To get cheap(er) tickets to see these musicals, my main recommendation is to visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. There, they sell tickets to shows playing on that day plus some advanced sales for selected shows. Price may range from £30-50 depending on how popular and how busy each show is on that day. Directions to TKTS is fairly easy: get off the tube at Leicester Square Station, Take exit 1, when you reach the upper ground, you will see Angus Steakhouse on your right and Wyndham's Theatre on your left, straight ahead of you is Leicester Square. Cross the road and get in there. You will walk through lots of discount booths, keep walking through them. Turn left at Burger King and keep down the road and you will see a little hut with the sign TKTS on your right hand side and get in the queue.
In each show, I will list the location, synopsis and my thoughts on the show for your consideration. Let's begin, shall we?
1. The Lion King (1999-present)
Showtime: Tue-Sat 19:30, Wed/Sat/Sun 14:30
Running Time: 2h 45m
TKTS Price: NO (Non-discount price at £57)
Synopsis: This Disney classic needs no introduction. A story of Simba, a young cub, who ran away from his home, thinking that he was the cause of his father's death. Years later, he came back to reclaim what is his from his villainous uncle Scar with the help of his friends, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa.
My Thoughts: I think this is a show that anyone can enjoy and the storyline is very familiar to everyone so even if you're not good at English, you can tell what is going on. Besides, the Circle of Life scene at the opening of the show will leave you in total amazement as to how they create all those animals. Therefore, don't be late for the show. Throughout the show, there will be various puppetry and stage effects to amaze you, plus beautiful, familiar songs that you know as well as newly written songs that are equally beautiful. Even though it has been playing for more than 10 years, there is no discounted tickets to the show. You'd have to buy directly from box office or Disney website or any theatre agents which can be quite expensive. Hey, but if you want to spend a lot of money on any musicals, this seems like a good choice.
Seat Recommendations: I'd recommend anywhere in the stall (first floor) because if you are up on the 2nd or 3rd floor, it's very hard to see the animal parade down the aisle during the first scene and it's just more impressive that way. Pick aisle left if you want to be closed to the huge elephant at the opening of the show
2. MAMMA MIA! (1999-present)
Showtime: Mon-Thu 19:30, Fri 17:00&20:30, Sat 15:00&19:30
Running Time: 2h 30m
TKTS Price: NO (Non-discount price at £64)
Synopsis: A girl is about to get married and she wants her dad to give her away at the wedding. The problem is she doesn't know who her father is so she decides to invite 3 of her mother's ex-lovers to her wedding without her mother's knowing. Let the fun begin!
My Thoughts: Fun is the word that I can say for this musical. This is a jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA. The storyline is very cheesy which is normal for most jukebox musicals, I guess. But there are very funny moments and very touching moments. Fans of Abba will love the show and the songs but younger generations might find songs of Abba unfamiliar and boring especially in the second act.. Note to all the girls (and some guy), there will be lots of guys running around in speedo and shirtless. Same as The Lion King, Mamma Mia! does not offer discounted tickets at TKTS so you'd have to get your tickets directly from the theatre or from theatre agents.
3. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1986-present)
Showtime: Mon-Sat 19:30, Tue/Sat 14:30
Running Time: 2h 30m
TKTS Price: £50
Synopsis: Set in the Paris Opera House, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a deformed musical genius residing under the lair of the Opera House who has become obsessed over a beautiful young talented dancer, Christine. He then claims to be her "Angel of Music" and gave her singing lesson until she became the main star of the Opera House. What he doesn't know is that she also has a lover from her past, Raoul, who is still as much in love with her as the Phantom.
My Thoughts: Phantom is a classic that any theatrelovers must see. It's not the best musical in the world but you just have to see it. It contains endless list of beautiful songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as stunning sceneries. You can't help but be amazed the beautiful broken chandelier that flies above your head during the opening of the show. The show itself is a real emotion roller coaster and the end could leave you in tears for those sensitive ones. To be honest, read the full storyline a bit before you come to this one might be a good idea. Phantom is a sung-through show so there is no dialogue and some of the singing might be hard to catch if you're not a native. Though they offer discounted ticket at TKTS, Phantom's ticket is probably one of the most expensive ones selling at £50.
Seat Recommendation: Everytime I go to TKTS to see Phantom, I always end up with front row seats (B-E) in the center. True, it's very upfront and you might strain your neck a bit, but it's really fun when chandelier flies right above your head and falls on you (oops!). The bad thing about these seats is that you can't see Phantom clearly when he's right up in the ceiling. Anyway, I always get those seats because I enjoy the chandelier so much but true, a seat a bit further away may be better to get the big picture of the stage. Make sure you don't go too far back because you won't see the top either and you won't see the chandelier when it shakes and begins to fall.
4. LEGALLY BLONDE (2009-present)
Theatre: Savoy Theatre (Charing Cross Tube)
Showtime: Mon-Sat 19:30, Thu/Sat 14:30
Running Time: 2h 25
TKTS Price: £39.50
Synopsis: Based on the 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods who gets in to Harvard Law School just to follow her ex-boyfriend who breaks up with her because she's not serious. But here, she learns that she can be so much more than that.
My Thoughts: I had a great time at Legally Blonde. This is sort of a more modern style musical with lots of comedy dialogues and more poppish-tune. Suitable for people who usually don't like theatres. Funny plots, catchy songs, cool sceneries and cute dogs make this show a real must-see.
5. WICKED (2006-present)
Showtime: Mon-Sat 19:30, Wed/Sat 14:30
Running Time: 2h 45m
TKTS Price: NO (Top price at £65)
Synopsis: Tagged as the untold story of the Witches of Oz before Dorothy lands in Oz. Wicked, based on the book by Gregory Maguire, is about how Glinda and Elphaba, two close friends at school, turn out to be The Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West as we know in the famous 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz.
My Thoughts: Frankly, I'm very so-so with Wicked but everyone I know that has seen this seems to love it so maybe it's just me. Usually the good part of the show for me is the acting and the strong storyline from beginning to end. The acting of Glinda usually is very funny and easily enjoyable by everyone. The songs by Stephen Schwartz (Pocahontas, Prince of Egypt, Enchanted), though nice and catchy, are just serviceable here. There are impressive scenes, stage effects and flying witch (well, sort of) to make this an enjoyable experience for anyone but with all the hype that people are saying, I really thought that there would have been more flying and magic on the stage. . Also, if you're not a native speaker, do study the storyline ahead of time because there is actually quite a lot going on in the show. Also, if you have seen The Wizard of Oz, that would help because you could understand the joke and the relations that they make regarding the movie. Again, TKTS does not sell discounted tickets to Wicked.
6. LES MISERABLES (1985-present)
Showtime: Mon-Sat 19:30, Wed/Sat 14:30
Running Time: 3h
TKTS Price: £36-45 (at certain days it could go up to £60)
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables follows the life of Jean Valjean, an on-parole convict who decides to break parole and starts a new life, pursued by a police inspector, Javert. Jean Valjean's life then intertwines with the factory worker, Fantine, who left him her daughter, Cosette, who then falls in love with Marius, a rebel student, during the peak of the French Revolution
My Thoughts: This is the world's longest running musical and it just celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010. This is a classic and a totally must-see for anyone who wants to try something more challenging. It's not like it's so so hard to see but I have to admit the storyline is quite heavy So study your libretto or google the synopsis or just read it from the programme before seeing it will definitely help you enjoy the show much much better. But how they translate those story onto the stage with the use of stage effects, turntables and songs is just perfect. Also, you will be so impressed with the music and the ending was probably the best ending I've ever seen in musical theatres that could bring me to tears.
7. JERSEY BOYS (2008-present)
Showtime: Tue-Sat 19:30, Tue/Sat/Sun 15:00
Running Time: 2h 30
TKTS Price: £39.50
Synopsis: A story of the life and times of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, the creators of hit songs like "Can't Take my Eyes off you" "Sherri" "Walk Like a Man" and "Big Girls Don't Cry", this jukebox musical will take you from the creating of the group through its ups and downs and how it entered the Hall of Fame in 2000, told from the view of each member of the group.
My Thoughts: I just love how this show presents itself. It totally redefines the meaning of cheesy jukebox musicals (ahem, Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You). This is a strong story told through strong acting and backed with strong music. I hardly know about the Four Seasons going in to see this but I came out loving them so much. A true must-see for any theatrelover. It's also one of the few shows playing on Sundays.
However, this show involves lots of FAST speaking in thick Jersey accent which could be difficult to follow especially for non natives. I had trouble trying to understand it as well especially during the first 15-20 minutes. But after a while, you will kinda get the hang of it and be able to follow the story and enjoy the great music and performance.
8. BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL (2005-present)
Showtime: Mon-Sat 19:30, Thu/Sat 14:30
Running Time: 3h
TKTS Price: £45
Synopsis: Billy Elliot is a story of a boy who wants to become a ballet dancer amidst the miner strike in Newcastle. Based on the 2000 film of the same name, this musical will take you through the emotional journey of the world of ballet vs. the reality world of the miners and how a boy with a dream could change the minds of his family and friends.
My Thoughts: You will definitely be amazed by the talents of the boys and girls in the cast, notably the boys who play Billy and Michael. I don't know where they find these actors but any boys you see will impress you, I guarantee. Here, you also got beautiful ballads and ensemble numbers from the writing of Sir Elton John on top of the strong story that holds the show together. Just Billy's solo dance at the end of act one and his audition ballet towards the end of act two will blow your mind, plus Billy's mother's letter scene will leave you in tears!
Again, this musical involves strong Newcastle accent which was quite a problem for me when I saw it even I knew the storyline already. Plus it made lots of reference to the British culture and news back in the 80s. What I did was I ignored those facts and focused on Billy's story. That might take away a bit from the whole dramatic point, still, it was a very memorable and enjoyable experience at the theatre for me.
Seat Recommendation: I think any seats not too far back is fine. I was seated at the very back and I couldn't see when Billy flies to the top of the stage during his dream ballet.
9. CHICAGO (1998-present)
Showtime: Mon-Thu 20:00, Fri 17:00&20:30, Sat 15:00&20:00
Running Time: 2h 30m
TKTS Price: £33.50
Synopsis: Well-known for its movie adaptation in 2002 starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago tells the tale of two murderesses trying to get out of jail with the help of a charming lawyer, Billy Flynn.
My Thoughts: This is definitely the show for dance lovers. You will probably be familiar with the story since most people have seen the 2002 movie version and the dancing here by the whole ensemble from the first number "All That Jazz" to the last "Hot Honey Rag" will leave you longing for more. How they tell the story will also be quite interesting and fun to watch.
However, don't expect any colorful sceneries or elegant costumes from the stage version of Chicago. On stage, Chicago relies mainly on the dance and story telling, therefore, there is no sceneries, no props, no costumes and the band is right there in the middle of the stage. All cast mainly wear black costume. I didn't know that when I first saw it and was left disappointed. You have been warned. But beside that, it's a great show but might not be for everyone.
10. SHREK: THE MUSICAL (2011-present)
Showtime: Mon/Wed-Sat 19:30, Thu/Sat/Sun 15:00
Running Time: 2h 15
TKTS Price: NO (The show is still brand new)
Synopsis: The mean green ogre is finally on the West End. Shrek tells the loving story of a green ogre who departs on a quest to bring back Princess Fiona to marry Lord Farquaad with the help of a talking Donkey and ended up falling in love with the Princess.
My Thoughts: Based on part one of Shrek in 2001, this is one of the newest shows in London this year and people are really looking forward to it. It wasn't a big hit in New York back in 2009 but the show is actually pretty cute and contains lots of lovely catchy funny songs and a story that everyone is familiar with. I guarantee that you won't be able to stop smiling when you first see Shrek coming on to the stage during his opening number or Lord Farquaad performing "on his knees". If you are a fan of Shrek, you wouldn't want to miss this for the world. I wouldn't!
There you have it. Now go and see all of them!
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