A sunny London day is one of the greatest things in the world, but with the UK’s infamously unpredictable weather, planning for a day (or night) in the theatre is a way to escape the inevitable.

Check out our summer theatre picks for adults, and children alike.

Aladdin | Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street

Another sure-fire hit from the Disney Theatrical Group, Aladdin is taking the West End by storm. The impressive staging is a sight to behold, and there’s nothing better the nostalgia of hearing your old Disney favourites. The Genie (Trevor Dion Nicholas) will make you cry laughing, with jokes for the young and old. (P.S. The infamous flying carpet has a scene which will take your breath away!).
Advance booking is strongly recommended for this production. Prices from £27.50
Click here for Tickets

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, now in it’s FOURTH year, continues to delight audiences, and will be moving across the pond in January 2017 to do the same. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, the musical tells the story of Charlie Bucket, and four not so delightful children, who win a competition to have the visit of their dreams, to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Grab your ‘golden ticket’ now!
Prices from £17.50
Click here for Tickets

Impossible | Noel Coward Theatre, St. Martin’s Lane

Prepare to be tricked, wowed and amazed as this innovative new magic show receives its world premiere at the Noël Coward Theatre. Billed as “The biggest magic show in decades”, Impossible features death-defying escapology, stage illusions, state-of-the-art magic and sleight of hand.
Prices from £10.50
Click here for Tickets

In The Heights | King’s Cross Theatre, Goods Way

Welcome to Washington Heights, where life’s a struggle but the streets are jumping to the irresistible rhythms of love, passion, hopes and dreams. In The Heights is the smash-hit Tony Award-winning musical that tells the joyously uplifting tale of young love in a community on the brink of change. Set in one bustling neighbourhood where everyone knows everybody, the breeze carries the sweet sounds of three generations of music.
Prices from £20
Call us to book on 0207 087 2920

Mamma Mia! | Novello Theatre, Aldwych

This timeless tale and feel good musical currently wowing audiences at the Novello Theatre concerns young bride to be Sophie, who is getting married on a beautiful Greek island at the hotel run by her mother, Donna. Sophie dreams of her father escorting her down the aisle. The only problem is, there are three possible contenders, according to her Mother’s diary. So with help from her bridesmaids, Lisa and Ali, bride-to-be Sophie decides to invite all three to the wedding. Mamma Mia is a rollicking good musical set to the addictive melody’s of super-group Abba, the 1970’s disco pop sensation. The tunes will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along in your seats and leave you thankful for the music.
Prices from £16
Click here for Tickets

Matilda the Musical | Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street

Matilda follows the plight of a sweet little girl of six years old born into a feckless family that doesn’t understand her. Matilda regularly escapes into her books and becomes a wonderfully prodigious talent, not that her family will ever notice how special their little girl can be. Her parents resolve to send her to a school that will hopefully rbing her to order. The school is run by the fierce principal, Agatha Trunchbull, who is a monstrous authoritarian. Under her maniacal gaze Matilda will need all the help she can get if she is to stay out of the Chokey! Fortunately Matilda is aided and abetted by the kind-hearted Miss Honey, who sees the potentially in our little heroine.
Advance booking is strongly recommended for this production. Prices from £21
Click here for Tickets

The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre, Wellington Street

Over 70 million people globally have seen this original and ground-breaking production and now it is your opportunity. Against the backdrop of the Serengeti Plains, the rhythms of African music and wonderful effects, The Lion King follows the story of Simba the lion prince and his ascent to the throne of King of the Pridelands. Featuring some of your favourite Disney songs, relive your childhood and share this iconic story with your little ones.
Advance booking is strongly recommended for this production. Prices from £34.
Book tickets

The Railway Children | King’s Cross Theatre, Goods Way

Mike Kenny’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of E Nesbit’s hugely popular The Railway Children is brought to life on stage at King’s Cross with a moving steam train. The Railway Children tells the story of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother, where they befriend the local railway porter, Perks, and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains – where is Father, and is he ever coming back?
Prices from £20.
Call us to book on 0207 087 2920.

Wicked the Musical | Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road

Based on the best-selling book by Gregory Maguire and winner of 90 international awards, Wicked is the extraordinary musical that focuses on the plight of one blonde, popular girl, and a green-faced brunette who are feted to become the most famous witches in history. In this remarkable fantasy world of wizards, witches, talking animals, and magic, audiences will be spell-bound by this unique tale of friendship, and doing what is right. Our two magical girls are about to attend Shiz University where they will make choices that will see them take two very different paths. Only then will you realise, that the Wizard of Oz might not be the whole truth of the tale.
Prices from £18.50.
Click here for Tickets

‘Funny Girl‘ had its press night last week at the Savoy Theatre, following a sold-out run at the Mernier Chocolate Factory. Sweetheart of stage and screen Sheridan Smith returns to the role of Fanny Brice until October 8^th 2016.

The Telegraph

“The jewel at the heart of this production is Smith. Brilliantly costumed by Matthew Wright in the garish outfits of a woman who loves clothes (the fancier the better) and doesn’t give a hoot that she hasn’t a scrap of taste, she belts her way through triumph and disaster with such full-hearted charm that you can only surrender to it.

Read the full review at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/funny-girl-savoy-theatre-review/

BritishTheatre.com

Smith may be small in stature but her presence on stage is enormous. Every cast member in Funny Girl is a star in orbit around Smith’s intense glowing sun. In Im The Greatest Star, Brice quips that she has thirty-six expressions. I’d go so far as to say Smith has a good deal more.”

Read the full review at https://britishtheatre.com/review-funny-girl-savoy-theatre-5stars/

The Stage

“Sheridan Smith triumphs in the Savoy’s third Broadway classic in a row”

Read the full review at https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2016/sheridan-smith-triumphs-in-funny-girl-review-at-the-savoy-theatre-london/

What’s On Stage

“Ultimately, Funny Girl is not about telling the story of Fanny Brice – which doesn’t really have enough drama to stand alone. Instead it’s about getting Fanny back onstage so she can win the world over once more. And Smith nails that entirely. She will make you laugh, cry and want to see the show again.”

Read the full review at https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/funny-girl-savoy-theatre_40246.html

LondonTheatre.co.uk

“Michael Mayer’s loving production ensures it is not merely a solo vehicle for Smith, but also a fully integrated show that has some great chorus numbers (expanded since the Menier), an outstanding Darius Campbell bringing texture and vocal resonance to the somewhat underwritten role of her husband Nicky, and a touching, terrific trio of Marilyn Cutts, Valda Avis and Gay Soper as Fanny’s mother and neighbours.”

Read the full review at https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/reviews/funnygirlsavoy16.htm

Evening Standard

“The good news for this West End transfer of the instant sell-out Menier Chocolate Factory production is that Sheridan Smith triumphantly reinvents Brice for a new generation of musical theatre lovers, conveying with skill and heart this entertainer’s emotive blend of professional success and personal vulnerability.”

Read the full review at https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/funny-girl-theatre-review-triumphant-reinvention-is-full-of-heart-a3230311.html

Tickets are available to book at www.theatrebookings.com/london-musicals/funny-girl or by calling us on 020 7087 2920

Funny Girl is a musical telling the life story of Fanny Brice, whose singing and comedy lifted her from Brooklyn musical hall singer to Broadway entertainment star. Following a sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory it is now playing at London’s Savoy Theatre.

The musical includes popular songs “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.

Book tickets to see Funny Girl in April at the Savoy Theatre.

The stage production of the 1992 movie The Bodyguard returns to London’s West End this summer with soul singer Beverley Knight. Moving from the Adelphi Theatre, where it played in 2013, to the Dominion Theatre for a six month season.

Would you like a chance of winning 2 FREE tickets to Sunny Afternoon?

This is the latest addition to our monthly West End ticket giveaways, proudly brought to you by Theatre Bookings.

How to enter

1. Choose your favourite song by The Kinks:

2) Share this page with using these buttons below! #YouReallyGotMe

The winners of the 40^th Olivier Awards were announced at a star-studded event last night in Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House, in the heart of theatre land.

The Big Winners

The biggest sweep of the night was for Gypsy at Savoy Theatre, with four wins:
Best Actress in a Musical, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Musical Revival and Best Lighting Design.

In The Heights also took home a trio:
Best Theatre Choreographer, Outstanding Achievement in Music and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical and 

Kinky Boots also won 3 Olivier Awards:
Best Costume Design, Best Actor in a Musical and MasterCard Best New Musical.

Everyone’s favourite, Judi Dench, took home her 8th Olivier Award last night – beating her very own record!

Best Revival

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at National Theatre

Best New Comedy

Nell Gwynn at Apollo Theatre

Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre

Pat Kinevane and Fishamble for Silent at Soho Theatre

White Light Award for Best Lighting Design

Mark Henderon for Gypsy at Savoy Theatre

Best Sound Design

Tom Gibbons for People, Places and Things at the National Theatre

Best Costume Design

Gregg Barnes for Kinky Boots at Adelphi Theatre

Blue-i Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design

Anna Fleischle for Hangmen at the Royal Court and Wyndham’s Theatre

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Mark Gatiss for Three Days in the Country at National Theatre, Lyttelton

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Judi Dench for The Winter’s Tale at Garrick Theatre

Best New Opera Production

Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci at Royal Opera House

Outstanding Achievement in Opera

English National Opera chorus and orchestra for The Force of Destiny, Lady Macbeth of Mtensk and The Queen of Spades at London Coliseum

Virgin Atlantic Best New Play

Hangmen at Jerwood Theatre, Downstairs at the Royal Court and Wyndham’s Theatre

Best Actor

Kenneth Cranham for The Father at Wyndham’s Theatre

Best Actress

Denise Gough for People, Places and Things at National Theatre, Dorfman

Best New Dance Production

Woolf Works at Royal Opera House

Outstanding Achievement in Dance

Alessandra Ferri for Cheri and Woolf Works at Royal Opera House

Best Entertainment and Family

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at Apollo Theatre

Best Theatre Choreographer

Drew McOnie for In The Heights at King’s Cross Theatre

Best Director

Robert Icke for Oresteia at Almeida Theatre

Autograph Sound Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music

In The Heights at King’s Cross Theatre

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical

David Bedella for In The Heights at King’s Cross Theatre

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Laura Pulver for Gypsy at Savoy Theatre

Best Musical Revival

Gypsy at Savoy Theatre

Best Actor in a Musical

Matt Henry for Kinky Boots at Adelphi Theatre

Best Actress in a Musical

Imelda Staunton for Gypsy at Savoy Theatre

MasterCard Best New Musical

Kinky Boots at Adelphi Theatre

Magic Radio Audience Award

Phantom of the Opera

£1 from every ticket sold between 1st March – 30th April (for any show) on theatrebookings.com goes to the National Autistic Society.

• Do you have trouble communicating or interacting with people?
• Do you struggle to understand where people are coming from?
• Do you fear change?
• Do you enjoy forming and maintaining routines?

These are just some of the symptoms associated with autism – a broad spectrum of disorders. It’s something that affects an estimated 1 in 100 people in the U.K, but it’s not an epidemic. Autism is not caught or transferred between us, it’s something we’re born with.

Time is flying as we’re nearly a quarter way through the year. Christmas and New Year’s seem a distant memory and Spring isn’t too far off. There’s even daffodils in the shops already. Still, it’s a bit too cold for picnics and beach trips, so a trip to the theatre seems like a great choice to get a bit of air, but still keep warm.

Here’s our run down of what’s happening in the West End this March.

Get your Bend It Like Beckham tickets - QUICK!

At the beginning on the month, you’ll have to be quick if you want to catch Bend It Like Beckham at the Phoenix Theatre.

March 6^th is the last booking day, so you won’t have much time to waste.

This was first a film starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley back in 2002. It went on to win a number of awards and was hugely popular with the public and critics alike. It’s no surprise it’s go on to become one of the best musicals of recent times.

The show tells the story of a young Punjabi Sikh girl who dreams to play football, despite objections from her family. She eventually finds herself on a local women’s football team and starts on her path to be just like her hero Beckham.

The musical hasn’t just got a great story though. The cast is superb featuring Natalie Dew, Ronni Acona, and Preeya Kalidas.

Book your tickets for Bend It Like Beckham at the Phoenix Theatre.

Official opening night for MOTOWN The Musical

March sees the official opening night of Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

While some early shows have already begun, critics won’t get their chance to see the show until March 8^th. Best to get your tickets now before the inevitable rave reviews make them hard to come by.

Already a hit on Broadway on the other side of the pond, this huge production won’t leave you disappointed – especially considering the inclusion of a 16-piece orchestra to musically lead the whole thing.

Motown the Musical tells the story of Berry Gordy who set up the Motown label using just $800. He went onto sign greats such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and many others. You’ll get the chance to hear some of the biggest Motown hits throughout the night along with some top class performances.

Book your tickets for Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Last chance to book Guys & Dolls

This month sees the last booking chance to see the classic Guys and Dolls.

If you don’t get your tickets by March 13^th. That’s it, unfortunately!

Showing at the Savoy Theatre, this world-famous show tells the story of Nathan Detroit as he frantically seeks out some much needed cash in Prohibition-era New York. He searches out some dollar, he also has to worry about his engagement to Miss Adelaide. Before long Detroit finds himself in a bizarre bet with Sky Materson involving sinners, romance, and Havana.

Make sure you don’t miss out.

Book your tickets for Guys and Dolls at the Savoy Theatre.

War of the Worlds

After several sell-out arena tours of the country, Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of the Worlds previews tonight at Dominion Theatre and has its official opening on the 18th of February.

The cast includes David Essex, Jimmy Nail, Daniel Beddingfield, Michael Praed, Madalena Alberto, Heidi Range and a holographic Liam Neeson.

Book tickets for The War of The Worlds at Dominion Theatre today.

If you’re thinking of taking a child to a West End show, how do you know which type of production is right for them and enjoyable for you? Most kids enjoy a singalong and so musicals are usually the best bet, but with so many fantastic productions currently running in London it can be hard deciding which one to see. Have a look at our five top picks for musicals that everybody will enjoy.

Matilda

Roald Dahl’s celebrated story about a precocious young girl is loved all around the world, and thankfully, Matilda the Musical is just as compelling on stage as it is in print. In this musical by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, the familiar story is given a new lease of life with astounding stagecraft and fun, lively songs that are guaranteed to get your toes tapping; the widespread critical acclaim and soaring box-office success of Matilda the Musical is no coincidence.