London theatre breaks are a great way treat for your loved one this winter, maybe for an early Christmas present. But the thought of choosing which show or musical to see is daunting due to the amazing selection, and that’s without considering which hotel to stay in to complete your theatre break. The obvious choice would be to select a hotel in London that is situated close to the venue you are visiting. No one wants to ruin their night by having to travel half way across the city to get to bed. In this blog post, we are going to look at some of the top shows and musicals currently playing in London and some of the top hotels you could stay in on your break. Grease Barely needing any introduction, Grease, the smash hit musical is in its fourth year at the Piccadilly Theatre and is still going strong. The world famous story of high school sweet hearts Danny and Sandy is bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Currently starring Matthew Goodgame and Lauren Samuels, this sing along show features all your favourite songs from the film including “Greased Lightnin’”, “You’re the one that I want” and “Summer Nights”. But where is best to stay after you have boogied the night away with the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies? Less than a quarter of a mile away and just off Trafalgar Square is the four star Royal Trafalgar hotel. It’s not only close to many of the theatres in London but also is perfect for shopping on Oxford Street and Regent street. London theatre district A slightly cheaper option, though a little further away, is the three star Curzon Plaza Mayfair. Located just half a mile from the theatre (a fifteen minute walk) you can either hit the hay or head out and enjoy the nearby nightlife of Leicester Square. If you have enough energy for shopping the next day, you will be well set to hit the streets of both Regent Street and Bond Street. Jersey Boys The Tony Award winning Jersey Boys is another great show to see as part of a London Theatre Break. The story follows the rise to fame of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their humble beginnings in Newark, New Jersey to the success they found singing hits such as “Can’t take my eyes off you” and “Oh, What a night”. Winning awards for “Best Musical”, “Best Actor in a Musical”, “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” and “Best Lighting Design of a Musical” you know you are in for a good night seeing Jersey Boys. Currently playing Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street, there are plenty of Hotels to choose from when booking your Theatre Break. The Grade 1 Listed Thistle Charing Cross is a 4 star contemporary hotel located on the Strand. This stunning hotel is centrally located, making it not only easy to reach from your theatre but many of the great London Landmarks like Buckingham Palace are a short walk. Another option when going to see Jersey Boys, is staying at the Elegant Kingsley Hotel. With a three star rating and location in the heart of Bloomsbury, the hotel is under half a mile from the Prince Edward Theatre and has a rich history due to it once being home to the British Library and attracting legendary authors such as Dickens and WB Yeats. Nearby attractions include The British Museum and Covent Garden. Mamma Mia Over 40 million people have seen the sensational musical Mamma Mia, and it was London where the show was first shown in 1999. Now adapted into a smash hit movie, even more people are queuing up to see the hit musical. Incorporating the songs of Abba, Mamma Mia tells the story of a women’s journey to identify her father on an Island that they had last visited with her mother 20 years ago. Prince of Wales Theatre on Coventry Street has many hotels within a short distance for you to stay in on your theatre break. If you really want to treat your loved one, then the 5 star Royal Horseguards is under half a mile from the theatre. London Eye Sitting on the banks of the Thames and styled on a French château, this hotel really is impressive, especially as it has just been awarded the AA London Hotel of the Year 2010-2011. Like most central London hotels, the Royal Horseguards is a great base for seeing the sights of the city. It really is worth booking a London Hotel and theatre tickets together in a Theatre Break package as you will be able to make considerable savings over buying them separately. Top Hotels for your London Theatre Break was originally posted at London Theatre Breaks blog

I tend to bang on about rail travel as preferable to driving, but theatre breaks by coach offer a different kind of experience altogether. People over a certain age may well have bad memories of coach journeys back in the bad old days when there were no onboard facilities, long uncomfortable journeys around bendy trunk roads with groups of badly behaved people and children. I know I do. But modern coaches have air conditioning, plush comfortable seating, traffic news by radio and sat nav, personal entertainment and are a fast and relaxing way to travel hundreds of miles from city centre to city centre. When you arrive in London on a theatre break by coach, you are not left to yourself to find the hotel and the theatre because you are part of a coach party who are all going to the same show and you usually get picked up outside the theatre by the coach which then drives you all directly to the hotel after the show. That can make the whole stopover a lot more manageable for some people. Theatre Breaks by Coach - Theatre Breaks Magazine Another thing I’m really excited about being able to offer now that we have Coach Theatre Breaks available through the Magazine Readers Offers is the opportunity to book a theatre break for one. Yes, there is a single room supplement to cover the extra hotel costs, but it’s a lot better than being confronted with a booking form that asks you to select the number of tickets required starting at two! And if you go on a coach trip to London’s West End as a single person then you have the perfect choice as to whether you want to keep yourself to yourself or socialise a bit with other people who are coming from the same town as yourself and will be around at the hotel and on the coach journey home again after having seen the same show.

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Midweek Breaks are cheaper than weekend breaks The cost of travel by train, bus or air is always a bit more at weekends and holidays, while the best discounts are always reserved for midweek and off peak travel only. While business hotels may have spare capacity at weekends, all the best Hotels in areas popular for tourism and holidays will charge extra from Friday onwards, with some adding as much as the same amount again to the nightly rate. Everywhere is busier at weekends, particularly on the transport system where reduced services are offered because of the lack of commuters, who pay for the midweek service through season tickets. With so many extra people around, everything seems to tale a little bit longer and is more stressful. Delays are a more frequent occurrence too, which takes all the fun away. Midweek breaks beat the weekend I’m sure you can recall the downsides to travelling when it’s busy, as outlined above. Higher prices, busier travel connections, less relaxation or fun. But there is a very simple way to overcome these problems, just by arranging to take midweek breaks instead. I know it means juggling around work and study priorities perhaps, but the benefits are  many  so why not try and be a little more flexible with your dates and then bag a much better bargain mid week. Less people travelling makes the journey ticket prices lower. You can travel against the commuter flow and have loads of space to yourself as well as easier through connections and onward journeys. That means you can choose your own seat, or maybe even a whole compartment around a table. Hotel and theatre deals will be offered at the best discounts for both the theatre tickets and the overnight accommodation. That’s because midweek for theatres is a quieter time, and there are more likely to be spare seats available. The weekends and children’s holidays always get booked up first. Delays and Weekend engineering works are just not going to happen if it’s Monday Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday. Friday morning can be good too, but watch out for Friday afternoon because that’s no longer considered to be mid week – the weekend starts here. By now you must be sufficiently convinced to book UK  midweek breaks – stay tuned to the midweek breaks blog for all the best special offers and mid week deals.

The best theatre breaks deal this month is with Show&Stay. From now (August) until September 21st you can choose from 13 of the top shows in  a free hotel package. Prices start from just £50 per person including your hotel, and they are good tickets too! Shows The following shows are included in the offer but act fast as some of these will go quickly:

All the Fun of the Fair Blood Brothers Billy Elliot Burn the Floor Chicago Dirty Dancing Dreamboats and Petticoats Grease (with Lauren Samuels, Over the Rainbow runner-up) Hair Jersey Boys Sweet Charity Sister Act (with Whoopi Goldberg!) We Will Rock You

Find out more The free hotel room offer is available for booking until 21st September. Upgrades One of the best things about this offer is that you can upgrade to a 4* central hotel from just a tenner each! Buy two theatre tickets for any show in the offer and enjoy a 4-star hotel stay from just £10pp The other great upgrade is  that you can stay an extra night from just £30 per person. This gives you the chance to see some great shows and have a mini-holiday at a very reasonable price. Here’s that link again: Check if your dates are available

Theatre Breaks with Free Hotel Offer was originally posted at London Theatre Breaks blog

Here’s the news today, Theatre Breaks have launched their summer offer with a 10% discount off everything on the website! Theatre Breaks site wide Summer Sale kicks off today, June 15th and lasts for the whole of June. Every theatre break booked will be at a saving of 10%… All Shows, All Hotels, All the Extras… All at 10% Off. Here’s the link for the 10% discount: Theatre Breaks with 10% Off Everything So you can tailor make your break as usual with your choice of show, hotel and dates and create yourself a bargain! *Book today for big savings – Theatre & Hotel Packages from just £55.80 per person! *Book today and upgrade to a 4 or 5 star hotel – with the money you save. *Book today and plan ahead – secure your Summer Holiday, Half-term getaway, Christmas do or New Year’s bash – all at a great reduction. The discount will run until 1700hrs GMT, June 30th – leaving you only a few days to take advantage of a great saving on your next trip to London, whenever that might be. Theatre Breaks Here’s the link again for the 10% discount: Theatre Breaks with 10% Off Everything 10% OFF all Theatre Breaks was originally posted at London Theatre Breaks blog

I wonder if you’ve ever considered cheap breaks to Ireland, and specifically the North? The reason is because I’ve heard that hotels in Belfast are slashing their prices in a bid to attract more people to the region, so that’s good news for  anybody planning holidays to the North of Ireland in the near future. According to one website, various hotel chains are offering good deals, including the Travelodge, which has rooms from £17 between February 1st and June 6th, if accommodation is booked at least 21 days in advance.  Value breaks across the country are also being promoted by the Irish Hotels Federation for two-night stays at hotels with three stars, which may be tempting for people interested in city breaks, with best prices at weekends. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast is ideally located in the city centre, formally the Gasworks area. The hotel is close to the city and out of the way of its hustle and bustle, allowing our guests to have a good night’s sleep and a good time out. Here are some of the best Belfast Attractions to get the most out of cheap breaks to Northern Ireland

The Odyssey Arena Grand Opera House Botanic Gardens- Belfast City Hall Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Queens University The Lagan Look Out Harland and Wolfe Belfast’s ship yard Belfast Zoo Belfast Castle

Arriving at Belfast for cheap breaks by Ferry Belfast Harbour The Port of Belfast is Northern Ireland’s principal maritime gateway, serving the Northern Ireland economy and increasingly that of the Republic of Ireland. About 60% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade and 20% of the entire island’s is handled by the Port which receives over 6000 vessels each year. The Port is also a major centre of industry and commerce – its Harbour Estate is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most important urban regeneration projects and it is the region’s leading logistics & distribution hub. With 1.2 million passengers and half a million freight units annually, Belfast is Ireland’s busiest ferry port. It is also the island’s leading dry bulk port, dominating the market with regard to imports of grain and animal feeds, coal, fertilisers and cement, and exports of scrap and aggregates. Over 95% of Northern Ireland’s petroleum and oil products are also handled at the Port. http://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk Larne Harbour Belfast can be reached by ferry from Liverpool in England and Stranraer in Scotland. Norse Merchant Ferries operate the Belfast to Liverpool route and the journey takes around 8 hours. Stenaline runs the Belfast to Stranraer route and the journey takes less than 2 hours by fast ferry, and 3 hours 15 minutes by slow ferry. Larne, 23 miles north of Belfast has ferries from Troon (Summer only) and Cairnryan (near Stranraer) operated by P&O while Stenaline have a service to Fleetwood (near Blackpool). http://www.portoflarne.co.uk Bangor Marina Bangor Marina is situated on the south shore of Belfast Lough, close the Irish Sea cruising routes. The marina has become well known since it opened for providing a safe berth in the centre of Bangor, a highly attractive town with many places to visit. Bangor Marina is operated by Quay Marinas under a 15 year licence granted by North Down Borough Council. The Marina Manager, Andrew Jaggers, and his friendly team are there to make your stay at Bangor Marina as enjoyable and safe as possible so please speak to a member of staff if you need any help. The Marina is staffed 24 hours a day so there should always be someone on hand to provide any further information. Carrickfergus Marina The marina area at Carrickfergus boasts excellent amenities for berthing, setting sail and relaxing. The impressive marina building hosts the customer service team, who are friendly, confident and experienced, ready to greet any visitor 24 hours a day. Carrickfergus Marina’s excellence has been reflected by receiving the prestigious quality accreditation of 5 Gold Anchor and European Blue Flag Status as well as designation as an RYA Sailability Centre. There’s always a warm welcome from the staff at Carrickfergus Marina and the exclusive amenities provided in the Marina building will make your stay all the more enjoyable. No detail is overlooked in the exclusive berth holder facilities. Immaculately presented showers, and personal laundry service, together with a bespoke marine services area and state of the art meeting/conference facilities, are just some of the facilities available. The area around the Marina is a hub of activity, with a modern complex that offers restaurants, a childrens’ play facility, a hotel, a multi screen cinema, convenient superstore and a vibrant sailing club. There are inviting bar/restaurant facilities overlooking the marina and harbour – the ideal way to laze away a long summer evening or enjoy a hot drink on a winter’s night. The customer service team, located at the marina local information point, will also be delighted to provide information about other activities and places of interest in the town and beyond. There are also ferry services available from Holyhead in Wales, and Liverpool in England to Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire. Other ferry routes to Ireland include Pembroke and Fishguard in Wales to Rosslare in Co Wexford; and Roscoff and Cherbourg in France to Rosslare. For details on routes and schedules please visit: P & O Irish Sea: Troon & Cairnryan to Larne Dublin to Liverpool http://www.poirishsea.com Stena Line: Stranraer to Belfast Fleetwood to Larne Holyhead to Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Fishguard to Rosslare http://www.stenaline.co.uk Irish Ferries: Holyhead to Dublin Pembroke to Rosslare Roscoff & Cherbourg to Rosslare http://www.irishferries.com Norfolkline: Liverpool to Belfast & Dublin http://www.norfolkline.com

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Lion King Anniversary theatre breaks As you may well know by now, the Lion King musical is celebrating a tenth anniversary in London’s West End. It’s a great family show and we’d like to offer this special theatre break package from Superbreak of Lion King theatre tickets and a three star hotel for only £60 per person: The Lion King Celebrates its 10th Anniversary, ticket & 3*, £60.00pp Show Available until August 2010 The Lion King Theatre Breaks Disney’s marvellous musical about the young Prince Simba, his father King Musafa and evil Uncle Scar. An award-winning score with fantastic choreography continue to make The Lion King one of London’s favourite shows. Lion King London Video

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Jersey Boys Theatre Breaks in London I watched theatregoers young and old coming out of the Prince Edward Theatre into Greek Street one summer evening and they were all oozing with enthusiasm for the show. So what may have seemed an unlikely musical for the London audiences has in fact turned out to be a strong favourite for theatre breaks. The Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons which captures the heady rush to stardom of a group of ordinary boys, and that’s the kind of story which, when done well, can take the audience on a journey that pulls all the emotions in succession. For people of the right age, just the sound of the music is highly evocative but for those too young to remember, the catchy tunes and rich harmonies quickly provoke the same, fingersnapping sense of fun.

Soho Theatre Breaks with the Jersey Boys The fabulous Art Deco Prince Edward Theatre is right in the centre of London’s theatreland, by old Compton Street and Greek Street in the lively Soho area where the nightlife buzzes and a myriad of different cultures converge in the streets, shops and pavement bars.

You might try and get a hotel as close to the centre as possible, to take advantage of the freedom afforded by being able to stroll back to the quiet comfort of your private room at whatever time feel inclined to retire. The Strand Palace down by Charing Cross, St Giles Hotel up at Tottenham Court Road or any of the Drury Lane hotels would be perfect. The whole area is brimming with little bistros and restaurants all doing pre-theatre and post-theatre menus as well so whether you book in advance to eat at the hotel or else wander the streets until somewhere takes your fancy you’ll be guaranteed to find something to suit all tastes. Try not to spend too long making your mind up though! Jersey Boys Cast The London cast of Jersey Boys are all very talented singers and performers in their own right, and have got the Four Seasons’ sound down to a tee. They do also have a strong following amongst female fans who seem to split along lines of opinion as to which Jersey Boy is the best looking, but don’t worry – there are plenty of very attractive Jersey Girls in the stage show as well, and there are many more than just the main stars on stage for the breathtakingly choreographed set pieces. Jersey Boys at West End Live This promotional video follows the Jersey Boys backstage as they prepare for the West End Live event in 2008 and gives a great idea of the rapport and fun between the cast that undoubtedly helps to make the show the success it has become, putting Jersey Boys Theatre Breaks at the top of the London visitors choices. Click here to view the embedded video. ** book Jersey Boys Theatre Breaks  **

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Michael Jackson at the O2 Arena ** book Michael Jackson O2 Concert Breaks ** Concert Breaks from July 2009 to February 2010 The O2 Arena, Docklands is now the premium venue in London for huge international superstar concerts and shows.

Michael Jackson returns to the stage for a historic series of shows at The O2 Arena, performing in London for the last time ever. The controversial but undisputed ‘King of Pop’ performs his greatest hits and dance routines for the biggest gig in town which has now extended right into 2010.  If you’ve enjoyed  “Thriller Live!” in London’s theatreland, then this is a chance to see the real Michael Jackson as well!

Michael Jackson hasn’t played a series of concerts since he last toured the UK 12 years ago, and these huge shows promise a sensational return to the limelight with a high calibre band, state-of-the-art stage show and great support acts. Hotel and Concert Package Breaks You can get one or two night hotel packages for these unique shows, with

Overnight Hotel Accommodation Included 4 or 5 Star Hotel 1 or 2 Night’s Stay Second price Lower Tier Seats (not way up in the balcony!)

Book a concert break to see Michael Jackson at the O2 - July 2009 to February 2010 online via Superbreak.  Package includes tickets to Michael Jackson at the O2 - London Docklands with overnight hotel stay all in the price. Please note that the concert tickets may be for the first or second night hotel stay, depending on hotel, dates etc - just so you know what you want when checking availability.

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Choosing your dates for London breaks When it comes to choosing your dates for booking London breaks, I appreciate some can be more flexible than others. It all depends on what your visit is mainly for. Perhaps to mark a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, in which case seeing a show on the big day may be important. Others will be happy to organise around the nearest weekend if a midweek break is out of the question because of weekday commitments. Or seeing a special show may be the whole purpose, booking a london break to get those sought after tickets. If a midweek London break is at all a possibility then it does have a lot going for it. Not only are the best show tickets more likely to be available than on a Saturday night, and the chances of picking up a better value hotel deal increased, but also I think the London life is just a tad more authentic when the city is doing it’s business day thing, with places such as the City of London almost deserted at weekends. Not only that but if you plan to do a little shopping thne places like Oxford Street are much easier to negotiate when the Saturday crowds are absent.

Midweek London Breaks on offer Several times a year there are special offers for Midweek London breaks with top musicals and these include a Monday to Thursday show and for some a Friday is a possibility as well. This reflects the fact that London hotels are in demand not just for business clients during the week but largely for tourists and visitors at weekends who outnumber the corporate residents, thus creating some spare capacity on weekdays. Of course Saturday night show tickets always sell out first as well, so midweek is the way to go if you can get away with it at all. London Breaks by Rail

Travel to London from the UK is often best by intercity fast train network. Even if you are the sort of person who goes everywhere by car, for a London break, this is really not a good place to bring one because of the traffic, the parking problems, the unforgiveness of London drivers and taxis for those who are unfamiliar with where they are going and worries over breaking the congestion charge regulations. Rail travel on the other hand should bring you to central London in a relatively relaxed and stress free frame of mind to enjoy the theatre. There are just a couple of tips I’d point out to help you plan London breaks by rail. * Rush hour - don’t arrive in London before 9.30am or depart for your return journey between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are coming a few hundred miles but could be an issue for those in the South East of England who try to spend the whole day in London as well as travelling. * Quiet Carriages - If you should be unfortunate enough to be seated next to a loud mobile phone user or families with DVD players on some routes then seeking out the designated Quiet Carriage will solve it, and they can also be less crowded. * First Class upgrades can be well worth the small premium, ( lookout for “Weekend First” deals) and you might get some sort of meal and and a newspaper thrown in. For best value rail tickets, booking in advance is the key and if you book rail tickets as part of a London break with show, hotel stay and any attractions as well you can save up to 40% on the rail component.

London breaks What is it about the grand hotels and theatres that makes London breaks ever popular? Something more than just the convenience I’m sure. Old fashioned style, social aspiration, romance maybe? The anonymous but attentive service combined with an expectation that everything you could possibly need will be there ready and waiting, or easily conjured up via room service. Modern life is relentless and for the most part let’s be honest, it can consist of following a series of rather dull routines so you don’t have to be an art intellectual or wealthy bon vivant to feel attracted by the idea of just one or two nights break in a smart central London hotel as a complete escape from the same old four walls, kitchen, relatives and other humdrum at home. The West End It’s not that I have any illusions as to what the image of London conjures up in many people’s minds. It’s a great big, busy, noisy city where the citizens are often tired and frazzled from over-stimulation, pressure and travel. They’d like a break too! London as a capital is nothing like Paris, Edinburgh or Cardiff and there can be resentment that so much political, financial and cultural leadership seems to be assumed to begin and end in London. That’s unfortunate in some ways, but then the sheer weight of population, history and connection gives London a momentum that cannot be ignored. Regional theatre may be more innovative in its creativity, and perhaps more intimate in the performance but it’s only when a show makes it to the West End that the bigger name stars can be attracted and the investment comes in for the stunning sets and longer runs. It’s the same story for music, fine art, dance etc. So people come on short breaks to London to see the best shows and soak up the West End atmosphere. London Theatreland

You see, London’s theatreland is quite a small area in the central part of the city which is a stamping ground not just for Londoners (many of whom may not go there for months on end) but for all people from every city, village and nation. On any day, weekend or midweek the culture vulture crowds are present in large numbers, ambling about in groups or couples, plenty of singles too. The lights and buzz hold an attraction for young people as much as the distant familiarity does for people who have been visiting London occasionally for one reason or another over decades. And much of theatreland has not been spoilt. That’s because the classic old theatre buildings themselves have been classed as grade two listed, both exterior and interior. So even when there is a poor year for theatre bookings, as happens from time to time, they cannot be pulled down or turned over for a completely different use. London Map This first map is just to give an idea of how London breaks up into distinct geographical areas with the red central area so much smaller than the great connurbation where the majority of Londoners live and work.

And theatreland is only a part of that centre. Arrival by intercity train for London hotel theatre and train breaks will mean a short journey from one of the famous mainline rail terminals into the centre and then you may not need to venture outside again or set foot in a tube or taxi until it’s time to return home, as long as you book a hotel which is inside the zone. Getting to the Theatres Here’s the street map of London Theatreland clearly showing each of the Theatres by name so it’s easy to find your way around. The same goes for the Hotels and restaurants which can be booked for pre-theatre meals, often very reasonably as part of a show, hotel and travel deal.

Top Musicals

Oliver! Phantom of the Opera Dirty Dancing Joseph Billy Elliot Sound Of Music Hairspray Lion King We Will Rock You Grease Jersey Boys Blood Brothers Mamma Mia! Les Miserables

Plays * God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza (ART!) with Ralph Fiennes, Tamsin Greig (Black Books, Green Wing, Love soup and Debbie Aldridge from The Archers) * The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie still going strong decades later - who dunnit? * The Vortex by Noel Coward with Felicity Kendal Pre-Theatre Dining on London Breaks Overall, London simply has a wider selection of fine international restaurants than any other world city. You can pre book as part of a London theatre and hotel breaks package, or just wander round for a short while until you are tempted. So ‘bon appetit’ and enjoy your capital. Stumble It!

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog London breaks with theatre show and hotel

Technorati Tags: hotel, London, londonbreaks, map, rail, restaurant, show, theatre, theatreland, westend

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London breaks What is it about the grand hotels and theatres that makes London breaks ever popular? Something more than just the convenience I’m sure. Old fashioned style, social aspiration, romance maybe? The anonymous but attentive service combined with an expectation that everything you could possibly need will be there ready and waiting, or easily conjured up via room service. Modern life is relentless and for the most part let’s be honest, it can consist of following a series of rather dull routines so you don’t have to be an art intellectual or wealthy bon vivant to feel attracted by the idea of just one or two nights break in a smart central London hotel as a complete escape from the same old four walls, kitchen, relatives and other humdrum at home. The West End It’s not that I have any illusions as to what the image of London conjures up in many people’s minds. It’s a great big, busy, noisy city where the citizens are often tired and frazzled from over-stimulation, pressure and travel. They’d like a break too! London as a capital is nothing like Paris, Edinburgh or Cardiff and there can be resentment that so much political, financial and cultural leadership seems to be assumed to begin and end in London. That’s unfortunate in some ways, but then the sheer weight of population, history and connection gives London a momentum that cannot be ignored. Regional theatre may be more innovative in its creativity, and perhaps more intimate in the performance but it’s only when a show makes it to the West End that the bigger name stars can be attracted and the investment comes in for the stunning sets and longer runs. It’s the same story for music, fine art, dance etc. So people come on short breaks to London to see the best shows and soak up the West End atmosphere. London Theatreland

You see, London’s theatreland is quite a small area in the central part of the city which is a stamping ground not just for Londoners (many of whom may not go there for months on end) but for all people from every city, village and nation. On any day, weekend or midweek the culture vulture crowds are present in large numbers, ambling about in groups or couples, plenty of singles too. The lights and buzz hold an attraction for young people as much as the distant familiarity does for people who have been visiting London occasionally for one reason or another over decades. And much of theatreland has not been spoilt. That’s because the classic old theatre buildings themselves have been classed as grade two listed, both exterior and interior. So even when there is a poor year for theatre bookings, as happens from time to time, they cannot be pulled down or turned over for a completely different use. London Map This first map is just to give an idea of how London breaks up into distinct geographical areas with the red central area so much smaller than the great connurbation where the majority of Londoners live and work.

And theatreland is only a part of that centre. Arrival by intercity train for London hotel theatre and train breaks will mean a short journey from one of the famous mainline rail terminals into the centre and then you may not need to venture outside again or set foot in a tube or taxi until it’s time to return home, as long as you book a hotel which is inside the zone. Getting to the Theatres Here’s the street map of London Theatreland clearly showing each of the Theatres by name so it’s easy to find your way around. The same goes for the Hotels and restaurants which can be booked for pre-theatre meals, often very reasonably as part of a show, hotel and travel deal.

Top Musicals

Oliver! Phantom of the Opera Dirty Dancing Joseph Billy Elliot Sound Of Music Hairspray Lion King We Will Rock You Grease Jersey Boys Blood Brothers Mamma Mia! Les Miserables

Plays * God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza (ART!) with Ralph Fiennes, Tamsin Greig (Black Books, Green Wing, Love soup and Debbie Aldridge from The Archers) * The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie still going strong decades later - who dunnit? * The Vortex by Noel Coward with Felicity Kendal Pre-Theatre Dining on London Breaks Overall, London simply has a wider selection of fine international restaurants than any other world city. You can pre book as part of a London theatre and hotel breaks package, or just wander round for a short while until you are tempted. So ‘bon appetit’ and enjoy your capital. Stumble It!

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog London breaks with theatre show and hotel

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Ever thought about weekend theatre breaks in London? Book London theatre break tickets now, with hotel or travel and meal in any combination via DARnet through London Theatre Breaks It’s well known that in London we have lots of famous old theatres all around the Shaftesbury Avenue area of the West End ‘Theatreland’ as well as Drury Lane, Shakespeare’s Globe and the South Bank complex. Ticket sales have struggled a bit in recent years, particularly during the Americans fear of flying after 9/11 in 2001. They were an important source of customers. The standard of some the shows dropped a bit too, with many of the great musicals being replaced by tribute band shows, but things are looking up again now. Noel Coward From February 2008, for example the great Noel Coward classic of “The Vortex” is playing at the Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue. Felicity Kendal has been cast as Florence Lancaster. Theatre Deals Londoners themselves often don’t take advantage of the world class entertainment available in the capital, with out of town visitors making up the majority of theatre goers. The best plan is to arrive by train, plane or coach (never by car) and stay in a centrally located hotel so that getting back after the show isn’t an issue. It’s the central hotel which can add massively to the overall expense so that’s why a lot of people look for all inclusive package deal theatre breaks in London, or weekend deals, with just the cost of a restaurant meal or two to find after paying for the break in advance. Restaurants in theatreland are diverse and offer special pre-theatre menus for quite reasonable prices, so you can have a good night out in the area even if you don’t have show tickets for any particular evening. I often find myself wandering up from Charing Cross station and just following my nose, or else revisiting regular haunts. Off West End For those who don’t mind venturing a little further afield than the traditional tourist venues, there are always the Theatre Bars in Islington, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and others mentioned in OffWestEnd where some more challenging, contemporary and economical performances may be found. Book Theatre Breaks in London For booking a show and hotel package deal, with or without discount rail travel I’ve found one site which seems to have the best selection available and also offers a best price guarantee: Book London theatre tickets now, with hotel or travel and meal in any combination via DARnet through London Theatre Breaks . .

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