Famous Nights Out for London Theatre - Try West End Shows

One London theatre attraction that never fails to draw huge crowds is the West End that is home to some long-running musical and other West End Shows. Tickets to this Theatreland can be quite in demand especially during peak seasons. Below are just some of the famous musicals that you can see at London's West End.

Who doesn't know or at least heard of Les Miserables that is based on the classic novel of the same title by French author Victor Hugo? Les Miserables is actually the longest running show of all time in London's West End. This is one of the huge crowd drawers. Some people have seen Les Miserables twice or even three times and still wouldn't mind watching it again for a couple more. That's simply how popular the musical is. It seems that theater goers just can't get enough of the themes of love and redemption that is wonderfully portrayed by the play. And with beautiful songs such as "Can You Hear the People Sing" and "I Dreamed a Dreamed," it was really destined to become a hit.

Another classic is the Phantom of the Opera that opened only a year after Les Miserables, making it the second longest-running musical at London's West End. It is probably the most well-loved of all Andrew Lloyd Weber creation. Based on Gaston LeRoux's novel, the story's themes of love and obsession is masterfully represented by the blending of opera and rock. "The Point of No Return" and "Masquerade" are just two of the most unforgettable songs from this musical.

If you are looking for a more contemporary musical, then We Will Rock You will definitely be to your liking. Running for eight years already, the show is set 300 years into the future and depicts the life of a young non-conformist named Gallileo and his battle against the corporate Killer Queen. If you are a fan of the British rock band Queen then you will be delighted to know that this show features some of their greatest hits such as "We Are the Champions" and of course "We Will Rock You."

Another modern classic is Mama Mia that is famous not only among Abba fans, but to everyone who can appreciate a good light and funny story. It is about a young, fatherless bride named Sophie who just discovered that her mom dated three men at the time of her conception. For her wedding, she decides to invite all three of her potential dads, turning the story into a series of one amusing scenario after another. And with Abba hits in the score such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia," this show is simply irresistible.

With all the good theatre showing in London's West End Shows, it is not hard to imagine why it is quite hard to get West End tickets. Online Theatre Tickets outlets are definitely a blessing to theatre lovers. Through these sites, you can order your tickets in advance. No need to join the long ques at London's West End.

Frank Belanger West End Shows are the place to go for a great night out in London and get tickets at http://onlinetheatretickets.com/

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Las Vegas Magic Shows

There is no better place on earth to watch a magic show than among the lights of Las Vegas. Glitz and glamour abound. The most skilled magicians in the world make their way through Las Vegas at one time or another. Some thrill and move on to other venues, others stay and perform on an almost daily basis. They cover almost every genre of magic, from the full illusions of David Copperfield to the parlor magic and humor of Mac King.

This article is not about who I think you should see, but instead a directory of sorts to guide you to the performers who are best suited for your preference and budget.

David Copperfield performs almost nightly at the MGM Grand. He is the epitome of Las Vegas magic - Big, grand, glitzy, and the Best at what he does. Anyone of any age can appreciate his shows and will leave inspired. Expect to spend some money, as watching the Best will cost the most.

Penn and Teller perform at the Rio, and are not to be missed by adults who want to be truly fooled and entertained. I would recommend this show for the entire family, but Penn is known to drop the 'F' bomb from time to time, so I would rate this show a definite 'PG'. Again, tickets are not cheap, but well worth the cost.

Criss Angel's 'Believe' performs several times a week at the Luxor. Although this show didn't open to great reviews, I understand Criss has increased the number of illusions dramatically and I am starting to hear that the Criss Angel that wowed a nation on TV is back and going strong. If you are a Criss Angel fan I would expect you to be extremely satisfied with the new look of 'Believe'. Should be suitable for the whole family.

The Amazing Johnathan performs at Planet Hollywood and his wild brand of magic is definitely for Adults. Magic is simply a tool Johnathan employs to make you laugh for the duration of the show. The virtual non-stop humor makes this one of the most watched shows in Vegas.

Gerry McCambridge, the Mentalist, also performs at Planet Hollywood. I would recommend finding another activity for the kids, as Gerry is a very cerebral performer who's mentalism is probably beyond the average child. Adults will 'get it' and appreciate the enormous skill and professionalism displayed by 'the Mentalist'.

The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas rocks the Sahara. Rick carries on the tradition of the enormously popular Siegfred and Roy, using large and beautiful creatures to add a spice and flair to his shows. This show is a perennial favorite of the Las Vegas magic lover. Suitable for the entire family.

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's is the Best Deal for the money in Vegas. Call the box office and ask for special pricing. You can find good tickets for less than twenty bucks. Mac is a really, really funny guy. A couple of his effects border slightly on risque', but in a way that will make the average 'kid' feel as if you trust them to watch and appreciate the performance. I wouldn't hesitate to take anyone from ten years old and beyond.

The Nathan Burton Comedy Show at the Flamingo is a great way for a family to spend the afternoon in Las Vegas. The star of World's Greatest Magic on NBC; World's Wildest Magic on NBC; America's Got Talent; Miami Ink; and VH1's Surreal Life is often called the 'hardest working magician in Vegas..'. Full of illusions and show girls, this show will definitely be one of the highlights of your Las Vegas trip.

Although not all of the magicians currently performing in Vegas are listed, there are several web sites detailing many other performers and shows currently appearing in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Magicians contact these sites regularly with their latest information and links to their venues as times, dates, and details are constantly changing. Do your homework before leaving for Vegas, as some shows sell out early. Enjoy.

Rick Carruth is the editor of the Magic Roadshow, magic's premier free newsletter. Discover dozens of street magic tips and tricks or sign up for Magic Roadshow at: http://streetmagic.info/. For more info on Las Vegas magic shows, visit http://lasvegasmagicshows.info/ for details. Site is updated every month with the latest info, times, dates, and links.

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The Five Longest Running West End Shows in History

Rarely will you meet a person who does not know the significance of the west end in London, or, for that matter, a person who would say no to tickets to one of the dozens of shows that are running there on any one night. It might be more difficult to find someone who can name the five longest running west end shows in history, though they are sure to give a good stab at it.

While might seem impressive that Billy Elliot the musical has already entered its sixth year on stage, following its opening in 2005, and the current jersey boys theatre extravaganza, telling the history of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, opened in 2006, these modern hits come nowhere near the tenures of the west end reliables.

The Mousetrap

This is the longest running show in the west end by far and, in fact, is the longest running show in the world. Since its opening night on November 25, 1952, the mousetrap has clocked up more than 24,000 performances over 58 years. It is strange, given that the identity of the killer in this quintessential murderer mystery has been revealed in countless reviews and newspaper articles.

Written by Agatha Christie, the author herself revealed in her autobiography that she had given the show eight months on the west end. However, its continuing success is mostly down to the excellence in its plot and production, and perhaps the charm of a time in British history that is now long gone.

Les Miserables

Based on the 1862 classic novel written by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is one of the most famous musicals in history. Originally produced in Paris, it arrived in the west end in 1985 and has since been a constant presence on the theatre listings, with more than 10,000 performances already under its belt. Surprisingly, the first reviews of this show were largely critical, prompting some to believe that its run would be short. However, the public took to it, ensuring that its initial booking of three months was extended.

The Phantom of the Opera

Having opened in the west end in 1986, it is now one of the best known musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It too is based on a classic French novel of the same name, which was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910. For many, it is the quintessential romance story, with the phantom a disfigured musical genius obsessing over a beautiful soprano, who shows him compassion despite the ordeal he puts her through. The show has won the hearts of millions of people around the world, with a quarter of a century spent in the west end so far.

Blood Brothers

Recognised as one of the great contemporary social commentaries, this musical hit the west end in 1983 after success in Liverpool. Its initial run lasted only for six months, but it returned to London in 1988 at the Albery Theatre where it has already run for more than 22 years. The plot centres around the separation of twins and their respective lives at opposite ends of the social spectrum, one amongst the upper crust and the other being working class but unemployed. Their love for the same girl brings them together with tragic consequences.

Cats

Another Andrew Lloyd Webber creation, Cats is one of the most talked about musicals. However, it is the only one of the list of five to have closed in the west end, with its final performance occurring on May 11, 2002, precisely 21 years after its opening night in 1981. So far, it has been produced in 20 languages and was an equally notable phenomenon on Broadway between 1982 and 2000, with more than 6,000 performances in New York. Its final show in London was broadcast on a giant screen in Covent Garden to fans not able to acquire a ticket to the final show.

The full list of great west end shows is significantly longer, and the new generation of classics are surely on their way to securing equally impressive runs. Amongst the favourites is Billy Elliot the musical, which is based on the successful 2000 Oscar nominated movie of the same name. It is already an award winner on stage and looks set for its own place in history.

Because of the love for music, romance and drama that the public has, there is no reason to think not, even if it is a US import, such as the popular jersey boys, theatre goers will continue to flock to the west end.

Kathryn Dawson writes articles about west end shows, one of the things you have to see when you are in London. London is often home to many award winning and popular shows such as Billy Elliot the musical, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera as well as jersey boys theatre, and popular shows mean that good seats are often unavailable. London Tickets use Albemarle of London for all purchases so it means you can buy tickets for your favourite shows easily and safely.

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