Must see London Shows for 2008

                                                                                         

When the weather turns brisk after a wet and none-too-warm summer we Brits well know that now is the time to enjoy London. The winter is too cold and miserable and the summer is generally blighted by hordes of tourists. But the Spring and Autumn are the highlights of the year with the best cultural events and reasonable weather to enjoy them. This Autumn there is heaps to do with theatre a particular highlight.

Recommended London theatre

Here are four shows which I have recommended to visitors coming to London to see us this Autumn

Billy Elliot is the story of a mining town boyhood during the toughest years of Thatcherite reforms. The mining strikes makes life tough for Billy, but that is only the beginning of his woes. Because Billy is different. He loves to dance and that is simply not expected of boys in Northern towns. This show is a winner because it combines a win-against-the-odds story with superb music by Sir Elton John and a strong cast of superb dancers and performers. This show has won numerous awards and is the favourite memory many visitors take away from London.

I still the recall the excitement I felt when I first saw Grease on screen with Olivia Newton John and John Travolta and I can't believe that was in 1978. Still the songs have stood the test of time and the story still uplifts. One of the classics now, this musical is a very strong revival with a great cast and outstanding choreography. A fantastic family musical for those bringing kids and teenagers to London.

The Donmar Warehouse is known in London for its confronting dramas. It is an intimate theatre around a horseshoe stage with only three rows so you can feel the actor's effort and sweat throughout. The theatre attracts major stars returning to the stage for intellectual refreshment. In its latest production Shakespeare veteran Kenneth Branagh has cast Hollywood heart-throb Jude Law as Hamlet. Will Law succeed in such a cramped domain? Many stars have returned to the stage in London to sold-out runs but critical panning. I think Law is cut above the rest and will enhance his reputation in this performance which is certain to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

The Phantom is back. Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic romance has been revived at Her Majesty's theatre. For those who remember the London launch of the musical in the 1980s, relive the magic.

Before or after the show have a meal at one of the literally hundreds of fabulous restaurants and cafes in Soho, Covent Garden and around Leicester Square. The food in London is now better than ever thanks to the national rediscovery of cooking led by celebrity chefs.

Getting to the West End by public transport is a piece of cake. It is served by the Central Line and the Piccadilly line. The Transport for London website is the easiest source of tube and bus information if you have on line access in London.

About the author:
Andrew Mitchell loves plays and the West End. He welcomes friends from around the world to stay with him in London. Professionally he helps out people with musculo-skeletal and other health issues. Visit his website if you need an osteopath in London or elsewhere in the UK.

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