Over the weekend we heard reports that Spiderman the musical has run into financial difficulties, meaning it may not be coming soon to Broadway after all. Spiderman, with music from none other than U2, is meant to take musicals to the next level by blending big budget special effects with the sort of musical production we’re more familiar with. Enormous investment has been put into the show with estimates ranging from $30-$45 million.
Despite being an unknown venture Spiderman is expected to generate huge ticket sales, but this new cash-flow problem doesn’t bode well. After all, there’s a recession on and Broadway certainly isn’t immune to its effects.
Wicked the musical is still running in the West End at London’s Apollo Victoria theatre, and there are some great deals available on tickets. In fact, we think it’s one of the best value shows on in London at the moment, at less than half the price of other musicals like Mamma Mia! and Billy Elliot.
You can get Wicked Tickets for just £15 from these retailers, and children’s tickets are even cheaper. Combined with a theatre dinner or hotel break, Wicked tickets are practically free - there’s no better time to go and see the show.
High ticket prices are the main reason people put off going to the theatre, or only go on special occasions. These £15 tickets are a great buy for anyone thinking about going to see their first musical - Wicked certainly doesn’t disappoint!
Nominated for 11 Olivier Awards and with a hit movie coming out just a couple of years ago, Hairspray is enjoying massive success at the moment. It’s been playing in the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End since 2007 with Michael Ball starring as Edna Turnblad and its popularity shows no signs of abating.
Hairspray tells the story of racial segregation in 1960s Baltimore, but this sensitive subject is handled with so much comedy and bright scenery that the mood is upbeat throughout. The hair in this musical is huge as you’d expect, and seeing men hamming it up as women is hilarious as always. The singing is absolutely fantastic – one of the best shows I’ve ever seen as far as vocal talent is concerned.
Hairspray the musical is suitable for all the family and offers real feel-good escapism. It’s playing at the Shaftesbury throughout 2009 and there are some fantastic deals on tickets available – a must-see musical!
Say what you like about Michael Jackson – he’s had some fantastic hits over the years and Thriller reminds us just how many. The sheer number of classics in this show is astounding and you leave the theatre remembering Jackson for his talent, and not for what he’s become in recent years.
From his early career in the Jackson 5, right through to his solo efforts in the 90s, about half a dozen different actors perform Jackson hits. Some are better than others but none are miscast – one song after another is offered complete with elaborate costumes and an absolutely fantastic live band. Don’t expect a storyline because there isn’t one – this is just pure unadulterated musical fun. One small criticism is that the actors will never capture the raw talent of the real thing, but this is a tribute show, not a copycat.
Everyone from small children to grandparents will enjoy this show – in fact, the audience was one of the widest ranges I’ve ever seen with groups of teenagers sat together as well as families and older groups. Expect to leave the theatre still singing! With Michael Jackson just announcing his new UK tour interest in this show is bound to be huge, so get your Thriller tickets while you can!
