Someone mentioned to me that my husband and I should see a play while we are in London. Is there a particular play and venue we should visit? We are only in London three days and although we have plans during the day we have not made plans for the evenings. Also, if we are able to see a play where would be a good place to have dinner before?
Thanks!
Seeing a play in London would be a great idea. Go on line and see what plays are being performed during your visit. When I went to London, I called the box office directly and bought the tickets over the phone and picked up my tickets at the box office. They may mail them to you but I would suggest you pick them up at the box office, safer than the mail. Just look at the plays and read the descriptions and see what play you would be interested in and buy the tickets. You may also be able to buy the tickets on line and not even have to call the theatre. Make sure you buy the RS London book and look in it for a nice place to eat. Get a map and see where the theatre is located, then look to see if RS book has any places near the theatre. Hard to tell you where to eat without knowing where the theatre is located. Make sure you do this very soon as seats do go quickly. If all else fails and you don't buy tickets they do have a half price ticket place to buy tickets the day of the play. Enjoy!
The best place to learn ALL about London theatre is theatremonkey.com
You can find links to everything that will be playing during your stay, where to get tickets, which tickets have discount offers, how to choose seats, reviews, etc. Where you have dinner depends on which theatre you will be going to. Although most are in the theatre district, around Leicester Square, some are not. Also, curtain is often at 7 or 7.30 p.m. not really giving you time for dinner. Even with an 8.00 curtain, you will be rushed for dinner. You can get snacks or light meals anywhere in London. A late supper is often best after a play.
For what it's worth, I was able to get tickets about a week ahead for Book of Mormon that were much better than I could afford in Los Angeles.
Theatre is London is a fabulous experience so why not consider seeing the Agatha Christie classic, The Mousetrap, at the lovely St. Martin's Theatre. It's the longest running play in London. [1]: https://www.the-mousetrap.co.uk/online/default.asp
Bill's Restaurant, a hidden gem located in the nearby St. Martin's courtyard complex, is a good option for dinner before hand. You can get tickets online, at the theatre or at the Half Price Booth in Leicester square. Enjoy your three days!
With all due respect to Claudia, Mousetrap has become a self-perpetuating event . . . people (tourists) keep going just because it is the longest running play. The reviews are not particularly good. If you are only going to see one performance, choose the genre that most suits you (comedy, extravaganza musical, drama, suspense) or perhaps a starring actor that you like. There are so many plays running at any given time, that there's always something for everyone.
No offense taken Chani. Estella asked for a recommendation and I shared one. Of course she and her husband have plenty of theatre options. Without judgement I merely answered her question.
