Aiv Notc - Perception Is Reality

You have many choices with London musicals whether you want to spend an evening with the family or make it a night with a group of friends. You can find a venue nearby or travel to one of the other venues located throughout London to see one of the most talked about shows playing or discover a new favorite. Some shows will end soon while others will continue throughout the summer and fall, so you should keep this in mind as you are making your plans.

For instance, you still have time to see Backbeat, the adaptation of the 1994 film, at the Duke of York’s Theatre. This musical dramatization of The Beatles early days as they move between the late 50s, early 60s Liverpool scene to their beginnings in Hamburg, Germany stars Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffries. Closing on 18 February, this one is for all who enjoy early Beatles music but may be inadvisable for those who are looking for London musicals to bring the entire family.

Rather, you may look into other London musicals that may have a more child friendly story such as The Lion King, based on the very popular film at the Lyceum Theatre. This one runs until 9 September, so there is still plenty of time. There is also plenty of time Matilda the Musical based on the popular Roald Dahl children’s book about a girl who discovers she has extraordinary superpowers. This show plays at the Cambridge Theatre all the way until 21 October.

If you are feeling nostalgic with your London musicals, you can check out We Will Rock You, a fantasy based on the music of Queen playing at the Dominion Theatre until 20 October. The Lyric Theatre is offering Thriller Live, a tribute to the music of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 until 23 September. Those of you who enjoy 80s music telling the story of boy meets girl may enjoy Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 20 October.

There are also other period pieces such as Ragtime, which takes place at the turn of the 20th century. This is for those who like heavier fare as it deals with issues of race and transformation. This play runs at the Open Air Theatre at Regent’s Park until 8 September. The hit play Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and plays at the Prince Edward Theatre until 21 October. Even those who enjoy standards can find Gershwin’s Crazy for You at the Novello Theatre until 28 July and Berlin’s Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre until 26 January 2013.

Of course, there are many other London musicals playing throughout the year. You can find longtime favorites such as The Phantom of the Opera and new classics such as Billy Elliott. You can find some light fare when you want to indulge in a little fantasy or find a nostalgic show that puts a new spin on some of your favorite songs.