London’s West End Theatre through the Ages

London, though it conjures up the image of a bustling thriving city is also home to some excellent theatres, shows, and musicals. A show in the West End is a great investment for its producer because of its stunning real life sets, innovative style and long running nature.

Theatrical performances in London depict the country’s rich culture, history and politics. The playwrights and the poets always bring out the best in their creative talent and portray the quality life of the people in London. Theatre however, was not discovered in London. Theatres, shows and plays started in Ancient Egypt. Long musicals dominate the West End theatre culture. The classic quality that was there in the Elizabethan times however, is still present many years later.

To feel the vibrant culture, you would have to visit the West End Theatre at least once in your lifetime. It is a great vacation spot as you can enjoy the various plays, eat out at the best restaurants and stay comfortably in London’s star hotels. Since popular theatres and plays greatly influence the way people dress, many fashion boutiques in West End carry popular accessories and dresses.

The musical that has been running continuously for almost 25 years is called Les Miserables’. The show has recently become more spectacular with state of the art technology and re-imaged scenery that was inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This show is breaking all the records in the UK and is applauded by critics and fans alike. Also, this show is played by two productions at the same time in the same city.

The most expensive show to ever be produced in West End was ‘Lord of the Rings’ totaling an estimated 8 million pounds. This adaptation with its cast of 50 and spectacular hightech effects has captivated the whole world. It had the audience screaming for joy and thrilled them to the core with its lifelike effects.

Agatha Christie’s shuddering murder mystery play with an intricate plot, called the Mousetrap first opened in 1954 and has been playing ever since. The audience is encouraged not to reveal the end, which involves a twist in the story.

‘Theatre Royal’ situated on Drury Lane is claimed to be the oldest theatre in West End. It is some 344 years old. The longest duration of a play according to the Guinness Book of World Records was about 29 hours.

Some of the popular theatres in West End:

Adelphi Theatre was set up under the name “Sans Pareil” in 1806 by a father and daughter team. It however took three years for the theatre to get license for its musical performance, burletta and pantomine.

New London Theatre of the Covent Garden was officially opened on January 2, 1973.

Novello Theatre under the name of the Waldorf Theatre was opened on May 22, 1905. It seats around 1,050 people.

In 1884, the Prince of Wales Theatre another popular West End Theatre was built in the Coventry Street near Leicester Square. It can seat over 1,000 people.

The Royal Opera House is a very large building and maintains the atmosphere and ambience of 1858 though it was reconstructed some time back. The majestic looking theatre houses 2,268 people.

The Shaftesbury Theatre in Camden was opened in 1911. The theatre can hold more than 2,000 people. The Soho Theatre is situated in the City of Westminster. The comedies and cabarets are the popular shows there and it encourages budding writers to display their talent in theatre, films, TV or radio.

The musicals usually remain for a long period. The changes in these musicals though rare can happen with some productions closing up and new ones opening. You can visit the websites of different theatres and decide on the show that you want to watch. Depending on the show that you want to see you can plan your vacation. The shows in West End are played throughout the week from Monday to Saturday with Sunday being a holiday.

Some of the current popular shows at different theatres:

1936 at Arcola Theatre: Closing on 24 Apr 2010
The 39 Steps at Criterion Theatre: Booking until: 23 Oct 2010
4.48 Psychosis at Barbican Theatre, Closing on 27 Mar 2010
After The Dance at National Theatre Lyttelton: Booking until: 20 Jun 2010
Aida at Royal Opera House closing: 16 May 2010
Akram Khan – Gnosis at Sadler’s Wells: Closing on 27 Apr 2010
Alex Horne: Wordwatching at Soho Theatre: Closing on 24 Apr 2010
All My Sons Apollo Theatre; Closing on 11 Sep 2010
All the Fun of the Fair at Garrick Theatre: Booking until 05 Sep 2010
Andersen’s English at Hampstead Theatre: Closing on 08 May 2010
Anne Boleyn at Globe Theatre: Closing on 21 Aug 2010
Anyone Can Whistle at Jermyn Street Theatre: Closing on 17 Apr 2010