Theatre Breaks on a Budget
Published on Tuesday 6th April, 4.16pm, Written by Mike Shaw
A theatre break doesn’t have to cost the earth, and some of the best shows in London are actually the most reasonably priced.
Take, for example, Wicked London; a multi-award winning show with one of the most passionate fanbases ever, it’s going from strength to strength, yet you can get a ticket and hotel deal from as little as £80 per person.
Wicked is something of a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, and tells the story of Glinda the Good Witch of the North and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, and how they came to be the witches that we have come to know and love. Hunky West End leading man Lee Mead has is now playing the lead male role of Fiyero, alongside Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Louise Dearman as Glinda.
If magic and sorcery aren’t your bag, classic show Grease is just £79 per person. Bigger, brighter, louder, funnier and with even more songs; if you liked the movie, you’ll love the show.
Although it is one of our most popular musicals, Blood Brothers comes in at £46 per person. That’s just £46 for a top ticket to one of the UK’s longest running shows, and a night at a 3-star London hotel. Not too shabby. Blood Brothers is a gripping and heartbreaking story by national treasure Willy Russell, and focuses on the Johnstone twins, Mickey and Eddie, brothers separated at birth who reunite and become friends in their childhood, unaware of their relation to each other or of the consequences their relationship will bring about. If you’ve never seen it, give serious thought to checking out Blood Brothers your next theatre break.
Many people use theatre breaks as short family holidays, so if that’s you, Stomp is the perfect choice of show. Ideal for parents, grandparents and children, it’s an exhilarating experience. The cast of Stomp turn everyday objects like from bottles, brooms, bins and buckets into musical instruments and the result is truly mesmerising. Stomp theatre breaks start from £51 per person, so a family of four can see a top show and stay in London overnight for little over 200 quid.
Of course, these are all shows that have been around for a while – but even brand new musicals are affordable for those on a budget. The Fantasticks is a hit off-Broadway show, and a timeless romance. It first opened in New York almost 50 years ago and has quietly become the world’s longest running musical thanks to its enchanting score and storyline. The Fantasticks is about two fathers who plot to get their children to fall in love but don’t consider the ramifications, and even though it hasn’t even opened yet, ticket and hotel deals are available from just £70 per person.
Perhaps a new show sounds interesting, but you want something a bit more familiar? If that’s the case, then All The Fun of the Fair could be the show for you. It’s a modern musical love story written by and starring 70s pop icon David Essex. Funfair owner Levi Lee (Essex) is a recent widower and father to a rebellious son. Life seems to getting back on track, however a gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi reveals that danger lurks in the future. A moving and contemporary story with a heartbreaking twist, All The Fun Of The Fair theatre packages start at just £75. The show is a must for anyone who has fond remembers of Essex doing his thing on Top of the Pops.
Music fans might also want to consider We Will Rock You, the record-breaking stage spectacular based on the music of Queen. You can enjoy a We Will Rock You theatre break from £81 per person, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more energetic and enjoyable West End musical.
All prices are correct at time of publishing (6 April, 2010). Prices may be subject to change.
Can you please advise me of deals for 31 July or 1 August?
Thanks