42nd Street
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
SHOW TIMES
Opened: 20 Mar 2017 Booking from: 24 Jul 2017
Booking until: 10 Feb 2018
Duration: 2 hours 40 mins (including interval)
254 MEMBER REVIEWS
Add a review >- clemonylemony 5"8.5 male 49 reviews 0 helpful votes42nd Street, 3rd April 2017The ensemble cast is absolutely solid, definitely one of the best in London right now. With numerous group dance numbers on such a massive scale, all the movements were beautifully synchronised, and well executed. There's just something awe-inspiring about the thunderous and unified sound of tap shoes accompanying their energetic dances, and the cast looks like they're thoroughly enjoying themselves. The costumes enhance the experience significantly, making the show even more of a feast for the eyes, and elevating each of the already impressive numbers. There are some really imaginative set pieces as well, including a mirror at one point that is appropriately angled (at least for those in the stalls) to let you admire the choreography of the ladies while they perform choreography lying on the stage floor. Don't expect much of a plot, though. As they say themselves in the lyrics of one of their songs, Dames, "But who cares if there's a plot or not, / When they've got a lot of dames!" The musical is really a bunch of unrelated songs and dance numbers strung together into a massive production with a simple plot, that isn't advanced at all by its songs. That said, the show is definitely worth catching for its dance numbers and costumes alone.Sat in Stalls AA18These seats are beyond fantastic. The stage is low enough for you to see everything that's happening all the way to the back of the stage. This photo was taken at my chest level, and you can still see the surface of the stage, so I'm sure height should not be a problem here. The view is also decently centralised, and the chair is very comfortable. The only minor drawback is the legroom. There was more than enough room for me to sit normally and comfortably, but there was no way for me to stretch out my legs. I managed to get this seat at the lowest price band while the show was in previews, but they've since changed the pricing structure to make these seats 2nd price. I have to admit though, these seats are indeed worthy of the 2nd price band.
View from Stalls AA18 - joc78 5"4 female 165 reviews 2 helpful votes42nd Street, 12th July 2017One word for this show…..AMAZING!! The dancing is incredible (not a tap step out of sync). The energy levels from all the cast members were so high – I was exhausted watching them! 42nd Street is a joy from start to finish. There has been no expense spared for wonderful sets, the costumes and colours are amazing and of course the singing and dancing is a joy to watch. Being in the Royal Circle you had a wonderful overall view of the stage. I was especially impressed with Sheena Easton – who knew a pop star from the 80s could be a great West End performer! This is easily one of my favourite musicals of the year so far – go and see it!!Sat in Royal Circle J18This seat is very central in the Royal Circle, with an amazing view of the stage. Due to the tiered seating you can see over the person in front of you and there is ample leg room and comfortable seats. An excellent seat that I would choose again.
View from Royal Circle J18 - Charmainf 5ft 4" female 106 reviews 8 helpful votes42nd Street, 31st March 2017I loved this show. It had everything you want from a West End musical. There was a huge cheer and round of applause when the spotlight came on the Musical director when the orchestra first started and it just got better and better. There were so many 'wow' moments. The choreography was breathtaking; the big numbers were incredible. It has fantastic costume design using gorgeous palettes of colours. The set design was perfect. I loved that they used traditional theatre sets with painted back drops that were superb, none of this modern back projection rubbish that so many seem to be using now. The cast were glorious and made the Tap dancing look effortless, they were amazing. Personally this isn't my kind of music, but it didn't matter, the show was stunning, classy and completely won me over. I can't wait to see it again.Sat in Stalls E19This seat has a really good view of the stage. I missed some of the performers feet at times due to not being able to see past the people in front of me, which is quite important in a show such as this but overall it was a good seat. This is a old theatre so quite tight for seat room, but it was comfortable enough for the duration of the show. I was able to put my bag in front of my feet and coat under my seat but it was very snug.
View from Stalls E19 - gdeacon95 6'1 male 52 reviews 6 helpful votes42nd Street, 13th July 2017Don't go for the plot or the dramatic character arcs, the show is a dance spectacle. The sets are magnificent, the orchestra sound amazing, and the cast put on truly stunning performances, both in vocals and in dance, showcasing the very best tap dancing has to offer!Sat in Stalls AA20Picked up this ticket on TodayTix £25 'rush tickets' - brilliant value! The view is excellent - with the stage being so low, the feet are in sight at all times (which is beneficial for a show like 42nd Street), and the sightlines are completely unobstructed. Also, despite being so close to the stage you do feel far back enough to appreciate the full-scale choreography and see the big picture. Seat is comfy and the legroom is good enough!
View from Stalls AA20
42ND STREET SEATING PLAN
The Stalls at the Theatre Royal Drury lane have a slight curve and mean that tickets for seats at the very end of rows can occasionally have a slightly restricted views. Seats in the very front rows may find it hard to take in the enormity of the stage, while also potentially giving distracting views into the orchestra pit. An overhang from the Royal Circle begins from Row L, but only really cuts off the stage from Row U and backwards.
In the Royal Circle you will generally get tickets with great views, with a good rake and no intrusive rails, and the overhang of the upper section only cuts off the very rear rows. The Grand Circle above, starts to feel quite distant from the stage, and due to the curve can have a restricted side views, as well as having safety rails at the bottom of each aisle. The Balcony is very distant, however if you are on a budget can still provide very good value for money.
In the Royal Circle you will generally get tickets with great views, with a good rake and no intrusive rails, and the overhang of the upper section only cuts off the very rear rows. The Grand Circle above, starts to feel quite distant from the stage, and due to the curve can have a restricted side views, as well as having safety rails at the bottom of each aisle. The Balcony is very distant, however if you are on a budget can still provide very good value for money.
STORY
Broadway’s biggest and liveliest show has arrived in the West End in spring 2017, as the new revival of 42nd Street began performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, in a colourful new version of the timeless tale of a girl following her dream to have her name in lights on Broadway.
The story follows Peggy Sawyer, a young girl who grew up in a small American town, but always dreamed of bigger things. After moving to New York to seize the opportunity of being in a chorus line in a new Broadway show, she gets more then she bargained for when the show’s star is injured and Peggy is thrust centre stage. Will she be able to climb the precarious ladder to Broadway stardom however?
42nd Street is the classic backstage musical, being action packed and full of song and dance. The show opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with previews having began on Monday 20th March 2017 and the show having had its official premiere on the 4th April 2017. This follows the close of the much loved version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which has wowed audiences over the last few years.
Despite having a lot to live up to, 42nd Street has made the most of the huge Theatre Royal Drury Lane stage with a cast of over 50 strong. It is also not the first time the musical has been performed there. The legendary 1984 run, saw fact mirroring fiction as the then understudy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, took up the lead when the show’s original star had a long period off due to holiday and then illness. Zeta-Jones was so critically acclaimed in that role that she became the permanent lead, as well as it helping to catapult her to Hollywood stardom.
The Grammy Award winning Sheena Easton, who has sold over 20 million records around the world, has made her West End debut starring in the role of Dorothy Brock. She is joined by a 50 strong cast that also includes Tom Lister as Julian Marsh, Clare Halse as Peggy Sawyer, Jasna Ivir as Maggie Jones, Norman Bowman as Pat Denning, Stuart Neal as Billy Lawlor, Graeme Henderson as Andy Lee, Christopher Howell as Bert Barry, Bruce Montague as Abner Dillon, Mark McKerracher as Mac/Doc/Thug and Emma Caffrey as Annie.
This new production of 42nd Street comprises all your favourite songs in the original, such as We’re In The Money, Dames, I Only Have Eyes For You, 42nd Street and Shuffle Off To Buffalo.
Mark Bramble, the co-author of the book of the original production of 42nd Street, returns to direct this new version, following the praise he received of his much loved 2001 revival. He is joined by 42nd Street veteran choreographer Randy Skinner, who both worked on the original, as well as various productions since. The combination of Bramble and Skinner means that this will undoubtedly be a spectacular and vibrant revival of the classic musical.
42nd Street began performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Monday 20th March 2017, having had an official opening night on Tuesday 4th April 2017 and is not to be missed by and fan of musicals, so make sure to get hold of your tickets now!
The story follows Peggy Sawyer, a young girl who grew up in a small American town, but always dreamed of bigger things. After moving to New York to seize the opportunity of being in a chorus line in a new Broadway show, she gets more then she bargained for when the show’s star is injured and Peggy is thrust centre stage. Will she be able to climb the precarious ladder to Broadway stardom however?
42nd Street is the classic backstage musical, being action packed and full of song and dance. The show opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with previews having began on Monday 20th March 2017 and the show having had its official premiere on the 4th April 2017. This follows the close of the much loved version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which has wowed audiences over the last few years.
Despite having a lot to live up to, 42nd Street has made the most of the huge Theatre Royal Drury Lane stage with a cast of over 50 strong. It is also not the first time the musical has been performed there. The legendary 1984 run, saw fact mirroring fiction as the then understudy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, took up the lead when the show’s original star had a long period off due to holiday and then illness. Zeta-Jones was so critically acclaimed in that role that she became the permanent lead, as well as it helping to catapult her to Hollywood stardom.
The Grammy Award winning Sheena Easton, who has sold over 20 million records around the world, has made her West End debut starring in the role of Dorothy Brock. She is joined by a 50 strong cast that also includes Tom Lister as Julian Marsh, Clare Halse as Peggy Sawyer, Jasna Ivir as Maggie Jones, Norman Bowman as Pat Denning, Stuart Neal as Billy Lawlor, Graeme Henderson as Andy Lee, Christopher Howell as Bert Barry, Bruce Montague as Abner Dillon, Mark McKerracher as Mac/Doc/Thug and Emma Caffrey as Annie.
This new production of 42nd Street comprises all your favourite songs in the original, such as We’re In The Money, Dames, I Only Have Eyes For You, 42nd Street and Shuffle Off To Buffalo.
Mark Bramble, the co-author of the book of the original production of 42nd Street, returns to direct this new version, following the praise he received of his much loved 2001 revival. He is joined by 42nd Street veteran choreographer Randy Skinner, who both worked on the original, as well as various productions since. The combination of Bramble and Skinner means that this will undoubtedly be a spectacular and vibrant revival of the classic musical.
42nd Street began performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Monday 20th March 2017, having had an official opening night on Tuesday 4th April 2017 and is not to be missed by and fan of musicals, so make sure to get hold of your tickets now!
SUITABLE FOR
When you are a musical lover, how can you beat a musical about musicals? 42nd Street is the quintessential high-kicking spectacular about Broadway, perfect for those who have loved similar works such as Singing in the Rain or the most recent revival of A Chorus Line which received huge critical acclaim.
The production is family friendly and can provide an exciting show for all the family, although it may not be suitable for children under 5 years old and babes-in-arms are not admitted at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Age Recommendations: Recommended 5+
The production is family friendly and can provide an exciting show for all the family, although it may not be suitable for children under 5 years old and babes-in-arms are not admitted at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Age Recommendations: Recommended 5+
PHOTOS AND VIDEO
