Rain Man Shaftesbury Apollo October 30, 2008
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Rain Man with Joseph Hartnett and Adam Godly continues at the Shaftesbury Apollo until Dec 20th. It’s the same story as the Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise film, but performed live on the London Stage.
Recently, Hartnell has been greeted at the Stage Door by screaming girls clamouring for an autograph from the handsome film star!
Josh Hartnett is mainly well-known amongst younger audiences for the films Forty Days and Forty Nights and Pearl Harbour. After Pearl Harbour – which was received with very lukewarm reviews – Hartnett decided he wanted to be taken more seriously, almost turning his back on acting altogether. In fact, he was so reluctant to be a teen heart-throb that he turned down the role of Superman.
Rain Man on Stage
The story of the selfish car salesman who learns to love and save his business has been adapted by Dan Gordon and director David Grindley.
Gordon has adapted films Terms Of Endearment and Murder In The First for the stage, while Grindley has directed Abigail’s Party among other West End productions.
Hackney Empire Theatre, London E8 October 29, 2008
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Hackney Empire Theatre, Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1EJ.
A Grade II* Listed, Victorian Baroque style “variety theatre” building of red-brick construction with buff terracota dressings. The interior is of a flamboyant Rococo Baroque style. Originally built circa 1901, the Hackney Empire was designed by the architect Frank Matcham (1854-1920) who was considered at the time to be one of the world’s most accomplished and inventive theatre architects. Famous entertainers who have appeared at the Empire include Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Marie Lloyd, Max Miller, WC Fields, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chester, Issy Bonn, Tony Hancock, Liberace, Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard and Maria Callas.
Come Dancing Video Clips October 28, 2008
Posted by admin in : Musicals, come dancing , 1 comment so farFor all those Ray Davies fans overseas or anybody who couldn’t get to Stratford Theatre Royal to see Come Dancing here are some official video cips from the show which may give a brief flavour of what makes this musical so charming.
Songs include “Come Dancing” “My Big Sister” “Saturday Night” “The Palais” “If you Love her” but for some inexplicable reason my favourite “New Town Stevenage” isn’t. ( See Come Dancing Reviews )
Come Dancing has extended until November 8th so there may be some on stage table seats left.
Wicked - an interview with the author (spoiler alert) October 28, 2008
Posted by Linda in : wicked , add a commentWicked Spoiler Alert - aspects of the plot revealed below - do not read if you haven’t seen Wicked!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on a recent interview with the author of the book that Wicked is based on, Gregory Maguire. 
Maguire is on a book signing tour to romote his new novel, “A Lion Among Men,” the third in his darkly political books about Oz. He’s seen Wicked many times and members of the cast of the local production were able to ask him a few interesting questions:
From Cliffton Hall (Fiyero):
Q. How and why did you come up with the concept of “Wicked”?
A. Living in London during the first Gulf War, I observed how often the name Hitler was used to describe Saddam Hussein and how poisonous and terrifying a word like Hitler is. I began to think about evil and the way we feel compelled to besmirch our enemies and dehumanize them in order to give ourselves the authority to kill them. This is not to say that I thought Saddam Hussein wasn’t a villain.
“The Wizard of Oz” was just a convenient armature on which to hang my worries and my thoughts about scapegoating.
Wicked Spoiler Alert - Look Away Now!
Q. If there was one character or scene in the stage play you could change, what would it be and why?
A. What a good, good, good question. “Wicked” is so popular that there isn’t any surprise that at the end of the play the witch [Elphaba] survives. [She dies in Maguire’s novel]. After five years, I think it’s common knowledge.
I would have loved to see them try the play just one evening where she doesn’t come back and Glinda is left to hug her memory alone. I would have loved to see what the audience does with that. I wouldn’t have asked them to change it forever.
So now you know. I think Wicked would be a much darker, scarier story if Maguire’s change was made. Would it still be as popular? I’m not sure. what do you think? Would Wicked still have the same magic?
Billy Elliot Theatre Breaks October 27, 2008
Posted by Linda in : billy elliot, theatre breaks , 3comments** Book Billy Elliot Theatre Breaks **
Billy Elliot theatre breaks are a popular choice with couples and families. Most of us have seen the film and many remember Julie Walters’s magnificent performance. Extracts from the show have been seen on The Royal Variety Performance and some of the songs have featured in other musical TV shows. Elton John’s score is matched with Lee Hall’s book and lyrics. The show opened in London in 2005 and was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards. It won four awards including Best New Musical so it’s well put together and makes a great night out. Billy Elliot theatre breaks are a perfect choice for families with older children or for those of us who vividly remember that period in British modern history.
Billy Elliot -the Musical
Despite the impact of the film I’m not sure if that really prepares you for the power of seeing the story live on stage. Billy Elliot the Musical takes that story and adds some more theatrical magic turning a heart warming and heart breaking tale into something even more emotional. Just in case you don’t know the story, Billy is a young boy growing up in Durham at the time of the miners’ strike in the early 1980s. The show charts the battles Billy goes through to achieve his dream of being a ballet dancer. The motherless 11 year old Billy swaps boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his struggle takes place against the backdrop of the bitter family and community strife suffered during the 1980s coal miners’ struggle to save their pits and jobs.
You can get a bit of a feel for the power of the live performance from these clips:
Hotels for Billy Elliot Theatre Breaks
Crowne Plaza London St James. 4* hotel quite handy for the theatre in the heart of Westminster, within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, the West End and Knightsbridge’s shops. The Edwardian style rooms make this hotel the perfect place for relaxing whilst in the capital.
The Hesperia London Victoria is another 4* hotel even nearer the theatre, right next to Victoria rail, coach and Underground stations.You are also within easy walking distance Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square. This makes it an ideal hotel for both the London stage and some quality sight seeing.
Or really treat yourself and go for affordable 5* luxury
Grosvenor House hotel is a magnificent 5* hotel. Situated only a couple of miles from the theatre on fashionable Park Lane the hotel has extensive facilities and a very English atmosphere.
Just in case you think 4*and 5* hotels are out of your price range just check the prices and remember that these all provide a wonderful full English breakfast as part of the cost, unlike some of the cheaper hotels. That probably means a lighter lunch and more time for shopping or sightseeing.
Billy Elliot Theatre Breaks including dinner and other extras
Chez Gerard, Victoria is near Victoria, handy for the theatre. It’s a beautiful building with original marble floors and columns. The restaurant is the perfect mix of old and new. Chez Gerard is inspired by the traditional Parisian brasseries of the 1930s. The starched white linen and stylish drapes give the restaurant a distinctly chic feel. Theatre suppers can be included in your Billy Elliot theatre break for only £15 each. For this you can choose two courses including starters of soup, grilled goat’s cheese salad or scallops followed by main courses such as Chicken Supreme, Scottish salmon with lemon, (served with french fries) or for the vegetarian option buckwheat pancakes, spinach and goat’s cheese, roast tomato and pepper sauce.
Other extras including London Eye Flights, tea at Fortnum and Mason’s and river cruises can all be added for less than you might suppose. Adding a couple of extras like this when you book means there are no nasty surprises and you can budget for your trip more easily. Of course, don’t forget you can include your train as well and avoid the hassle of driving in London as well as saving up to 40% of the rail fare. This way Billy Elliot theatre breaks can turn out to be a very affordable treat.
** Book Billy Elliot Theatre Breaks **
Three Days of Rain Coming to London in January October 27, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Plays, three days of rain , add a commentThree Days of Rain.
Richard Greenberg’s play Three Days of Rain will come to the Apollo Theatre from 10 February 2009 (Previews from January 30th) to May 2nd 2009
James McAvoy, perhaps best known for his film roles (Atonement and The Last King of Scotland) will star together with former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman and an unspecified actress. All three will play characters in two different generations.
The story follows a brother and sister who reunite for the reading of their father’s will, which reveals that they have been left a house.
McAvoy was last on the London stage in Breathing Corpses at the Royal Court in 2005. He and Harman appeared together in Privates on Parade in 2001, and also in Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly, The Caretaker at the Tricycle and The Common Pursuit at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Three Days of Rain follows on from “Rainman” at the Apollo which finishes on 20th December.
Hairspray Theatre Breaks October 24, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Hairspray, theatre breaks , add a comment** book London Hairspray Theatre Breaks**
Planning Hairspray Theatre Breaks
Theatre goers of all types looking forward to Hairspray- theatre breaks are expecting a really fun night out and won’t be dissapointed. Many of them have already seen the Hairspray The Musical film with John Travolta and are familiar with the story and the songs. Hairspray on stage is even livelier than the film version and the cast work really hard to give a hilarious, high energy performance. There’s often banter and ad lib asides to the audience so that the performances stay fresh. Many people have been more than once and Hairspray theatre breaks have become real favourites.
Hairspray Theatre Breaks in London
Hairspray is on at the Shaftesbury Theatre and runs for about 2 hours 40 minutes, including the interval. The last thing you want after a great evening like that is a long journey home, which is why Hairspray Theatre Breaks with inclusive overnight London hotel stays are usually the best way to plan and book tickets. When booking for whichever dates you have chosen, you will then be presented with the hotel options and here are some suggestions which may help with making that decision:
Hotels for Hairspray Theatre Breaks
* The Holiday Inn Bloomsbury - 4* modern hotel just a short walk from the West End on Russell Square.
* The Strand Palace - 3* hotel only 10 minutes or so from the theatre. Really handy for Covent Garden too!
Or really splash out with surprisingly affordable 5* luxury. For just a little extra outlay this can make a pleasant break into a really special occasion. Why not try the somewhere like:
*The InterContinental London Park Lane - further from the theatre but still less than a mile away, this gorgeous 5* hotel is close to some of London’s most fashionable shopping districts and it overlooks Hyde Park.
Of course you might decide to go for somewhere near you railway station. There are good hotels near all the major stations, including Euston and Kings Cross. That may be fine if you just want to get away back home the next morning but why not make a proper break out of it and stay in London for the day to see the sights. You could even stay an extra night or two as most hotels offer a very reasonable rate.
Hairspray Theatre Breaks for small groups
Last time I saw the audience coming out of Hairspray there were clearly a number of small groups, particularly families with older children or 2 or 3 couples, going out to the theatre together and obviously having a fantastic night out. With these kind of Hairspray theatre breaks, the excitement just builds with the numbers. For the hotel stay, any number can work with a combination of triple and twin bedded rooms. Six is a great number because then you can go for two triple rooms, but if you have two people under 15 in your party then you might be able to snag a family room (2 + 2) bargain.
Hairspray Video Clips
I’ve chosen a couple of video clips that try to catch the flavour of Hairspray and show why it is an ideal choice for theatre breaks.
** book London Hairspray Theatre Breaks **
Calendar Girls Lynda Bellingham & Patricia Hodge October 23, 2008
Posted by admin in : Calendar Girls, theatre breaks , add a commentCalendar Girls Star Cast
Calendar Girls the play tells the real-life story of a group of Yorkshire WI members who decide to pose for a charity calendar. The film version of the story won awards starring Helen Mirren Julie Walters and John Alderton and now Calendar Girls the play has been announced with a cast including Lynda Bellingham, Patricia Hodge, Sian Phillips and Gaynor Faye. Tim Firth the orginal writer is again behind the stage adaptation. The subject matter may sound charmingly naive or perhaps slightly tacky but there are some insightful interviews with Lynda Bellingham, Patricia Hodge and Gaynor Faye in this Daily Mail article As Calendar Girls is turned into a play, the stars reveal: ‘Why we’re proud to parade our wobbly bits’
Calendar Girls plot
“Some ladies will do anything for a good cause.”
After losing her husband to leukaemia, Annie (Patricia Hodge) decides to raise money for the local hospital by producing a calendar, teaming up with friend and fellow WI member Chris (Lynda Bellingham). Much to the dismay of some in the WI, the calendar becomes slightly more successful than originally anticipated.
Calendar Girls London Theatre Opening April
Calendar Girls is initially booking for a 12-week period from 4th April 2009. The stage show premiered at the Chichester Festival Theatre in September 2008 and is currently on tour in the UK.
Hamish McColl will be director.
Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks October 20, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Dirty Dancing, theatre breaks , add a comment** book London Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks **
Thinking About Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks
People considering Dirty Dancing theatre breaks are usually looking for a lively night out. Dirty Dancing doesn’t disappoint on that score. Of course the dance routines are one of the main attractions but there’s also lots of singing along and opportunities for audience interaction. The twists and turns of the dance based romance also bring lots of laughter and maybe a few tears along the way.
Dirty Dancing All the Way!
After a high energy treat like an evening at Dirty Dancing it’s time to hit the town. The show ends just as the capital is just coming to life.
Now it’s your turn to dance! There are several great clubs near the theatre and they will just be coming to life as the show ends. Doesn’t that sound more fun than grabbing a train and setting off on a long journey home?
This is why Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks with inclusive overnight London hotel stays are usually the best way to plan and book tickets. When booking for whichever dates you have chosen, you will then be presented with the hotel options and here are some suggestions which may help with making that decision:
Hotels for Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks
* Strand Palace -In the same street as the theatre for Dirty Dancing, this classic hotel is right in the West End and close to the shops at Covent Garden.
* Crowne Plaza London City - just opposite Blackfriars Bridge and near lots of the London attractions.
These are both 4* hotels so ideal for a treat. They are also handy for nightlife and of course the shops.
* Travelodge Euston is a 3* hotel near to Euston station and about a mile or so from the West End.
If you decide to go for one further out because it is cheaper remember that you might have to spend the savings on black cabs or face the busy weekend tubes. That may be fine if you just want to get away back home the next morning but why not pack your dark glasses, be gentle with your hangover and make a proper break out of it? Stay in London for the day to see the sights and hit the shops. The hotels near the theatre are also handy for both. If you’ve time check out the possibility of staying an extra night or two, it can be well worth it.
Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks for groups
Last time I went to see Dirty Dancing there were clearly lots of hen parties and stag nights obviously having a fantastic night out. With these Dirty Dancing theatre breaks, the excitement just builds with the numbers. For the hotel stay, any number can work with a combination of triple and twin bedded rooms. Multiples of three are ideal because then you can go for several triple rooms, which saves a bit on the costs.
You can travel by train on Friday afternoon then have a night out clubbing on Friday. Saturday is for serious shopping and playing at being ladies who lunch or take afternoon tea somewhere posh. See Dirty Dancing on Saturday night, followed by another club after if you are up to it or have a party back at the hotel bar. Sunday is for gentle sight-seeing and a good pub lunch before your train home on Sunday evening.
Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks on Video
I’ve chosen a couple of video clips that really catch the atmosphere of Dirty Dancing theatre breaks.
** book Dirty Dancing Theatre Breaks **
Come Dancing Offer Oct 7-9th 2008 October 6, 2008
Posted by Andy in : come dancing, offers , 2comments2 for 1 Come Dancing Offer
This is a special offer which readers of London Theatre Blog will be able to take advantage of if you are quick.
For three days only starting tomorrow, the offer is 2 tickets for the price of 1 to see performances of Come Dancing by Ray Davies at Theatre Royal Stratford East on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (7th, 8th and 9th Oct respectively). All shows start at 7.30pm.
If you’d like to know how to get 2 for 1 tickets just leave a comment on this post using a valid email address, or email theatre.breaks@googlemail.com and the details will be forwarded to you.
Similarly if you’d like to be notified of any similar offers related to london theatre breaks in the future.
Come Dancing is a short run production which comes highly recommended so don’t miss it while you can still go:
