Theatre in London. What should I see? What about safety if I'm alone?

I did and felt safe. I used the tube at night back to my hotel in the Paddington area and never felt unsafe - there are usually a fair number of people out and about at night. I love Mama Mia and Les Miz., but I'd suggest War Horse as that is supposed to have an outstanding set. You really can't go wrong. We always buy tix day-of, either at discount tix booth in Leicester Square or at theater box office.

I am going to London in early June and already know that I'll see the show that is playing at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre: "Fathers and Sons" by Brian Friel. I know about this venue due to following the career of British actor Tom Hiddleston and he just finished a run there of Shakespeare's "Coriolanus." But this small, intimate space offers all kinds of plays, not just Shakespeare. It is a re-purposed industrial space that once was a warehouse for ripening bananas. donmarwarehouse.com 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9LX, I love that generally theatre seems less expensive than in the U.S. -- hotels a LOT more, but theatre -- less; good! Loved the movies of War Horse and Billy Elliott and saw the play of War Horse with a U.S. touring company. Don't think you can miss with them.

I just returned home from London. All the talk seemed to be about War Horse and how fabulous the puppeteering was. Was tempted, but the movie was so sad I couldn't put myself through it again. Instead, my sister and I saw The Commitments one night, and Fatal Attraction (newly opened with Kristen Davis from Sex in the City as Beth the wife) the next night. Both were great. The Commitments because of the music, including a set of soul hits at the end; and Fatal Attraction for the fantastic staging. The Commitments was at The Palace, and Fatal Attraction was at the Royal Haymarket. Got tickets for both at the Leicester Square discount ticket booth. My sister and I felt perfectly safe the entire time wandering around London day and night. The theatre district is such fun. Have a wonderful time!

If you want to see a particular show, then book in advance. The website http://theatremonkey.com/ is an excellent resource. It has seating charts for the theatres with reviews of where to sit and a list of online agents who sell tickets. I generally buy from the agent that operates the official box office as they typically have the lowest fees. You can pick up your tickets at the box office on the night of the show.
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If you aren't picky about what you see, you can always find something at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Most tickets there are half price on the day of performance. To get an idea of what might be available, you can check their website:
http://www.tkts.co.uk/whats-on-sale/
There are generally more choices midweek than on weekends.
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I've seen all the shows that you list in London (I love theatre, so usually see 3 or 4 on every trip). They are very different. Mamma Mia is very light-hearted and fun (particularly if you like Abba). Les Miz is a classic of course. I loved Billy Elliot. War Horse is sad (and not a musical), but very well done. The puppets (horses) are really pretty amazing (although there is not much of a set).
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You will be perfectly fine traveling back after the theatre.

Any of the shows you mentioned would be great to see. I would also recommend seeing Book of Mormon or Kinky Boots if they are playing in London.

If you like classic rock, try to see "We Will Rock You!". Queen's classic rock music!!! We've seen it more than a dozen times since it opened and would go back tomorrow if we could. We also enjoyed "Mama Mia" in London. Getting back to your hotel is very safe- you'll be with a crowd of people exiting the theatre, and many, if not most, will be heading to the tube, as you will also likely be doing. London theatre is AWESOME!!!!!!

Musicals are abundant in London. A quick look at the previously noted the Leicester Square Half Price Tickets website lists availability for Mamma Mia, Les Miserables and Billy Elliot. All three have been there for at least three years. Still popular.

Seeing theatre in London is fabulous. In all my travels there, only once bought tickets in advance and that was years ago to see Maggie Smith in Lady in a Van . Otherwise, it's always a quick stop at the Leicester Square 1/2 price ticket booth in the morning and theatre that night. Never been disappointed.

In fact, saw the quintessential American musical, Guys and Dolls in London. Fantastic performance. We had seats in the stalls. Had gotten them that morning at the Half Price Ticket booth.

Lastly, you shouldn't be fearful of getting back to your apartment on Portobello Road. As you would in any large city keep your ears and eyes open and know which way you are going.

Great city. Have FUN!!

Toni - unfortunately We Will Rock You is finishing on 31st May after 12 years, so no good for lauraarcher1, or for you if you were hoping to see it again!

Thanks so much for the information. I have gotten a ticket to the Commitments for my last night there, a Sunday. I also got a ticket for the Tower of London for that day. I think I'll check out the half price booth for Saturday night. That should have me pretty set. So looking forward to it!

@ lauraarcher1 Your going to have a blast at The Commitments. I hope you will report back after.

Hi Laura, I don't know where you are from so it's harder to give advice on safety . I've never felt unsafe in London. Part of that though, is from having lived in big cities and traveled a lot. You should always know where you're going and have your street smarts on full alert, particularly late at night in any city. That said, you should be fine. Just be smart.

Pam