Show in London

The London Theatre website and Time Out London all have reviews. Everything from Wicked to Billy Elliot to South Pacific to Mamma Mia are playing. You'll have plenty to choose from AND it's possible those that have been running for a long time may have 1/2 price tickets for purchase at the Leicester Square ticket booth. Enjoy.

My children and grandchildren LOVED "Wicked". While they were there, I was watching "The 39 Steps" for the second time. I first saw it in 2009 so presumably it has been well received. It's been around for a loooooong time but every other trip I make to England I like to go see "The Mousetrap". "Mama Mia" is really fun and the audience gets involved. I wish I had your decision to make.

There are usually a couple (at least) good English comedies and also one or two of the real classics.
I like trying stuff that is typically English and not imports from America. check the theater guides and Time Out as suggested above

Thank you for your ideas! I think I know now where to start my search.

If you grew up in the 70s and 80s be sure to check out "We Will Rock You". It is all Queen music. Mama Mia is fun, too. Have seen both multiple times.

The very very best site for London theatre is theatremonkey.com - it will help you choose a show by genre, get the best deal on tickets, get the best seats available, etc. etc. If you spend a little time following the links, you will get to reviews as well. Most of the big productions (musicals, especially) are long-running. Most of the plays (comedy, drama, suspense) and fairly short runs (4-12 weeks). The only play I'd avoid is The Mousetrap - the longest running play in London. Apparently for the last (god knows how many) years, its run is perpetuated by its being the longest running play.

I LOVED Billy Elliott!!

I know you said nothing serious/sad, but do yourself a favor and go see "War Horse." Amazing and uplifting...

I was in London July of 2010 with my daughter, and we went to see Billy Elliott at The Victoria Palace Theatre. The show was excpetional!! Music, Dancing, Acting, all great!! This was the only musical we were able to see in London, and it was well worth the pounds. Would definitely see it again !! Enjoy...

When we were there myself, my wife and 2 teenagers saw Billy Elliot and we all thought is was awesome.

Roy, I'm avoiding "War Horse" because it's sad. What did you think?

War horse is the best play I have seen in years and I go to London yearly

Hey, If "The Mousetrap" hadn't been filling the house most nights you can bet it wouldn't have been running God knows how many years...It must have something going for it even if it's just nostalgia.

Chani, why would you avoid The Mousetrap? It's a great show!
I'm sure if it wasn't a great show and the attendance low it wouldn't be in it's 59th year. With it running for 59 years that has a lot to say. Tickets are about the same price as many musicals.

I second Chani's recommendation of the Theatremonkey website; as she says, it has info on seats, shows, discounts, and even directions to each theater! You might also want to look at the Official London Theatre TKTS site - http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/tkts/ - it will show you what's on sale today, and you can get an idea of the shows that might be half price when you'll be in London. Daughter and I saw South Pacific twice in New York before it moved to London - much of the cast is new, but Paulo Szot is doing Emile de Becque half the time, and he is FABULOUS!!!!! Have a wonderful trip!

The play is based on a novella by Agatha Christie, which I read many years ago. Maybe if you don't already know whodunnit, it would be interesting. There is just so much around that is better and/or cheaper. One I enjoyed a lot was The 39 Steps - a spoof on the Hitchcock movie. It's best if you watch the movie beforehand - I found it free on the internet.

Was in london in June and saw Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Fun, fun, fun. Grab your boa and get ready to sing and dance!

Thanks for all the fantastic advice. We'll head to the tkts booth while in London. Hopefully, there will be a special rate for Billy Elliot.

Hi Kathryn, I would recommend Yes Prime Minster and The Woman In Black.