Growing up with Disney movies and Glee made me a musical-obsessed individual. It was a guarantee that all my nights in London will be saved for watching musicals. Plus they are a lot cheaper than tickets in Singapore. Even though I was aware of the hacks to get cheaper tickets, I was just too tired to wake up and get them early in the morning. TodayTix app made the bookings so much easier. (This is not sponsored, but TodayTix, please sponsor me.) They have £20 Rush Tickets, last minute tickets for shows that night and £20 lottery tickets, top two category tickets being sold at just £20. Also, your friend/family can get £10 off from the first show they booked using your referral code and you will get £10 back too. This referral program was extremely useful as we used our accounts to get almost £50 pounds off our musical tickets!
Here are the musicals that I have watched in Theatreland and my ratings for each show! Do note each theatre only shows one musical and the seating plans may not be the same (for example Row D in Apollo Victoria Theatre may not be the second row from the stage). Musicals are a great way to end the night so make sure to catch one while in West End!
1. Kinky Boots
Rating: 10/10
Price: £55 for Row R, Stalls
My personal favourite! For those who binge watches Rupaul’s Drag Race and/or those who are simply amazed by the talents of Drag Queens, this musical is for you! I was blown away by the songs and the amazing cast. I have never enjoyed myself so much at a musical before, even my sister commented that my eyes were gleaming and I couldn’t stop grinning. Matt Henry was absolutely mindblowing good as Lola, especially in his solo “Hold Me in Your Heart”. Kinky Boots touches on the importance of acceptance; in individuals’ dreams, sexuality and gender. Accepting people beyond stereotypes and importance of forgiveness were important themes in this glitzy West End Show.
2. Wicked
Rating: 8.5/10
Price: £22 for Row P, Stalls
I have caught this when the cast came to Singapore but I felt that Wicked would a great starting musical for my parents who have never watched a musical in their lives. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the untold story of the witches of Oz is highly recommended for those just starting to watch musicals or simply those who love fairy tales. The soundtrack is amazing and honestly, one can’t go wrong with Wicked. I could watch this classic over and over again without getting bored.
3. Half a Sixpence
Rating: 7/10 Price: £27 for Row D, Stalls (2nd row from stage)
The adaption of Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul is a perky musical comedy. All about Arthur, an orphan who inherits a fortune and used it to climb the social ladder. The main plot focuses on his dilemma between his childhood sweetheart and a well-to-do teacher. My bucketlist of sitting in the front few rows was checked off, but it wasn’t as fun as I anticipated. I could finally spot the microphones of the actors, though it also resulted in a strained neck and had the view of saliva being spat out. I recommend this to those who enjoy chick flicks and fluffy happy endings. My tip is to choose your seats from Row E onwards.
4. Jersey Boys
Rating: 6/10 Price: £28 for Dress Circle
I enjoyed the Jersey Boys movie and the tickets were one of the cheapest from theatre stalls along Oxford Street. Tickets also came with a free drink and sweet at the Theatre Café! Based on a true story, the narrative musical covers the journey of four individuals inventing their own unique song and the roller-coaster ride they experienced. Filled with male ego, wrong decisions, and young hearts, enjoy this musical documentary of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
5. An American in Paris
Rating: 5/10 Price: £20 Rush Tickets, Stalls
Let me let you in on a secret; I usually discover musicals through their soundtracks on Spotify. And I was excited to watch An American in Paris as I fell in love with the songs. However, I was disappointed when the show encompassed more ballet and dancing than singing. A bunch of people left during the intermission as well. However, I have to admit that they had one of the best backdrops and props. The story-line involves a French girl and three men pining after her, a classic lover-rectangle.
Bonus: Woman in Black (Play)
Rating: 8/10 Price: £18 for Row A, Stalls
Guess who didn’t read up and though a horror play was a musical. I sat in the front row with two empty seats next to me. Half way through the play, I felt a cold breeze and looked up only to find that the ghost glided up next to me. Wonderful. Also another show not to sit in front of the stage because you will be choked by the fog machine repeatedly! The father son play was extremely engaging, leaving you at the edge of your seats watching the play within the play. The use of props and impressive acting enhanced the creepiness and left school girls screaming. The ticket checker of one of the musicals saw that I watched Woman in Black in the afternoon and commented “Scary play, wasn’t it?”
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