Top London Shows - July 2014
by Kate Goldstone on Thursday 3 July 2014, 10:23 am in Top London Shows
Last month we experienced an oddly static chart, with the top three in the same positions as May. This time around it's all change, with some brand new shows in the chart and a handful of regular chart toppers back again for one reason or another. One thing we can say: it's never, ever dull! Here's a run-down of the most popular shows on our site, those for which we've sold the most tickets throughout June. If you need inspiration, try this little lot on for size.
1. Skylight
Skylight was a hit at the National Theatre in 1995. So much so that it transferred to the West End and onwards to glittering Broadway, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Play the same year. Now it's back, starring the legendary Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan. When two ex-lovers meet again, their attempt at reconciliation is jeopardised by their personal and ideological differences. Will they get back together? Fabulous reviews precede the new version of this truly amazing and thought provoking play.
Skylight Tickets
Skylight was a hit at the National Theatre in 1995. So much so that it transferred to the West End and onwards to glittering Broadway, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Play the same year. Now it's back, starring the legendary Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan. When two ex-lovers meet again, their attempt at reconciliation is jeopardised by their personal and ideological differences. Will they get back together? Fabulous reviews precede the new version of this truly amazing and thought provoking play.
Skylight Tickets
2. The Lion King
Last month's number three, The Lion King is fast becoming a more or less permanent fixture in our top twelve chart. Kids love it, grown-ups love it, the stage sets are genuinely breathtaking, the costumes blow your mind and the story charms everyone who encounters it. Oh, and let's not forget the show tunes. If you haven't seen it yet, why not treat your kids to something really special this month?
The Lion King Tickets
Last month's number three, The Lion King is fast becoming a more or less permanent fixture in our top twelve chart. Kids love it, grown-ups love it, the stage sets are genuinely breathtaking, the costumes blow your mind and the story charms everyone who encounters it. Oh, and let's not forget the show tunes. If you haven't seen it yet, why not treat your kids to something really special this month?
The Lion King Tickets
3. Miss Saigon
Last month the long-awaited refreshed version of Miss Saigon, AKA Madame Butterfly - finally opened to great reviews. Last month's number seven, it has climbed the chart this month on merit, an epic romance about the marriage between an American GI and a local barmaid during the Vietnam War. Cameron Mackintosh sits at the helm of this already popular revival, which looks like it'll break box office records.
Miss Saigon Tickets
Last month the long-awaited refreshed version of Miss Saigon, AKA Madame Butterfly - finally opened to great reviews. Last month's number seven, it has climbed the chart this month on merit, an epic romance about the marriage between an American GI and a local barmaid during the Vietnam War. Cameron Mackintosh sits at the helm of this already popular revival, which looks like it'll break box office records.
Miss Saigon Tickets
4. Relative Values
Trevor Nunn directs this fantastic piece, number one in our chart last month. One of the great Noël Coward’s most successful ever comedies, it's set in the early 1950s and chronicles the profound differences between glamorous Hollywood and the stiff, snobbish, reserved English aristocracy. It's a classic and classy, and stars the British comedians Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin and Rory Bremner. Sadly the show has now closed.
Relative Values Tickets
Trevor Nunn directs this fantastic piece, number one in our chart last month. One of the great Noël Coward’s most successful ever comedies, it's set in the early 1950s and chronicles the profound differences between glamorous Hollywood and the stiff, snobbish, reserved English aristocracy. It's a classic and classy, and stars the British comedians Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin and Rory Bremner. Sadly the show has now closed.
Relative Values Tickets
5. The Book of Mormon
No stranger to our chart, The Book of Mormon roars back in at number five. The deserving winner of four Olivier awards in 2014 including Best New Musical and Best Actor In A Musical, it's fresh from the pens of the hilarious comedy writers, creators of the hit cartoon South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. In 2011 it won a staggering nine Tony awards, a legend in its own lifetime. You love funny? You'll adore it.
The Book of Mormon Tickets
No stranger to our chart, The Book of Mormon roars back in at number five. The deserving winner of four Olivier awards in 2014 including Best New Musical and Best Actor In A Musical, it's fresh from the pens of the hilarious comedy writers, creators of the hit cartoon South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. In 2011 it won a staggering nine Tony awards, a legend in its own lifetime. You love funny? You'll adore it.
The Book of Mormon Tickets
6. Les Misérables
Last month's number six and at the same position this time... what can we say about Les Mis? It's an epic story of revolution, romance and redemption. It opened in Paris more than three decades ago and has never left the stage. It has delighted millions and millions of theatregoers, and it's still going strong. If this is your first time, you're in for a huge musical theatre treat.
Les Misérables Tickets
Last month's number six and at the same position this time... what can we say about Les Mis? It's an epic story of revolution, romance and redemption. It opened in Paris more than three decades ago and has never left the stage. It has delighted millions and millions of theatregoers, and it's still going strong. If this is your first time, you're in for a huge musical theatre treat.
Les Misérables Tickets
7. The Importance Of Being Earnest
Our number five in June, this hilariously silly play, beloved by generation after generation, opened last Friday. The excellent cast includes Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Cherie Lunghi and Sian Philips, all of whom make this much more than just another revival. Oscar Wilde would have been proud. The play is definitely a cut above the average and Wilde's remarkable farce is as witty, charming and outrageous as ever.
The Importance Of Being Earnest Tickets
Our number five in June, this hilariously silly play, beloved by generation after generation, opened last Friday. The excellent cast includes Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Cherie Lunghi and Sian Philips, all of whom make this much more than just another revival. Oscar Wilde would have been proud. The play is definitely a cut above the average and Wilde's remarkable farce is as witty, charming and outrageous as ever.
The Importance Of Being Earnest Tickets
8. Matilda The Musical
In and out of our chart like a jack-in-the-box and back yet again, Matilda the musical continues to thrill youngsters and adults alike with its wicked sense of humour and engaging plot. Our special newsletter earlier this month brought it steaming back into our top twelve and we still have excellent seat availability, with prices starting from just £25. Great fun for kids and a salutary tale for adults.
Matilda The Musical Tickets
In and out of our chart like a jack-in-the-box and back yet again, Matilda the musical continues to thrill youngsters and adults alike with its wicked sense of humour and engaging plot. Our special newsletter earlier this month brought it steaming back into our top twelve and we still have excellent seat availability, with prices starting from just £25. Great fun for kids and a salutary tale for adults.
Matilda The Musical Tickets
9. Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games
The anticipation has been building and now it's here. New to our chart with tickets on sale from June, this remarkable dance masterpiece comes fresh from the Lord of the Dance himself, Michael Flatley. It looks like he'll have another winner on his hands, with ticket sales already brisk in fevered anticipation of a cracking night out. The show opens in September.
Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games Tickets
The anticipation has been building and now it's here. New to our chart with tickets on sale from June, this remarkable dance masterpiece comes fresh from the Lord of the Dance himself, Michael Flatley. It looks like he'll have another winner on his hands, with ticket sales already brisk in fevered anticipation of a cracking night out. The show opens in September.
Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games Tickets
10. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Another show that pops in and out of our top 12 theatre shows chart with almost predictable regularity, it's back in the limelight at number ten this month. The magical story of one boy, his beloved granddad and the most marvellous, remarkable, dream-like chocolate factory on earth continues to charm audiences from all over the world. One of Britain's favourite children's books, this production was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2014 Olivier Awards.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Tickets
Another show that pops in and out of our top 12 theatre shows chart with almost predictable regularity, it's back in the limelight at number ten this month. The magical story of one boy, his beloved granddad and the most marvellous, remarkable, dream-like chocolate factory on earth continues to charm audiences from all over the world. One of Britain's favourite children's books, this production was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2014 Olivier Awards.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Tickets
11. Wicked
At number nine last time around, last month Wicked became the West End's 10th longest running show. That's what we call an accolade, testament to the popularity of a coming-of-age story with a difference that's always been hugely popular with teens. With more than 90 awards under its belt, playing in Liverpool and Edinburgh this month as well as London, it's official... it's a smash.
Wicked Tickets
At number nine last time around, last month Wicked became the West End's 10th longest running show. That's what we call an accolade, testament to the popularity of a coming-of-age story with a difference that's always been hugely popular with teens. With more than 90 awards under its belt, playing in Liverpool and Edinburgh this month as well as London, it's official... it's a smash.
Wicked Tickets
12. The Bodyguard
Back in our chart after a short absence, this epic love story just keeps on giving. Audiences adore it, and it must be one of the most romantic 'date night' shows in town. Our special offer in early June made a big impression, sending the show back into the running at number twelve. Heartbreaking and heart-warming, this is a serious love story for grown-ups.
The Bodyguard Tickets
Back in our chart after a short absence, this epic love story just keeps on giving. Audiences adore it, and it must be one of the most romantic 'date night' shows in town. Our special offer in early June made a big impression, sending the show back into the running at number twelve. Heartbreaking and heart-warming, this is a serious love story for grown-ups.
The Bodyguard Tickets
And here's one more piece of news to blow your mind... Cats is due to return to the West End this year, back on stage for a strictly limited twelve week run. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical hits the London Palladium in early December 2014. Tickets go on sale very soon, from 7th July onwards, and the cast is still to be revealed. We fully expect this legendary show to hit our chart next month running, so watch this space!