I’ll be in London the first week in September. I think this time it might be nice to see a show. (As and aside, what do Londoners call their equivalent to New York’s Broadway? Is there such a thing?)
What is playing and what would your recommend?
(Never mind asking about what I like - tell me about the shows you’ve seen and enjoyed.)
West End would be the theatre district in London.
I haven’t been to a show there in ages however, so I can’t recommend anything 
I love Billy Elliot and I think it’s really well staged. Even my husband, who normally doesn’t like ‘that sort of thing’ loved it.
I’ve been recommending La Cage aux Folles to everyone. But the main actors are changing some time in September and the replacements are all wrong. You might be lucky and still catch Roger Allam/Philip Quast (attack of the Javerts) as I’m not sure when they leave.
While I’m surprised by the question, the answer is yes, there is such a thing. It’s world famous. The West End is the largest commercial theatre district in the world. It has been there since 1576. While both the West End and Broadway have roughly 40 major theatres (and many more small ones), the West End slightly edges out Broadway in audience figures (total Broadway attendance in 2007 season was 12.27 million while the West End reported total attendance of 13.6 million).
if “Wicked” is still playing, I highly recommend seeing that. I saw it there 2 summers ago and it was hands down the best play I had ever seen.
J.
If you’re able, see as many shows as possible. It’s an amazing experience going to the West End.
When you arrive pick up a copy of “Timeout” or check the web. There will no doubt be many shows worth seeing.
In the sense of a famous street that has a number of theatres on it, and whose name is a byword for “theatre” in general, our equivalent is Shaftesbury Avenue
One will be all I have time for - and as long as this business stays viable I will be going to London at least 3 times a year, so I be back again in the future.
If you’re not picky, there is a booth in Leicester Square which sells same day tickets for half price.
I understand The Mousetrap is all the rage.
I have heard lots of god reports from people who’ve gone to see Wicked. Most people love the Lion King, but I hated it - it was just too deadly serious all the way through even though the first time we see the infant Lion King he’s a fluffy teddy. Still, like I said, most people I know do love it.
Funnily enough, the musical I’ve enjoyed the most was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. It was cheesy as hell and very light-hearted; the audience were all singing along to the best-known songs. I know some people who are obsessed with this show.
Hamlet is getting rave reviews; you’re unlikely to get a ticket, but it’s worth a try. KLet me know if you get two tickets and I’ll go with you. 
I haven’t seen A Little Night Music with its current cast, but it was such a good, understated play when I saw it that it would take terrible actors to make it anything other than wonderful.
You could also go to the Globe; not in the West End, but not exactly out in the sticks either. Their plays are generally very good whatever’s on. Standing tickets only cost a fiver - but wear a raincoat; you’re not allowed umbrellas and you are out in the open. There are seats that don’t cost too much as well.
*A Streetcar Named Desire* with Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz as Blanche DuBois. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a play at the Donmar Warehouse and it’s a great, very small, intimate theatre.
The Shakespeare Globe isn’t in the West End but on the South Bank, but it’s an exquisite place to see the Bard–especially if you stand in the Pit and get a spot right by the stage (Vanessa Redgrave almost stepped on my hand once). As You Like It will be playing there the week of the OP’s trip.
Just ten years before “Mousetrap” opened, in fact.
My roommate saw the West End production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the weekend, and loved it. One of the campest mainstream movies ever made, expressed via the medium of musical theater. How can you go wrong? “A journey to the heart of fabulous”.
Although back then, it was just a cat roaming around the stage.
I SECOND BIlly Elliot…WOW…Just WOW!!! Totally hands down one of my favorite shows…the Solidarity number is one of the BEST Broadway dance numbers I have ever seen! It’s a great show even if it might have some unknowns.(and it prolly does seeing as it’s been in the West End since abt 2005)
Go and see it!!!
I don’t understand the lurve that people have for Sondheim stuff like " ALNM" or Company. Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE Sondhiem. But " ALNM" and Company just seem to be…too serious ADULT. Like they are targeted towards 40 year olds who are VERY educated and religiously analyze stories in the New Yorker. The type who are basicly Fraiser types. There’'s also no really catchy songs (from those two) that get stuck in your head.
I don’t know if people are taking the piss about The Mousetrap but I loved it. (It was near 20 years ago when I saw it though, but I’ve seen it both in Toronto and London and the London production was far superior.)
This will give you an idea of what’s available: http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/
I plan to go in October, and discovered that Jane Horrocks will be doing Annie Get Your Gun then (though not September). I’d love to see that; Horrocks’s (Little) voice is amazing.
Blood Brothers is one of thte best shows I’ve ever seen.