London's legendary West End Theatre scene, the finest in the world. With numerous celebrities making their way across the ocean to embrace London's theatre crowd and to complement their acting profiles. Though, New York's Broadway may have all the flamboyant decorations, the West End theatre scene has become increasingly vibrant in the past years. With shows such as; 'The Jerry Springer Musical', 'Daddy Cool' and 'Billy Elliot' just to mention a few. All drawing in hordes of theatre goers from all over the world, and attracting the non-theatre crowds in addition.
London's first playhouse was built at a location known as the Shoreditch in 1576 and carried the name of 'The Theatre'. Prior to this plays had been performed in courtyards, Inn yards and even in people homes. In 1663 the first West End theatre opened, the mini venue played host to the earliest stars such as Neil Gwyn and Charles Hart. Tragically the theatre burnt down due to a fire in 1672.
Today the West End has something for everyone, no longer is it associated with the aristocratic upper class, but a sanctuary for all types of people seeking no more than a thrilling Production and electrifying performances by the old and new actors of today. Even more than New York, London is the theatre capital of the world. The number and array of productions, the standards of acting and world renowned directors have gone unrivalled in world. London's West End theatre scene plays host to both traditional and the avant-garde. Importantly London's Theatre scene is accessible and very reasonably priced. The West End has just welcomed the new Globe Theatre, which has become another exciting addition to the already amazing theatre district.
The world's longest running production is 'The Mousetrap' by Agatha Christie, the play has been running for 54 years and is still going strong drawing in crowds from a far. Some of the West End's most famous productions are 'Les Miserables', 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Blood Brothers', 'The Woman In Black', 'Chicago', 'The Lion King' and 'Stomp'.
The term West End theatre is a popular expression for mainstream professional theatre in London. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, the West End theatre is considered to correspond to the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking world. Catching a West End production is a very prevalently tourist activity in London, which surpassed 12 million visitors in 2002 and since has increased every year.
The Longest running West End Musical is 'Les Miserables', which has been running for 21 years. The Most expensive West End show was 'Lord of the Rings', costing an estimated £8 million. The oldest West End Theatre is the 'Theatre Royal' on Drury Lane, which has been there 344 years. 'The Coliseum' being the biggest with 2358 seats. Dame Judi Dench and William Dudley have both received seven Laurence Oliver Awards. Dame Judi Dench eon her first award Laurence Olivier award in 1977 for her performance in Shakespeare's Macbeth. The longest Shakespeare recital was done by Adrian Hilton which lasted 110 hours and 46 minutes. the play that took the longest to perform last 29 hours, directed by Neil Oram which has been recognised by the Guinness Book Of Records as the longest play in history. The play tells the story of an English mystic's journey through life.
The main theatre district in London is situated in the heart of the West End of London city centre. The fashion industry also blooms in this part with designer boutiques that cater for the rich and famous. The West End is home to more than the theatre scene, it plays host to some of the Europe's best restaurants, clubs, bars and shops, also considered to be one the most expensive areas to live in London.
The West End has many beautiful and exclusive hotels that can facilitate all. Prices vary but the West End caters for everyone's needs. Commercial apartments are available to rent, as well as luxury hotels that specifically offer theatre breaks.
It is highly recommended that you visit the West End to experience everything which is on offer. To take in a play, eat at a top restaurant and then to stay at one of the finest hotels.
Shoreditch was the venue for Londons first playhouse way back in 1576 and with name of The Theatre, the start of a magical history of London and West End Theatre was born. Before The Theatre at Shoreditch plays and actments were performed at random venues such as private homes, courtyards and inn yards all across London. In 1597 and after the lease had run out the owner of The Theatre, Richard Burbage decided to up sticks and move the timbers across the river Thames to build the first (of an industrious three) Globe Theatres to the South Bank.
The famous Globe opened to the public in 1599 with Burbage pioneering the way with his own performance company. (Burbage was to instantly to propel himself as the first of Londons great actor and impressios. He also honours the famous claim to be the very first man to play the role of Hamlet, King Lear and Othello).
It was not until 1663 that the first London West End venue was opened, when the very first of many was built in Drury Lane. This famous old theatre hosted the earliest West End stars such as Charles Hart and Nell Gwyn until tragically, it was destroyed by fire in 1672. With new found hunger for Theatres it was not long before the residents of London had a new theatre to shout about. A second theatre called the Theatre Royal of Drury Lane was designed by the famous Christopher Wren and opened on the same site in 1674. The Royal survived for 120 years which was along time in those days and along with other theatres that were built in the same locality such as Theatre Royal Covent Garden (known as the the Royal Opera House) and the Haymarket the West end theatres of London were evolved.
David Garrick was the legendary manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He arrived in London in 1737 as a wine seller but was soon to be mesmerised by the attraction of theatre. In 1741 he played the famous role of Shakespeares Richard III and over the next 20-30 years he had a massive impact on London theatre. His work is remembered today through the Garrick Club and the Garrick Theatre.
The modern theatre scene in the West End was largely influenced in the 19th century when many of the beautiful theatre buildings that are still around today were built and all of a sudden theatre going was the latest fashion trend of the middle and upper classes in London. Shaftesbury Avenue was created towards the end of 19th century and many theatres were soon built on this focal point for London theatre.
Today London West End theatre is thriving and many stars of TV and film are now resorting to high profile roles in London and New York theatres. In 2008 the 21st century is set to receive its first new West End theatre when the Sondheim Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue is to open, being the first venue there since 1931.
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Daniel Johansson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, computers and the internet and Vacation. Daniel Johansson is an Internet technologist and theatre enthusiast who frequents The Savoy, Palace Theatre and other London theatre establishments. Montagu Place is a small, intimate. Daniel Johansson's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
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