GOING TO LONDON.WANT TO SEE A SHOW? READ THIS FIRST!

If you fancy a top show in London on a theatre break remember pre Olympics everything is expensive and
they are re building roads, closing areas, and generally making things as difficult as possible. I know. I've
just been and was somewhat dismayed at RIP OFF London at it's worst. However there are some
fine shows on offer to see ( stalls seats...think £80) although many of them have been there for ages
and are available on DVD in the comfort of your living room. .....BUT...there's nothing like a live show.
Read on to find out what I think of the current shows on offer. If I have not seen one I tell you so. A mark
system of 1-10. (F) means a good family show .

SWEENEY TODD.

Micheal Ball and Imelda Staunton are wonderful in this macarbre fairy tale. The music is
excellant, the sets atmospheric and impressive. I have just seen this and enjoyed it despite
it's evil motives. The characters displayed in this show have little regard for human values
or sensitivities and therefore do not take children under 18 years of age to this one.
The show is engrossing, amusing,and beautifully sung in a show often hailed as one of
Steven Sondheim's best and if you can take the blood and the harrowing darkness of the
piece you will enjoy it as a brilliant impression  of theatre.          8.


MATILDA

New family show in London aimed squarely at 5-15 year olds but just as enjoyable for all
members of the family. Again , no expense spared on sets. A large bookshop that
miraculously changes into many scenes. Desks and chairs that appear from under the
stage. Two swings that fly over the orchestra pit and audience.etc.etc. It also has
one of the great villainesses of the musical stage. Oh yes. ...villain maybe but extremely
funny. The young cast.....and I mean young! are as well rehearsed as the adults and the
choreography is exciting and unusual sometimes using the main centre aisle of the theatre.
It has everything except great melodic songs which is the only disappointment in the whole
show. I could not remember one song as I left the theatre....but that's not the point I will
 still award 8 points for pure entertainment for everybody.       8.


GHOST.

It's the film onstage!  I have to admit although enjoyable the film was better. The music
should lift this piece above the stature of the film but once again, apart from lifting " Unchained
Melody" from sixties pop as the film did, the songs are wanting badly. Obviously written with
 an eye on younger audiences the melodies fail and the songs don't stay in the mind. The show
has moving scenes and the acting is first rate but it's success as a musical will be short -lived.
                                                                                                      6.

THE LION KING.

Wonderfully evocative of the film, with impressive singing and pupppeteering The Lion
King is every child's favourite choice and it's not difficult to see why. It has everything.
Glorious tableaus, great songs,plenty of laughs,great costumes and a good story.
A little repetition from adults who have a habit of occasionally looking at their watches,
as another set piece appears again....but the children are with it. Spellbound !!
                                                                                   9(F)

SEE PART 2 OF GOING TO LONDON IF YOU WANT MORE.   Colin.