Theatre in London

London is known for its theaters and we must recognize that the theater scene in London is a vibrant and exciting. Most of the prestigious London theater houses are situated in the area of chic West End of London. On the West End in London is what Broadway is in New York.

Theaters in London regularly host international productions, which also include productions that have evolved triumphantly from New York Broadway. London theater houses are renowned for their quality, big-budget productions that attracts the cream of the crop of British, American and international actors and actresses. For example, celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Gwenneth Paltrow, Kathleen Turner have all made their presence felt in London's vibrant theater. Apart from blockbusters, London also has an exciting fringe theater, which consists of low-budget productions, and are usually held at the theater lesser-known sites for a short duration.

Looking theater is a very popular past time for the quintessential Londoner tickets and especially for the block buster productions can be extremely difficult, especially for visitors and tourists from abroad. It is always advisable to book tickets for the big-budget productions well in advance of your visit.

A list of some of London's most popular theatres is given below :

Adelphi Theatre: Located on the Strand, Adelphi Theatre provides weekly performances, Monday to Thursday. The Theatre came into prominence when it won a mind boggling six Tony Awards in the year 1997 for its production of Chicago a musical based on a tale of deceit and murder. Presently starring Frances Ruffelle as Roxie Hart with murder on her mind.

Aldwych Theatre: Located at 49 Aldwych, provides weekly performances Monday to Thursday. Currently showing a lively and vivacious show concerning an assembly of students, hell-bent on seeking recognition and affluence at the New York's High School for the Performing Arts.

Apollo Victoria Theatre: Located at 17 Wilton Road, provides weekly performance, Monday to Thursday. Presently showing Saturday Night Fever, the archetypal 1977 hit film with a playing sound track and some of the most revolutionary composition ever witnessed in a musical theatre. The show has over 30 of UK's most promising young musicians and is an out and out family show. The show is Disco at its best.

Cambridge Theatre: Located at Earlham Street, provides weekly performances Monday to Thursday. Currently showing an altered version of cult TV show - "Jerry Springer The Opera". You will witness victory and disaster in this path breaking opera. A strict no, no for kids.

Dominion Theatre: Located at Tottenham Court Road with weekly performances. The theatre showcases the hit songs of Rock band Queen and the story has been designed to perfection by Ben Elton. Some of the all time great numbers of Queen has been presented in the most thrilling version due primarily to the intimate association of the band's lead guitarist - Brian May and drummer - Roger Taylor at every step of the production process. The show has been hugely popular with the audience but not so with its detractors.

Globe Theatre: Located at New Globe Walk, Bankside. Currently hosts Shakespearian plays. The Globe Theatre was set up primarily due to the pioneering zeal of the late American actor Sam Wannamaker. The present Globe Theatre has been built as a replica of the original wooden structure, which was razed to the ground by a devastating fire in 1613. At Globe Theatre, plays are staged in open air while the audiences watch the proceedings from the courtyard or from the sheltered balconies.

Her Majesty's Theatre: Located at Haymarket, St. James, showcases the Phantom of the opera. This blockbuster Andrew Lloyd Webber musical rendition has entered its fifteenth year and has become a global phenomenon, which has its productions being showcased in more than 60 countries worldwide. The story is set on the backdrop of the Paris Opera, which has been an enduring classic.

London Palladium: Located at 8 Argyll Street, currently showing the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which is a Barbara Broccoli production starring big guns like Michael Ball, Paul O'Graddy, Anton Rogers, Emma Williams and Brian Blessed.

Lyceum Theatre: Located at 21 Wellington Street which showcases "The Lion King" musical, which is an animated Disney movie, introduced in the theatre arena and popular for its prolific animal costumes and incredible puppets. The music is by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice.

National Theatre: Located in Littleton, Southbank which hosts a wide range of plays. Check out with the Reception Desk of National Theatre well in advance of your visit.

New London Theatre: Located at Parker Street, which is currently showing "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Democrat". It is a biblical story about Joseph's colorful coat and has none other than Darren Day playing the role of Joseph.

Prince Edward Theatre: Located at 28 Old Crompton Street. The 1970's mega Swedish pop group. "Abba" was a phenomenon in the 70's decade and anyone who grew up in that era will vouch for Abba's stupendous popularity. Today even after all these years which has witnessed tremendous changes in the global music scene, the popularity of some of Abba's hit singles still endures, courtesy topping the best music charts and countdown shows. The Mamma Mia musical rendition features 22 most popular songs sung by Abba with the active co-operation and concurrence of its band members. This show is undoubtedly very popular and highly admired by London's discerning theatre going crowd.

Queen's Theatre: Located at Shaftesbury Avenue and is renowned for the altered version of internationally best selling author - Victor Hugo's work of fiction in revolutionary France. It made its London debut way back in 1985 and ever since then the show has already been staged in 28 countries across the globe.

Theatre Royal - Drury Lane: Located at Catherine Street which stages "The Producers" is a musical rendition of Mel Brook's classic film of the same name. The show highlights the precarious career of pitiable producer Max Bialystock and his trusted accountant Leo Bloom forcing them to invent a fortune making scheme, courtesy, a melodramatic theatre flop - "Springtime For Hitler".