For anyone seeking the glitz, glamour and entertainment of top-class theatre, London is the place to be.
The West End is famous around the world for its storied, beautiful theatres – matched only, perhaps, by Broadway – and August has some great shows for you to enjoy. Staying at the Montcalm Finsbury Square, you’re in a perfect position to see the best and boldest shows that are playing right now. So sit back, read on and plan your own excursion to the fabulous West End.
Chicago – Phoenix Theatre
Now officially the longest-running musical in the history of Broadway, Chicago is bringing its touching performances and insanely catchy musical numbers to the West End.
The story of two ne’er-do-well female vaudevillian performers, Chicago traces the fractious, often homicidal relationship between Roxie and Velma. The show jumps through time, showing you the pair’s downfall, prison time and trials, all the time mixing in hilarious humour and showstopping musical interludes.
This production has a stellar cast, with Martin Kemp and Cuba Gooding Jr. on board and the direction is brilliant. It’s the perfect show to enjoy in the West End and only a short hop from your Montcalm Hotel London.
Bring It On – Southwark Playhouse
Based on the Kirsten Dunst-starring film of the same name, Bring It On is a hilarious deconstruction of teen high school politics and the often-murky world of cheerleading. Playing at the Southwark Playhouse, you’re in a perfect position to make the short trip from the Montcalm Finsbury Square.
The story revolves around the struggles of Torrance and Missy. Torrance is the new head cheerleader who soon finds out that her predecessor had been stealing all of their squad’s award-winning moves from a rival team. At the same time, Missy is the new girl at school who looks down on cheerleading but sees it as a way to express her athletic talents.
It’s a funny show and not without its touching moments, with everything building towards the final battle against a rival school. Nominated for a Tony Award during its Broadway run, Bring It On is a great, fun night’s theatre.
42nd Street – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
First a book, then a famous movie, then a musical, 42nd Street has seen many incarnations through its history – the book was written back in 1932 – and this production more than does justice to its source material. The Theatre Royal location is easy to get to from your Montcalm Hotel London, and you’ll only have to travel about 15-minutes to get there.
42nd Street tells the tale of director Julian Marsh and his struggles with a new production of Pretty Lady – adding a ‘show-within-a-show’ element to the story. The director’s star actress leaves the production, forcing Marsh to turn to the talented, but inexperienced – Peggy Sawyer. From there, the show charts the highs and lows of newfound stardom, all built around a raft of famous tunes like “We’re in the Money” and “About a Quarter to Nine”. It’s a fabulous production and one of the best – and most praised – running through August.
