London Play

Les Mis is great but you can not get the music out of your head! we saw Chicago when we were there and it was good - would have loved to see the Lion King but could not get tickets - sorry , we did not have any men with us so can not answer about the jacket , but we were not dressed up ( our usual black pants, black tops !)

Your husband will fit right in if he wears "dressy casual." No jacket and tie needed.

I saw "Les Miserables" in 2002 and "The Lion King" in 2005. Both were fabulous!

Hi Susan, no your husband doesn't need a jacket. I would recommend a pair of docker slacks and shirt. The Lion King is fantastic. We have seen it three times in London and love it more each time. If I were you when you purchase tickets get tickets for the stall area which are the best seats. Enjoy!!

Thanks for letting me know about your seating preference.

Just saw Les Mis and found it average. Clothing can be very casual, no worries there. My mom loved Billy Elliot and it was half price. I prefered shows at The Globe and the National such as Phedre, All's Well That Ends Well, As You Like It, and The Observer -things that were unique and special and could not be replicated at home. It all depends on your interests. I give all the National complex plays a big recommend, and not just because I adore James Fleet, and Mrs. Bale from As Time Goes By.

If you would like a suggesstion about other plays.... We love "We Will Rock You". It is by Queen and we grew up on their music!!! Mama Mia is also good as is Sound of Music. When will you be there.... If it is in late Nov or Dec. you could also see what the Brits call Panto (short for Pantomime, but is is not MIME). Great comdey with the women played by men in drag, garish costumes, etc. Generally they are based on well know fairy tales or similar stories and people find them great fun. Also during that time there will be some holidy special productions like Scrooge, etc.

We saw Les Mis several years ago in London and it was great--much better than productions of the musical here in the US. We liked it better than Phantom or Wicked. Did not see anyone dressed up--smart casual is fine.

Susan - Our family saw Billy Elliot, Les Mis, and Chicago this past summer. All were excellent.

No your husband doesn't need to wear a jacket and tie.

The 39 Steps was really good. It's the same story as the old Hitchcock movie. I don't know if it is still running.

Susan, you may want to take a look at the Theatremonkey website http://www.theatremonkey.com/ for specifics on dozens of plays and musicals - down to specific seats to buy or avoid in each theater! Plus discount offers. You can also get good discounts at the half-price TKTS booth, run by the Official London Theatre Guide site, www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/ . They post a list showing what's available each day, so you can check to be sure the shows you care about are available. We just got back from 3 days in London; saw Arcadia [Stoppard] and All's Well, but our favorite was La Cage Aux Folles with Philip Quast and Roger Allam. Small theater, good seats [at a great price thanks to Theatremonkey], and a great cast. We saw Les Mis in 2007 and loved it, but we knew the story well from watching the 10th Anniversary Concert; friends who were there with us did not know the story and were very confused. Have a wonderful time!

I saw a great play in London a few years ago and have seen several on Broadway, and I too think Billy Elliot isthe best play I've seen (musical or otherwise). Saw it 3 weeks ago in London.

My vote is for Billy Elliott. ( I have seen about half or more of West End plays so opinion is with some sense of comparison ) Often the half price ticket booth will have a big part of my choice decision )

Hi Susan, Just back from 4 weeks in the UK, the last four days of which were spent in London. Les Mis is my favourite and I've seen it 3 times. This time, however, my sister and I saw "Inherit The Wind" with Kevin Spacey and "The 39 Steps" LMAO. Four actors playing all the parts. If you decide to give it a try, you might want to watch the old Alfred Hitchcock version with Robert Donat to get a little background. Funnily enuf, ITW was good too because everyone had to use an American accent!

I have found that people dress pretty casual for the theatre. I saw lot of jeans and casual shirts and sweaters. There are a few in the audience who do dress up, but they are the minority.
I've seem many plays in London and all were wonderful.

Hi Susan! I have never seen Les Mis, but I just saw The Lion King, and it was incredible! The sets and the costumes were just amazing. Good luck with your choice, and enjoy your trip to London!