West End current must-see

[qazdannywsx]

I'm going to London for a week in December, and I have two opportunities to see a show. What can I really not miss? I always take into account that my next trip will only be in a couple of years, so If you know of something that is closing and I should really see... So far, from past trips I've already seen: Blood Beothers, Billy Elliot, Les Mis, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Phantom and Wicked.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Singin' In The Rain.

[MattDe]

I have noticed Clap Yo Hands hated Matilda but I think almost anyone who Has seen the show will suggest it.

[DeNada]

If you do plays, see if you can get tickets for THIS HOUSE at the National (it's sold out but there may be returns?) or CONSTELLATIONS at the Duke of York's - they're the two best new plays that will be running. The TWELFTH NIGHT playing at the Apollo with Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry is supposed to be excellent as well.

For musicals, most of what's on at the moment is either from Broadway or coming your way relatively soon so I'm not going to suggest MATILDA - catch it on Broadway with Bertie Carvel. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is the best "revival" running at the moment, but I'd suggest you try and get ahead of the curve by seeing one of the two "new" shows we've got opening soon, THE BODYGUARD and VIVA FOREVER. THE BODYGUARD is reputedly terrible but may be worth it for Heather Headley's performance alone, and it's too soon to say about VIVA FOREVER.

[MattDe]

See matilda twice

[FireFingers]

If you want something modern: Matilda. True Carvel isn't in it, but it is still fantastic.

If you want something traditional: Singing in the Rain, Top Hat.

Cabaret is also good (not sure whether to put it with traditional or modern, music is traditional, but the production has a modern feel)

[qazdannywsx]

I hear the Cabaret production has nudity in it. True?
I'm not from America either, so I'm not gonna not see something that's heading for Bway.. What will my 18YO female cousin enjoy most...? What should I see with my parents..?

[Nickhutson]

The answer's quite simple... and that is you must see Matilda.

Where are you from? :)

Would your18 year old cousin like Wicked? Looserville is good fun (and is closing Jan 5th)

The Woman in Black is always a must see.

Steel Pier is on at the Union Theatre and, yes, Top Hat and Singing in The Rain are fun "retro' shows.

[FireFingers]

It has a bit of nudity, but nothing too garish.

Matilda is perfect for any age, but if your parents are traditionalists Singing in the Rain and Top Hat would be good.

[qazdannywsx]

Everyone keeps mentioning Singin' In The Rain and Top Hat together.. Are neither of them particularly good..? Are they both very good? Anyone seen both and recommends a specific one?

[Mark_E]

I've seen both and thought both were excellent. Guess it depends on personal taste over which you would prefer.

[qazdannywsx]

What about War Horse?

[FireFingers]

Singing in the Rain are both great and doing very well, but they are inherently old style musicals. Great if you want something traditional, but not if you want something modern and risque.

War Horse is great, been running for a few years. Worth seeing for the horse puppet alone, which is so lifelike it is surreal.