What to see at London West End
London West End is like my happy place and one of our favourite things to do is to watch theatre productions. What to see at London West End can be very confusing as you tend to have the classics and the ones which come up due to seasons. So far, Mr E and I have seen a total of 7 productions and I thought to rate them. Now, this is not nearly as much as a lot of my theatre die hard friends but we tend to just go for classics; maybe one day, we will branch into more seasonal productions? who knows!
So let’s get into it, shall we?! I’m really excited as I’m writing this blogpost.
The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre
The Phantom of the Opera was never really on our list of musicals to see. However, as a lover of classic productions, it made sense to see one of the biggest and most popular productions of all time. It did take me a while to get into it but when I did, I must say that I was really impressed. The standouts for me were the production and effects. When the Phantom showed up, it was well depicted and almost felt like you were watching in 3D. As it is based on the French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, it is centred on a talented soprano singer, Christine Daae’s obsession with a mysterious Phantom who was living in the Paris Opera House. This one was an 8 out of 10 for me.
The Phantom of the Opera is not for everyone. There are a lot of fantastic moments and your emotions are well tested throughout the production. I did enjoy it but it was a little too heavy for me.
Mamma Mia at Novello Theatre
I loved it!! I had already watched the movie with Amanda Seyfried as Sophie (she was Cosette in the Les Mis movie as well). Anyway back to Mamma Mia, the movie was brilliant so I was looking forward to the musical which features classic songs of ABBA, the popular Swedish pop group. Sophie is so cute and her voice is beautiful. The story follows her search for her father in the period leading up to her wedding. It is funny, happy and just all round feel-good. I found myself smiling throughout and singing along (not loudly because that would obviously not be fair to the person next to me, would it?).
Mamma Mia is a 9.5 out of 10. I did prefer the movie probably because it starred Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and my darling Amanda Seyfried but the musical was fantastic!
Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre
The beginning of the Lion King gives you chills. With music from legendary Elton John, it is no wonder why this production is stellar even after all these years.
We have seen this production 3 times; once in Birmingham and twice in London with a different cast each time. I must admit that the music is probably my favourite of all West End productions.
The beginning of the production gives you the ultimate goose bumps! When Mufasa presents little Simba to the animals on Pride Rock, ahhh! This production is FANTASTIC! The animals’ movements, the majestic walk of the cheetah and of course, Pumba and Timon, Perfection! Easily, a 10 out of 10. I mean, it is The Lion King. That is enough to imagine what you should expect. I always struggle not to sing along loudly out of excitement and I note everyone around me struggles as well haha I can’t wait for an interactive session where we are allowed to sing alongside the acts. Best believe I will be front and center!
“Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata…..it means no worries, for the rest of your dayssssssssssssssss”
Related Posts
Wicked at Apollo Victoria
Always loved the story of the Wizard of Oz so when I found out that Wicked was based on the Witches of Oz; it was a no brainer to see it. The story is told from the perspective of the witches centred around the friendship between two of them in particular – Galinda and Elphaba. Wicked is funny, gripping and very entertaining. The music is catchy and the set is very colourful and there are many cute moments. I would rate Wicked 8.5 out of 10 just in comparison to Lion King and Les Mis! It was a gorgeous production and as one of the most popular, it is worth seeing. However, one time is enough for me.
Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre
Another fantastic musical production which is expected for a classic Roald Dahl story. I will admit that I was not awed or wowed and it was just another musical to watch. It was definitely interesting, strong vocals, stayed very true to the movie but sometimes forgettable. Would I see it again? Maybe. If I got free tickets and was promised lunch or dinner afterwards then yes. Otherwise, I’ll most likely pass. I’ll give it a 6.5 out of 10. I’m not sure what more I wanted from it as it was everything it could possibly be.
Les Miserables at The Queen’s Theatre
“Do you hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men. It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again….When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums, there is a light about to start when tomorrow comes….”
Les Miserables is a stunning, stunning production and is one of my fave of all time. I studied 17th and 18th century French literature at uni so this story was so familiar to me. The French flag, anthem, references to the storming of Bastille etc. Les Miserables is based on French author, Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name which tells the story and is centred on ex-prisoner Jean ValJean and Inspector Javert who spent his life trying to recapture Jean.
There is also a beautiful love story between Cosette and Marius. You know me, always looking for the cute, love stories haha! Some of my fave characters were Eponine (she had some beautiful solos) and of course the chirpy youngster, Gavroche. The music is empowering, the characters are powerful and the entire production is epic. 10 over 10 for me, no questions!
Fun fact – The movie from 2012 is actually Mr E and I’s favourite movie (with an awesome cast starring Hugh Jackman as Jean ValJean, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, my darling Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Russell Crowe as Javert and Samantha Banks as Eponine). We also watched the recent BBC 6-part series starring David Oyelowo as Javert and Dominic West as Jean ValJean. You can probably still find it on catch-up!
Aladdin at Prince Edward Theatre
Disney’s brilliant musical, Aladdin is spectacular. It is full of colour and lots of happy moments. Aladdin is based on the popular Disney story of the grass to grace story of Aladdin set in fictional Agrabah (had to google it because I was convinced it was a real destination and wanted to visit), the poor thief who falls in love with the Princess Jasmine. As soon as its most popular music starts “I can show you the world……” a sense of familiarity makes you comfortable and I dare you not to hum along. The Magic carpet ride is also very well done and very believable. The Genie is the stand out character for me as he is both funny and charming.
Aladdin is cute but I wished Jasmine was a little more convincing; I found her acting a little flat beside a very strong Aladdin character. However, I would watch it again preferably with a different cast. 8 out of 10.
Now, what would I like to see?
Hamilton – Ok what do I have to do to get cheap-ish tickets to Hamilton FFS?! Every time I get the email to say that new tickets have been added, I try logging in to purchase but it’s either all sold out or crazy priced. Let me tell you, these tickets are not even cheap. They are probably the most expensive theatre tickets I’ve seen and the cheapest was £150 if I remember correctly; yet it is constantly sold out. I’ve decided to wait it out and hopefully, I will get lucky and it will be cheaper one day.
Sound of Music – As one of my favourite movies of all time, I keep hoping for a west end production soon. I vaguely remember seeing a flyer ages ago for the musical production but I’ve searched online for evidence of what I believe I saw but I can’t seem to find anything so I have concluded that I must have dreamt it or hallucinated. Anyways, I’m keeping my fingers crossed because I cannot understand why such a classic does not have its place at West End yet!
The Book of Mormon – I am not sure if this is my cup of tea. Having read the synopsis, I note it is centred on church missionary in Africa and it is supposedly funny but I’m not sure if I’ll be comfortable with a production like that. Mr E and I are curious to see what the fuss is all about so we’ll most likely watch it eventually. We’ll see.
To Purchase tickets – Visit:
In conclusion…
For a theatre newbie, I always advice to see Lion King first as it is such a popular and familiar production. People always ask what my favourite musical is and sometimes I say Lion King, other times it is Les Miserables. Tbh I don’t even know. My best friend thinks I have a major bias for Les Mis and she is probably right. I love Les Mis so much and just listening to the soundtrack makes me emotional but Lion King is Lion King. There is a reason why I have seen it 3 times and will gladly see it again.
Which ones have you seen?
And which ones would you like to see?
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
10 Comments
Edirin
I saw Aladin over christmas and OMG it was amazing.
Saw mamma mia a few years ago in dundee and it was perfect.
haven’t seen lion king but I’m sure its amazing!
Bugo
Hey Edirin! Thank you for reading!
Since you loved Aladdin and Mamma Mia, you’ll love Lion King for sure.
I say Lion King will steal your heart x
Mielle
Very nice analysis! I enjoyed this. My fave post so far. I love musicals. Agu really got me into them. Phantom is up there with Lion King for me. You guys should land Broadway next time you are there xxx
Bugo
Yayyy I’m soo happy it’s your fave post so far; you’re such a theatre head LOL! You and Agu are the reason we went to see Phantom tbh and I can see why it’s up there with Lion King for you. I’m hoping we can see Lion King on Broadway when next we are in NY x
Bee
Great summary without spoilers – that’s always tricky! Lion King is definitely my best, getting the luckiest tickets with seats in the 2nd row might have something to do with it :D. I also liked Mamma Mia But agree that the movie is better. Hit me up when you get those Hamilton tickets!!! I watched it on PBS a couple of times and now want to see it live even more xxx
Bugo
Oh it was so hard to avoid spoilers; I had to edit this one a few times to make sure I was not giving too much haha
Wait, 2nd row at Lion King OMG that’s like the best thing ever. I don’t think I’ve ever been that close; you lucked out on those tickets.
I shall try again in about 3 years for Hamilton tickets haha x
Tife A
Lovely post, I must say I agree with you re Lion King being a 10/10; the music, and overall production were amazing (having seen it 3 times aswell, it ages well like fine wine!). I’ve never considered watching Les Mis, I’ve heard the hype surrounding it, and may now consider going to see it based on your narrative in this post – thanks!
Bugo
Lion King seems to be in everyone’s top 2 at least!
Oh I hope you love Les Mis as much as I do. Music was fantastic as well and the production was everything and more x
Melissa
I need to see soooo many shows! Reading these reviews makes me excited to see all of them! But I’ll defo start with seeing lion king as it’s my fav Disney film EVER! I need to convince my husband to tag along with me , we have seen Aladdin together but I think he fell asleep through it . So annoying! But determined to change his opinion on shows and the more we see he might grow into it lol!
will let you know my views once I’ve Seen a few more!
Thanks for the tips and reviews will defo help me pick which ones to see first.
Bugo
Hey Mel
You’ll definitively love Lion King. I don’t know of anyone who watched it and didn’t like it.
You can make it a date day so let him know there is dinner afterwards (or a late lunch) as the afternoon show starts around 2.30pm and lasts about 3hrs (don’t tell him how long it lasts though hahahaha). I can’t believe he fell asleep LMAO
Anyway, test the waters with Lion King and see how he feels.
Good luck xx