Theatre Break

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

The Lion King 10th Anniversary Theatre Breaks £60

Theatre Breaks Review 2009

Lion King is 10

The Lion King - perfect for birthday treats

Friday Theatre Breaks with Dinner and Hotel

Theatre Breaks Links

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