Electrifying! London's musicals


by Elisha Burberry - Date: 2007-09-17 - Word Count: 436 Share This!


Short weekends away always seem like such a good idea - to leave behind habits and habitats, see something new; perhaps listen to something different. But without an aim, weekends away can sometimes fall a bit flat, a case of traipsing around a large city, sporadically darting into shops and recognising monuments. This might be fine if you are happy to go with the flow, but if you prefer being busy and ‘doing' something then theatre breaks can be a great option.



Although you could always fly to Europe, why bother? There is plenty of talent and tinsel much closer to home in London, plus you'll be reducing your carbon footprint, which is one less thing to feel guilty about. A cosmopolitan capital full of verve and energy, London has something for everyone with a fantastic mixture of the historic and modern, high and low culture, exclusive restaurants and ‘greasy spoons'; its appeal will never fade although your energy might.



Famously, London also boasts a wealth of theatres, most of which are clustered in the West End - a place in which life seems to become a little rosy and everything turns out well in the end; or at least if not, you can get caught in emotive moments and feel a slightly better person. After a hard week in the office it is refreshing to inhale a little of this magic - buying into moments where life is in tune or exalted, despite real-life appearances to the contrary. Plays abound on the West End, from classics by Beckett and Mike Leigh, to intriguing performances such as Absurdia, a celebration of British Absurdist theatre.



But for luxurious, light-hearted entertainment during a London theatre break most people turn to musicals. These can be anything from the heart-wrenching tragedy of Les Misérables to the rollerblading wonder that is Starlight Express. But fans of rock and roll, doo-wap and men and women in tight leather will only be interested in one option - Grease. Taking the world by storm in the 1970s, this musical has never ceased to impress, transferring with consummate ease to the silver screen. Featuring a handsome John Travolta and an impossibly skinny Olivia Newton-John, the film went on to be nominated for an Oscar.



Most people will have a small space in their heart reserved for Grease, no matter what age they are, or indeed what gender. It is one of those family-friendly films that transcend generations; equally the musical is suitable for all ages. The ease and liveliness of Rydell High is infectious, the late 1950s costumes desirably retro, and the songs so catchy that you'll be singing in your seats.


Related Tags: musicals, film, theatre, musical, grease, rydell high, london theatre break, west end, family-friendly, london musicals, stageshow

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