Hello folks,

I will be visiting London "properly" this time - not just airport-office-airport but actually staying there for a week, all free time and desire to finally see the city on the ground rather than from the airplane.

My long-time dream has been to see some musicals there but I notice there are lots and lots of theaters. Could you tell me which is THE theater to see? Covent Garden? Has anyone of you seen a good play you could recommend in the last year or so?

If you have other recommendations for a rookie London visitor, I would really appreciate any tips&tricks.

Thanks!

Phantom
Billy Elliott
If any of the old Lloyd Webber musicals are still running, they're good too.

I saw "We will rock you" at the Dominion Theater and I can highly recommend it!
It was big fun great singers! I also would say any Andrew Loyd's are good I also saw the Phantom but not in London, but I'm sure they do it "almost as good" as in NY .

If you are interested in museums go for it, they are for free in London.

I saw Wicked last year -- it was fantastic.

...and if you - for any reason - cannot get tickets for the best musical, you can always go to see "Grease" at Piccadilly Theater.

Not a fantastic one but not bad either and could bring a big smile on most faces

The Jersey Boys is AMAZING!!!!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert with Jason!

I agree with Phantom, I saw it on Broadway in the early 90s, it was fantastic.

Now that is one I must see!

I don't like musicals, but feel obliged to go. I did like Les Miserable. It has lots of accolades. The best thing was the stage set.

Make sure you catch a real basement jazz gig at the 606 in the backwaters of Chelsea area.

http://www.606club.co.uk/

It is a jazz institution. You'll have to eat there and pay a cover charge if you are not a member. Food just OK, but the intimate atmosphere and groups are very excellent. You will need to make reservations over the phone in advance.

Not necessary to go to Ronnie Scotts which has lost alot of its soul since the new owner took over 3 years ago and swished up the place from its much-loved authentic salubrious late 60s/early 70s decorum, which in the pecking order of cool jazz interior design for London jazz clubs has been handed over to the 606!!!

Also a trip to Kew Gardens cool. http://www.kew.org/ Great little Kew and its Station Parade. Tube gets you there. Richmond last stop on that tube line and also very neat on the river. You might even run into loud mouth and leggy Texan Jerry Hall or see some old rockers running about! Great view up the Richmond Hill Road, which is elevated and looks to the west, right next to Micks' (and Jerry's) and Pete Townsends' places.

Also Tate Modern, but get ready for lots of tourists...its such a success.

Hi
Phanthom was great.
Heard Wicked is very good too but never maaged to see it myself.
Enjoy your week in London

Wicked is indeed Wicked; I caught that in Chicago but they do travel well.

Les Miserables I thought was OK.

If you're from Up North™ and you were alive in the miners' strike then Billy Elliott is fantastic. Elton John score, you see...

My cousin's been to see the Queen one 100s of times.....also is Joseph and his Coat of many Colours still running? Jase used to be in that and he's a bloody nice chap - I used to bump into him at my aunt + uncle's neighbours' house.

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co....genre/musical/ should help you narrow it down

Don't forget to buy your theater tickets from the Half Price ticket booth in Leicester Square.

http://www.tkts.co.uk/

Avenue Q! It's very funny
A bit rude sometimes but I really enjoyed it

http://www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk/

I would go to

AvenueQ (for Daniel Boys )
Oliver! (for Jodie Prenger )
Lion King
Grease
Phantom

And I would have a go to Cardiff to see John Barrowman in Robin Hood.... (end on the 24th january...)

added : I would go first to Cardiff......

Saw it last year and loved it. But I was already a fan of the music, the book and various films. ( Not the Hollywood one ). Joseph is worth a look. Don't pre-order your interval drinks though.

Don't forget to visit the various public museums and art galleries. Unless things have changed recently, there is no entry fee. ( But a donation is requested ).

On a slightly different note, has anyone any tips on best area to stay in London, with a bit of a neighbourhood feel to it, decent restaurants and connections by Tube to the center.

I found "Grease" great!

If you feel like watching a play after all the musicals, I saw 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' at the Novello Theatre on Friday and it was excellent. The theatre is beautiful, James Earl Jones was brilliant and the story of family ties and feuds is timeless. Go for a drink or a bite to eat at Sophie's around the corner.

may i suggest ; chicago ( ruthie henshall is back ) , mamma mia ( lighthearted fun), jersey boys ( excellent vocals ) ,phantom ( the actors have to be virtual athletes up and down stairs changing costumes as they run ) failing that ; we will rock you , esp if you like queen.

have fun and let us know your decision.

ring the box office for best offers ....cheaper sometimes in specialist ticket booths , but you run the danger of sitting so far away you might as well watch show on your ipod.