Another theatre entry

As I mentioned yesterday, the big theatres in London are clustered around Leicester Square (what is known as the West End). They have the big shows with titles you probably have heard of. My sister and I saw Swimming with Sharks, starring Christian Slater, and enjoyed it a lot.

This is where Spamalot is playing (you can see the theatre is quite large from the outside).


But don't get stuck thinking you should only go to the BIG shows. I find the big shows don't really capture my attention much -- personal preference I guess and they tend to be crowded with tourists who ALL want to go to big shows. I really enjoy contemporary dance performances (there are a lot of excellent ones, some of which have political angles to them). Also, there are countless theatres spread throughout the city in what is known as Off-West End. There are even smaller theatre venues known as Fringe theatres. These will typically be very small theatres with maybe 100 seats or less, often above pubs. Many will let you buy a drink in the pub and bring it into the theatre with you. What I love about these small places is that they delve into very creative areas that might take you out of your comfort zone.

If you want to find out more about a play or performance, you should read a review of it in Timeout, a must-have weekly magazine which tells you everything going on in London.

I was just walking around town the other day and spotted this venue, although I'm not sure if it would be considered Fringe or Off-West End. I have no idea what it's about, but I bet it is a winner! Look for gems like these as they are precious.


It was a wonderfully sunny afternoon, so I took this from near the Somerset House. Ice rinks are popping up all over this city, although the temperatures are well above freezing during the day.


Cheers,

Jim