Let London Entertain You
This Autumn, as ever, London’s theatre and opera offers lots of choice. Here’s our round-up of what’s, where and when:
King Charles III: Wyndhams Theatre
Until 29th November
For a limited run, this controversial and popular new play is about the monarchy and the unwritten rules of our democracy. It’s a thought provoking play, largely written in blank verse with echoes of Shakespeare’s history plays. Tickets are selling like hot cakes, but we’ve yet to find out if the current Royal Family has seen the play.
Tickets from £37.50 – but it’s selling out fast
http://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Adjacent to Shakespeare’s Globe is the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Lit by candlelight, the intimate environment includes the less well-known Renaissance productions as well as musical and spoken word contents. It’s a bit different, easier to get tickets and well worth a visit. See website for programme and performances.
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
Sadler’s Wells, Islington
18th – 22nd November 2014
The Autumn programme features a choice of ballet highlights including the Royal Swedish Ballet, who will be performing a unique interpretation of the romantic classic. Romeo and Juliet. And the Rambert Dance Company will be performing from 18-22 November. For the full programme and ticket information, visit the website.
http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2014/royal-swedish-ballet/
Rigoletto: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
12th September – 6th October
In 1855 Guiseppe Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his ‘best opera’, which, to date, has been performed 250 times. Highlighting cruelty and degeneracy at the heart of the court of Mantua, Italy, the opera remains his most popular – it must be the politics!
For more information about dates and tickets visit the website.
http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/rigoletto-by-david-mcvicar
Manon: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
26th September – 1st November
The acclaimed tragic masterpiece by Jules Massenet over five acts tells the tale of a young girl longing for love who is corrupted by wealth and luxury – tragic consequences can only follow.
http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/manon-by-kenneth-macmillan
Miss Saigon: Prince Edward Theatre, Charing Cross
Based on Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon, is a tragic tale of a hopeless romance between a Vietnamese bar girl and an American GI during the fall of Saigon. The show has been running for over 25 years and continues to pull in the crowds.
http://www.miss-saigon.com/
And, finally, here’s a short film from the Mayor’s office with some of the highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfLN5XqkStM
Look out for our blog post on the Top 10 West End Theatre Shows this Autumn.