Entertainment
London Arts and Theatre Wednesday, 23 March 2011 21:44 |   
When people think of the London theatre scene they might think of musicals such as Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera or relatively recent additions such as We Will Rock You. But getting theatre tickets in the capital does not just mean indulging in some world-famous musicals; there is also a choice of plays, dance, comedy, cabaret and more, ensuring that there is something for everyone when they arrive in the capital, whatever their age, their tastes and their mood. So a trip to London will have a noticeable gap if it does not include the glorious theatre scene. For example, The Mousetrap is a play that has been running in the capital for many years and despite its long run continues to attract visitors. Agatha Christie’s famous crime mystery first opened its doors in 1952 at the Ambassador’s Theatre, then transferred to its current home – St Martin’s Theatre – in 1974, meaning that its ongoing run in the capital has lasted almost sixty years! This is miles ahead of even the second-longest running show in town, the famous musical Les Miserables, which didn’t arrive in the capital until 1985. And these are just two of the famous and well-received shows still attracting an audience in London. But when it comes to the arts, London has even more to offer even beyond the world-famous theatre scene. There are also many different museums and galleries to visit, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into the history, geography and culture of the United Kingdom. You could witness the dinosaur bones on display in the Natural History Museum, relish in the renowned work featured in the National Gallery or even visit the British Museum if you want to really get to grips with the United Kingdom. So if you are arriving in the capital soon, whether it be a short stay, a weekend break (such as a London theatre break) or a longer holiday, there is plenty to see and do in London. Even the plays and musicals are steeped in history and it means that whilst you are enjoying one of the world-famous shows you can relish in the thoughts of previous generations enjoying the same thing. |
When you think of London chances are you will have already considered the vast amount on offer when it comes to entertainment and the arts, particularly as the UK’s capital city is bustling in theatres, music venues, museums and more. It is no wonder people flock from all over the world to witness a production on the internationally renowned London theatre scene, with its talented performers and behind-the-scenes technicians, or from all corners of the country to witness live music. But then, the theatre scene encompasses everything from the West End to the National Theatre, meaning that nothing can beat the shows that are on offer in London.
Alternative EntertainmentTuesday, 16 February 2010 16:51 |
No one would argue that London's nightlife i Soho, which really sets the trends when it comes to London's nightlife, was the natural choice for Bompas and Parr to test their latest alternative entertainment venture. Alcoholic Architecture is a pop-up bar with a difference. Rather than sipping your favourite cocktails, a faintly intoxicating alcoholic mix is delivered via a fine gin and tonic flavoured mist as soon as you walk in. Plastic suits are provided to cover your clothes and prevent you smelling as though you just emerged from a distillery explosion. Unfortunately, the olfactory-centred bar was only temporary and lasted a mere four fun fume-filled nights, but as those nights proved to be extremely popular, perhaps Bompas and Parr will bring it back on a more permanent basis. Staying in Soho, karauke is taking London by storm. No, it's not a spelling mistake, 'Karauke' as opposed to the more traditional karaoke, is distinguished by a ukulele strumming backup band. From its humble beginnings as a spin-off from weekly Ukulele sessions at the Royal George Tavern in Soho, Karauke has become a popular source of alternative entertainment in its own right. It has become so popular in fact, that it now has its own weekly session at the Soho Revue Bar. On the third Thursday of each month you can make your way to the Revue Bar and enjoy the dulcet sounds of the 15 member Ukulele band accompanied by the less harmonic singing of anyone game enough to have a go. Once you've spent your nights singing to the tunes of a Ukulele band, it's hard to imagine going back to anything that doesn't smack of alternative entertainment in London. Tea dancing. Yep, gone are the days of sewing circles and tea and scones. These days tea has a little more zest as everyone from ambitious young professionals to retired grandmothers and grandfathers take to the dance floor in London's newly thriving alternative form of entertainment. Tea dancing is everywhere; The Waldorf offers Tango Tea Dance once a month for £10 a pop and the Covent Garden dance Orchetra hosts a free afternoon tea dance on the last Friday of every month at Spitalfields Markets. While strictly in the interests of fun, tea dancing, as one would expect from entertainment aimed primarily at (but certainly not restricted to) the over-50s, tea dancing has some rules of etiquette: • No stilettos, dancing is up tempo and requires the kind of smooth moves and agility that is generally hampered by high heels • Don't over-indulge, guests are allocated their share of tea and cake, and while tea is generally in abundant supply, cake is limited • Dance in the same direction as everyone else, collisions are frowned upon as old bones tend to be frailer than young • Don't get drunk, you're not at a pub or rowdy nightclub, if you're going to embrace the alternative entertainment scene in London then make sure you abide by its rules • Always dance with a partner, gender makes no difference, so long as you're bopping, no one cares • Lastly, don't be too envious when those with the best moves are old enough to be your grandmother, they've had practice And if you're tired of the dating scene, you can always ditch the clubs, pubs and bars and get down with speed hating. Speed hating takes the mickey out of speed dating and is the perfect form of alternative entertainment for the gloomier or perhaps more gothic London dwellers. Alternative accurately sums up the entertainment provided by London's speed hating events, where everyone receives an uninspiring pseudonym before a round of 'Blind Hate' and unpleasant answers are thought up to unpleasant questions, such as 'in another life, which disease ridden vermin would you most likely be?'. To spice things up there is also a misfortune teller and Twister, which is played with the Grim Reaper. For one of the most alternative experiences of your life, shun the theatre, say no to exclusive party venues and hop on over to the Hammersmith side of London for your monthly dose of speed hating. Sure, you can try the more traditional events and venues to occupy your nights - Shakespearian theatre, movies with the girls - or you can savour something different, something a little more extraordinary and sample some of the alternative entertainment that London has to offer. |
sn't vibrant and diverse, but few people realise just how diverse. Rather than partaking in the same old pubs, clubs, bars and discos, party-goers are seeking alternative entertainment in London and, as can be expected, the City is delivering.