42nd Street
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
SHOW TIMES
Opened: 20 Mar 2017 Booking from: 23 Sep 2017
Booking until: 10 Feb 2018
Duration: 2 hours 40 mins (including interval)
342 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 - Chen 5"6 female 27 reviews 0 helpful votes42nd Street, 26th August 201742nd Street really stands up to a second viewing. The costumes still wow, the dances are still fantastic and the cast just get stronger and stronger. A traditional musical that has been lovingly energised for a modern audience. Tom Lister continues to improve each show I see him in, and a very strong supporting ensemble makes this one of the best shows in the west end. A special mention to the real star of the show Clare Halse, who is an incredible talent, and not to be missed! A show for literally of the family. honestly out of this world, and worth seeing for them alone. There's some incredible set pieces which really enhances the already wonderful choreography. It is what you would expect a traditional musical to be, but rather than it being cheesy, it was endearing and heart-warming. The stage is literally crammed full of talent!Sat in Royal Circle L25One of the slightly wider of the London theatre seats, but still a little binding if you're of the bigger persuasion. The view overall was great, and you can see the majority of the stage. The only section that is cut off, is the top part, so anything up high you might miss. I saw 42nd Street, and there was one scene where it chopped off the heads of the actors (I'd seen it before so knew what it should look like so it didn't bother me, but it would have if it was my first viewing) but I don't think it would be necessarily a problem if it was a different show. Overall, it was a good view to take in all of the choreography, which is a must for 42nd Street.
View from Royal Circle L25 - susannahrosemn 5"3 female 107 reviews 3 helpful votes42nd Street, 7th September 2017I adore this show! It leaves you grinning from ear to ear throughout. It's surprisingly refreshing to see a traditional piece of musical theatre on the West End, and the fact that they don't shy away from the cheesiness makes it so much better. We saw the understudy for Clare Halse, and she was FAB! I love Sheena Easton's voice and Tom Lister seems to have become more comfortable in the role - he too has a sublime voice. As for the tap-dancing - I think it inspires a lot of people to take it up! An absolutely stellar production that well deserves its place in London. I hope it continues to run!Sat in Royal Circle J21A really good seat toward the rear of the Royal Circle. The overhang really doesn't affect the view - it cuts off a very minor part of the stage, but this isn't a hindrance. There's a steep rake that allows you to see past those in front, and the seats are staggered too, which means you can see through the gap between those in front of you anyway. There's plenty of legroom and the seat is relatively comfortable. It's a really good view that looks a lot closer than in the picture. Would definitely sit here again!
View from Royal Circle J21 - kemisnomo 1 review 0 helpful votes42nd Street, 4th September 2017The show was amazing visually, the acting I thought was very good with only a few questionable moments but overall a solid show. The music was well performed and I have to say I was quite impressed with Tom Lister's singing. The tap dancing was phenomenal, not a step out of place or a missing beat, EVERYONE was on point! I did tap as a child and it brought back memories of performing and rehearsals. The show was good at taking you into the moment, I felt part of all the action especially as I was so close to the stage, all facial expressions and slight motions were noticed, I could even see the lead male's beads of sweat from dancing. I wholeheartedly recommend going to see this show, it's a spectacular performance!Sat in Stalls A10The view of the stage was great, the stage is actually quite low so you don't have to sit tall to get a good view, legroom for me was OK but I'm 5'7" if you're taller it might be a slight issue over a prolonged period of time. The seats were quite comfortable although my bum was a little numb after a while of sitting but that's to be expected. Great price for amazing views with TodayTix.
View from Stalls A10
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
