Get into London Theatre

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Every January London theatres offer tickets as low as £10/seat for over 50 shows until mid-February as part of their annual 'Get into London Theatre' promotion.

 This offer is a great opportunity to see some fab shows — including West End hits Billy Elliott, Lion King, Matilda and War Horse. Book* early to get the best seats. Below are some suggestions of places that will get you in and out in time for the show.
www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk
  • Billy Elliott (Victoria Palace Theatre) : Grand Imperial London — Voted by the Telegraph as one of London’s best afternoon teas, the Dim Sum Afternoon Tea brings an Asian twist to the traditional afternoon tea. The tea stand comes with dim sum dishes such as dumplings, wantons, Asian salads on lettuce leaves and prawn crackers. You can have tea (or call it lunch) from Noon to 5 pm.
    • www.grandimperiallondon.com ✆ +44 2078 218898
    101 Buckingham Palace Road, London
 SW1W 0SJ
  • Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) : One Aldwych — For a special afternoon out book before or after matinee performance of Lion King, which plays across the street at the Lyceum Theatre. This has to be one of the sweetest teas I have been to and is sure to please your kids or kids at heart. Special touches include a keepsake illustrated menu featuring different characters on the cover from the book.
    • onealdwych.com ✆ +44 2073 0010008
    1 Aldwych, London 
WC2B 4BZ
  • War Horse (New London Theatre Theatre) : Hawksmoor Seven Dials — The beef in their Sunday roast is listed by cut and weight, with an assortment of sides (mac 'n' cheese, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach). Be sure to leave room for yummy desserts like Knickerbocker Glory*, Peanut Butter Shortbread, and Raspberry Eaton Mess* to name a few. They also serve a reasonably priced express two- and three- menu before 6:30 pm or after 10 pm Monday-Saturday. www.thehawksmoor.com ✆ +44 2074 20 9390
    11 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JG

What to Watch

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In our pre-kid years, we would make an annual trek to New York in March or April just before the Tony awards came out to catch all the top-rated shows. I can vouch for the fact that London's theatre scene and particularly shows in the West End are comparable to those found in New York. This being said, many of the best shows start ‘off West End’.  If you are a theater buff, you’ll soon find there is so much to see and so little time!

Not surprisingly, our kids’ favorite West End productions have been Lion King and Matilda. The adult favorites include:

  • Billy Elliott — Winner of 4 Olivier Awards, this show would be great for kids if it wasn’t for the language. The singing, acting and dancing of its lead character is simply amazing.
  • Book of Mormon — Winner of 9 Tony and 4 Olivier Awards, this show is funny and completely irreverent. The run has been been extended.
  • Jersey Boys — Winner of 4 Tony awards and Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, this musical goes back in time to the 60s. The lead singer that plays Frankie Valli and the supporting Four Season cast members are all solid performers.
  • War Horse — Winner of 5 Tony awards, this play with its famous larger than life puppeteering is hands down one of the best shows we have seen (did you know that it started off at the National Theatre). It is listed for audiences 10 years and older. Given the intensity of some of the themes, you’ll need to gauge appropriateness based on your child’s sensitivity.