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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 11:28:27 GMT
I know CFA to have gone down well with people who didn't live through 9/11. It's still probably the best show in the West End and it would be a shame to miss it. I definitely don't think Back to the Future would entertain a 15 year old any more. I was bored to death and that's despite knowing the original film! Both the 'present' and the past in that show take place way before the events of CFA...
If the insistence is on spectacle, Wicked is probably the best choice. If you want the best show the West End has, then CFA. But hey if you also want to sample the worst show, nothing is stopping you from booking Back to the Future.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 11:30:19 GMT
Or Frozen is also good for a spectacle, actually, as I think has already been mentioned. Costumes are gorgeous, too. The theatre is one the grandest we have, especially after the refurb, so might be nice to visit for a special trip [and the afternoon tea is lovely!]
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Post by TallPaul on Dec 7, 2022 11:34:28 GMT
Come From Away is likely to visit Dublin on its forthcoming tour. Les Mis will probably run in the West End for years to come, along with returning to Ireland on the next tour. The Wicked tour is spending summer 2024 in Dublin.
It may be best, on this trip, to focus on those shows that, right now, can only be be seen in London. Just my opinion, of course.
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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 11:42:04 GMT
. I definitely don't think Back to the Future would entertain a 15 year old any more. I was bored to death Well, you're not a 15 year old, are you?  Back to the Future has a teenage hero (even if Marty is played by guys in their 20s) and the story is very appealing to teenagers, plus, as people say, it's spectacle. CFA is populated by adults and has zero spectacle. Given that it's already announced a tour, it's a safe bet that it will turn up in Dublin sooner or later, so the OP can likely catch it at home then. BTTF won't tour and even if it did, I'm sure it would be a downscaled version. Hamilton, if she's seen the televised version, I don't think is a necessity and will also indubitably go on tour sooner or later. That said... BTTF is on virtually every streaming portal (I think), so why not watch the movie and see if it makes you go "ooh, I want to see how they do that on stage?" and THEN decide? You may be able to enjoy it without having seen the movie, but I think it will add another layer of fun to it. If not BTTF then Wicked and Frozen are certainly the shows to look for that deliver both spectacle and stories that are appealing to female teenagers. |
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 12:10:31 GMT
the story is very appealing to teenagers, Is it? I'm not sure I see any appeal in it for someone not very familiar with the film and/or likely to get the 80s references. The religious adherence to the film means the show doesn't hack into a younger audience the way Heathers has. |
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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 12:34:25 GMT
Teenager strands in a foreign world (the past), where another socially awkward teenager is being bullied by a group of jerks and too shy to talk to the girl of his dreams, who develops an unfortunate and impossible crush on the newcomer. The newcomer has to fix things and somehow get home to his own world, supported by a crazy old uncle type.
It's pretty timeless and I don't think the 80's setting feels that alien to teenagers, even if no one is permanently glued to their smartphones. Marty's electric guitar, the DeLorean, even the funny moment in the school fight when Marty suddenly produces a "lightsaber" are still as relevant today as they were then. Even 80s fashion is currently pretty trendy again.
Heathers is more popular with female teenagers, because it taps into a very specific teenage girl world, where the scorned but tough outsider (Veronica) gets one over the popular Queen Bees (the Heathers) and still gets (and finally rejects) the mysterious hot guy. As a teen girl I'd also be all over this - more so than BTTF, yes, but Heathers is not a show currently on offer (or spectacle).
PS: I'm not trying to start an argument, just giving my opinion. Maybe the OP can get something out of it and if not, well it made for a few good minutes of work procrastination.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 7, 2022 12:39:49 GMT
My goodness, a lot of different and yet similar replies. Does appear some shows are like marmite. Thank you for your thoughts.
Well, trip is booked, Newsies couples times( atl least ..could get one more in before flight..we'll see ) , &Juliet...2.30pm showing and then, whilst in London, the same day..plan to see 7.30 showing of......I think Hamilton (yet to be booked....seats are not great, but need to watch the budget )...but Wicked is up there more so then BTTF.
Daughter would love to see a proper WestEnd show. Does appear by you comments, the same names crop up though..and really Wicked V Hamilton perhaps, although im sure likes of CFA would be ok too.
Having 1 evening in London/Wembley to spare...any thoughts on where to go for a few hours...a musical tour would be nice..but equally london dungeons...maybe the Wheel....as mentioned never really been to London more than a couple times, Mad.Tuesauds and and few other usual places.
No - hidden away ( musical related? places? just to break up the shows......Wondering the chances of not booking..Wicked and turning up to the door - standing room type thing?
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 13:16:29 GMT
There's the Theatre Cafe? And newly opened Theatre Diner. Can imagine they would both go down very well with a teenage girl who likes musicals. thetheatrecafe.co.uk/ |
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 13:18:49 GMT
Heathers is not a show currently on offer has it finally closed??? |
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Post by alece10 on Dec 7, 2022 13:20:24 GMT
Theatre Royal Drury Lane does a great backstage tour and I am sure there will be lovely things to see around Covent Garden Piazza.
Also several ice skating rinks set up including Somerset House which is central for the West End.
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Post by viserys on Dec 7, 2022 13:21:05 GMT
Heathers is not a show currently on offer has it finally closed??? LOL, I don't know? I enjoyed it well enough the two times I saw it, but I'm not keeping track of it. It just never came up in this discussion so far! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 7, 2022 13:25:35 GMT
Heathers current run continues until February.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Dec 7, 2022 14:46:47 GMT
The Globe also does a tour which I rather enjoyed during the Covid theatre closures
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Post by TallPaul on Dec 7, 2022 15:12:12 GMT
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Post by garjobo on Dec 7, 2022 17:07:44 GMT
Once more thanks for the replies.i will be looking into theatre cafe re distance,cost and quality of food. And also see what the backstage theatre tours are like cost depending and time wise as all shoehorned in .think will plum for wicked in place of Hamilton although Hamilton theatre does look stunning.
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Post by yokollama on Dec 7, 2022 18:56:36 GMT
1. I'd recommend downloading the Tube Map app, or similar, so you get a better sense of direction and which stations are on which line. 2. Gatwick Express runs between Gatwick and Victoria station. The station is within very short walking distance of Victoria Palace (Hamilton), Apollo Victoria (Wicked), and The Other Palace (Heathers). But the Tube should get you from Wembley to other theatres in relatively short time. 3. V&A museum are running a free exhibition, if that's your thing: Re:Imagining Musicals |
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Post by nicolaa on Dec 7, 2022 19:06:24 GMT
I would avoid the Theatre Cafe, you're in London - plenty of websites offering deals at far better establishments. Plenty of eateries around Victoria as well.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:02:18 GMT
I used to live in Wembley - for 30+ years, so you're talking to a local here ...
Gatwick to Wembley is an easy journey (probably easier than Heathrow in truth). Gatwick onto Thameslink train into London (any destination). Get off at Farringdon Station and walk up the stairs and cross over to the Metropolitan tube platform heading North. It's that easy. Any northbound train will stop at Wembley Park - there are destination boards up and down the platforms. The benefit of the Thameslink is you get that amazing view as you go over London Blackfriars ....
From Heathrow you'd probably get a tube into London and have to change at Green Park which is hellish with luggage.
Hotels at Wembley Park - the Wembley International Hotel is probably 3*, basic but clean and I've found it much cheaper than the Premier Inn or Travelodge. The Designer Outlet, as others have said, has a variety of chain restaurants.
Enjoy your trip!
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 7, 2022 22:17:32 GMT
Whoops! forgot - car park. Wembley Park Station has a car park, £6 per day on a pay by phone (the cash ticket machine has been broken for ages). There are car parks for the Design Outlet but they are (I've found) much more expensive, they cater for the shoppers. The car park is usually full during the day but will empty from 6pm onwards as people head home after work. You can park in the street where the car park is to, if there is space and it's not an Event Day. There are a couple of spaces around the Wimpy/McDonalds area too but they fill quickly.
Absolutely Wimpy over McDonalds, which is practically opposite McD's on the other side of the petrol station. But it opens at 9am and shuts at 9pm. Now I live in Lincolnshire it's easier for me to stay in Wembley after a show - it's my local area after all. BUT please keep your belongings close to hand, be aware of those around you. And a big YES to the lift rather than the stairs - or walk out the other exit and walk down the slope next to the black taxi ramp.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 13:17:50 GMT
Londonmzfitz, thanks for the simply easy to follow guide re Gatwick to Wembley, very keen with daughter in hand, budget and timescale to keep it running smooth as possible - particulary as time going all these strikes are looming but i think will miss thankfully.
I will be checking - but will also ask here, never been to Gatwick, easy enough to find the Thameslink ( thats definately the one to go for..no matter how busy? ), pay upfront ( cash on train / better get a card..as coming back to gatwick later in week? ), and then easy to walk to Metro tube North - spelled out for you? im a simple folk! - and again pay for that tube? do i have to exit and enter to pay..or..just pay when i get off a Wemberly..how will it know i crossed over at Farringdon?
Too late re hotel, already booked, wasnt too bad. Its the flights for us that was bad really.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 8, 2022 13:22:47 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so its just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 8, 2022 13:31:23 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so it’s just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing? I have moved this post from the Frozen thread to here. Please use this thread for further advice/opinions from members about any show rather than posting requests for advice in multiple different show threads. Cheers! |
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 8, 2022 14:34:54 GMT
Wicked v Frozen, for spectacle. A good theatre? Traveling over, taking in some shows, daughter 14, so looking to see something thats 'big' / on the Westend. Hamilton, &jULIET, Newsies are booked, so its just this final choice. BTTF, Les Mis, LionKing? I would vote for Frozen over Wicked, for a number of reasons. |
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Post by kyvai on Dec 8, 2022 16:16:08 GMT
You’ll probably find cheaper tickets for Wicked than Frozen. I’ve been to Wicked twice this year (many more times over the years!) and from a lot of other reports, my impression is that the current production is a bit patchy in terms of quality. I’m also not a fan of the theatre itself, although if you are further forward it is a much better view, I wouldn’t even bother going if the only seats you could get were say in the back 2/3rds of either stalls or circle. If the Wicked tour is coming near you in the next few years, I’d say see that instead. It can’t be worse than the Apollo currently is.
I love Frozen and it is fabulous for spectacle, but it is expensive unless you can get tickets during a sale or offer period. And I think it will be around for a looooong time so you’ll probably get another chance.
Not a Hamilton fan at all, just don’t like the style of the music, so won’t comment on that.
Back To The Future is great spectacle, especially if you can be mid stalls or front of the dress circle. Upper circle was a poor view IMHO. It won’t be around forever. Also don’t think this has been suggested for spectacle - but Mary Poppins. A lot of impressive stagey stuff at Mary Poppins, and the nostalgia factor is high as most of us whatever age know the film right? I’d definitely recommend Mary Poppins as worth a visit for anyone, unless they know they hate the film! And it’s closing soon.
So yeah, Wicked vs Frozen, I vote Mary Poppins 😂
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 8, 2022 16:30:37 GMT
Also don’t think this has been suggested for spectacle - but Mary Poppins. A lot of impressive stagey stuff at Mary Poppins, and the nostalgia factor is high as most of us whatever age know the film right? I’d definitely recommend Mary Poppins as worth a visit for anyone, unless they know they hate the film! And it’s closing soon. So yeah, Wicked vs Frozen, I vote Mary Poppins 😂 I did suggest this earlier in the thread - no longer a lone voice! 😂 |
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Back to the Future has a teenage hero (even if Marty is played by guys in their 20s) and the story is very appealing to teenagers, plus, as people say, it's spectacle. 
