Mousetrap or Woman in Black

I saw Mousetrap nearly 30 years ago. It was great, but part of me has to wonder if it hasn't gotten tired by now.

Haven't seen Woman in Black.

Regardless, seeing a play in London is a great experience. It's great that you're planning on seeing one.

Have a great trip!

Even though you say you are skipping musicals, you really should see "Billy Elliot". It has not opened outside of London yet, and is a huge hit. My parents and sister saw it last year in London and were wowed by the dancing. And a musical born in London, about northern English miners and children has to say "London" to anyone.

I kind of answered my question by looking up some reviews. Woman in Black doesn't have much of a set. Kind of a bare bones play in that way. I will look up Billy Eliot.
Can anyone tell me if we can just go the day of the play to buy our tickets if we choose Mousetrap. Does it sell out still on a Tuesday in May? What are the chances of the higher cheap seats being available? Thank you

Try the half price ticket booth.

The half price ticket booth doesn't ever offer Mousetrap. I just want to know if you can go the day of or if it's often sold out during the week.

For Mousetrap there is a good chance you can get tickets on the day of the performance. But my rule is if there is one play I really want to see, I always buy the tickets in advance via Ticketmaster UK. It costs a little bit more handling fees, but it would be disappointing to go all that way, and find out the performance was sold out.

Melanie, I saw woman in black with my neice about 4 years ago. It was really good. We bought tickets that morning at the official "ticket" booth in Liceister square. I haven't seen mousetrap. I think it's funny not to associate musicals with London. I totally associate London theatre and Sir Andrew Lloyed Weber and all of his musicals, or Shakespear. Have you thought about going to the globe for a play?

i saw mousetrap about 20 years ago... and all i remember was dozing off.

Melanie, if you're into a play, then go for it... there's a reason mousetrap has been around for "ages".

If you are bringing someone young with you, I would opt for a livelier play.

If you're a fan of Agatha Christie (quintessentially British) or of mysteries in general, you'll enjoy the Mousetrap. My kids and their friends enjoyed it. Huge surprise ending, but then Christie's work usually is.

Melanie - I've been to The Mousetrap a few times, and it's always been enjoyable. The last time I went (last September) I got tickets the same day of the show just by going to the theater box-office, which is about 2 blocks from the 1/2 price ticket booth in Leicster Square. We got the cheapest seats in the top balcony, and they were about 15 pounds apiece. Enjoy!

I know you said no musicals- but if you want a London "feel" then see Queen's "We Will Rock You!". It is set in London in the future and there are all kinds a alusions to present London and the UK. I've seen it at least 8 times and loved each time.

I'd second the recommendation for Billy Elliot. This is definitely a very British musical. I really enjoyed it. The kid who Billy the night I saw it was terrific.

A good source for theatre info is this website:
http://www.theatremonkey.com/
It has independent opinions on shows, best seats, where to buy tickets, etc.

timeout.com also has theatre reviews.

Last year, I was able to buy tickets for Billy Elliot on the day of the show at the theatre (full price), but it was a weeknight and the theatre appeared to be full. There are some specials for families advertised midweek. Billy Elliot is not sold at a reduced price at the TKTS booth.

My husband and I saw Woman in Black and loved it! It was really a nice change to see a play instead of a big, blockbuster type musical (We also saw Chicago and Stomp while there.) It was a value because we got half price tickets at Leiscester (sp) square.

I will warn you that if it is at the same theater, the seats are TINY. Well, it's really the distance between the rows that was a problem. I think the theater must have been built at a time when people were much smaller in general. My husband is only 5'10 and I'm 5'7 and both of us had to twist our legs to the side to sit comfortably.

We got lucky because a nice usher saw us wiggling around trying to get comfortable and he moved us to a private balcony since the show wasn't full! Anyway, you might want to get seats on the aisle if you are tall.

Have fun!!