Top London Shows - April 2016
by Best of Theatre Staff on Monday 4 April 2016, 12:30 pm in Top London Shows
The clocks have gone forwards, the evenings are lighter, brighter and warmer, and theatreland is poised to welcome the spring crowds. What were the best-selling theatre shows for last month? Here's what our customers loved the most during March 2016, twelve big hitters that are delighting audiences night after night.
1. The Painkiller
The show opened on 5th March and a month later it's still at the top of the heap, our number one seller for last month. Brilliant British stars of stage and screen Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon star in Francis Veber's hugely popular farce, a comic-tour-de-force starring two men in two adjoining hotel rooms, one a killer and the other determined to die. Let the laughter begin!
The Painkiller Tickets
The show opened on 5th March and a month later it's still at the top of the heap, our number one seller for last month. Brilliant British stars of stage and screen Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon star in Francis Veber's hugely popular farce, a comic-tour-de-force starring two men in two adjoining hotel rooms, one a killer and the other determined to die. Let the laughter begin!
The Painkiller Tickets
2. Motown the Musical
Last time this show hit our number two spot, this time it's still there, the mark of an exceptional show that audiences adore. When Berry Gordy met Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and more, sparks flew. This is the story of Motown told through sweet soul music, a jukebox musical that'll have you dancin' in the streets.
Motown the Musical Tickets
Last time this show hit our number two spot, this time it's still there, the mark of an exceptional show that audiences adore. When Berry Gordy met Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and more, sparks flew. This is the story of Motown told through sweet soul music, a jukebox musical that'll have you dancin' in the streets.
Motown the Musical Tickets
3. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Last month's number nine, now a top three hit, our hero Charlie and his lovely granddad provided a classic Easter holiday treat for the kids. Young Charlie and his family are dirt poor. But when Charlie finds a golden ticket allowing him to visit Mr Willy Wonka's amazing chocolate factory, true magic happens. The stage sets are magical too – wow.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Tickets
Last month's number nine, now a top three hit, our hero Charlie and his lovely granddad provided a classic Easter holiday treat for the kids. Young Charlie and his family are dirt poor. But when Charlie finds a golden ticket allowing him to visit Mr Willy Wonka's amazing chocolate factory, true magic happens. The stage sets are magical too – wow.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Tickets
4. The Lion King
Number six last time around and up two places to number four this month, The Lion King will probably still be around in ten years, twenty years, a century. It's another Easter holiday treat special, loved by grown ups and little ones alike for its sensitive storyline, sheer drama and happy ending, and adored for its remarkable stage sets, show tunes and costumes. There's still nothing quite like it.
The Lion King Tickets
Number six last time around and up two places to number four this month, The Lion King will probably still be around in ten years, twenty years, a century. It's another Easter holiday treat special, loved by grown ups and little ones alike for its sensitive storyline, sheer drama and happy ending, and adored for its remarkable stage sets, show tunes and costumes. There's still nothing quite like it.
The Lion King Tickets
5. Mamma Mia!
The Abba-inspired feel-good smash hit musical seen by millions is back in our chart again after a long absence. Maybe it's something to do with spring, when there's love in the air. Whatever the reason the sheer romance of the musical, a contemporary love story, continues to delight audiences in theatreland. And the music... well, who can resist Abba? If you haven't seen it yet, do it now.
Mamma Mia! Tickets
The Abba-inspired feel-good smash hit musical seen by millions is back in our chart again after a long absence. Maybe it's something to do with spring, when there's love in the air. Whatever the reason the sheer romance of the musical, a contemporary love story, continues to delight audiences in theatreland. And the music... well, who can resist Abba? If you haven't seen it yet, do it now.
Mamma Mia! Tickets
6. The Maids
Last time it hit our chart at number 5, this time it's fallen one place but it's still here, testament to its broad appeal. The remarkable Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton (newly-emerged from the latest series of TV's 'Fresh Meat'), and Laura Carmichael are at the heart of the show, the Jamie Lloyd Company is in charge and Jean Genet's masterpiece has been given a powerful new face. Don't miss it.
The Maids Tickets
Last time it hit our chart at number 5, this time it's fallen one place but it's still here, testament to its broad appeal. The remarkable Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton (newly-emerged from the latest series of TV's 'Fresh Meat'), and Laura Carmichael are at the heart of the show, the Jamie Lloyd Company is in charge and Jean Genet's masterpiece has been given a powerful new face. Don't miss it.
The Maids Tickets
7. No Man's Land
You enjoy classy theatre. You'll never forget this play, a classic by the wonderful Harold Pinter at his famously absurdist best, a piece written in 1974 that retains its freshness many decades on. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen star, making this an even more unmissable production. What happens when two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, get drunk together? Come and see...
No Man's Land Tickets
You enjoy classy theatre. You'll never forget this play, a classic by the wonderful Harold Pinter at his famously absurdist best, a piece written in 1974 that retains its freshness many decades on. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen star, making this an even more unmissable production. What happens when two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, get drunk together? Come and see...
No Man's Land Tickets
8. The Book of Mormon
At number three last time, this brilliantly funny religious satire of a musical written by respected funny-men Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. First performed in late March 2011, it has been making audiences laugh ever since. With show tunes Hello, Two by Two, You and Me (But Mostly Me), Hasa Diga Eebowai and more, it's fast becoming a comedy staple on the West End laughter circuit.
The Book of Mormon Tickets
At number three last time, this brilliantly funny religious satire of a musical written by respected funny-men Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. First performed in late March 2011, it has been making audiences laugh ever since. With show tunes Hello, Two by Two, You and Me (But Mostly Me), Hasa Diga Eebowai and more, it's fast becoming a comedy staple on the West End laughter circuit.
The Book of Mormon Tickets
9. The Entertainer
Written by John Osborne with a cast including Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hauer-King, John Hurt, Crispin Letts, Sophie Mcshera and Greta Scacchi, this show doesn't kick off until August 2016 but tickets are already selling like hot cakes. The story is set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, a contemporary examination of public masks and private torment. Seriously good.
The Entertainer Tickets
Written by John Osborne with a cast including Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hauer-King, John Hurt, Crispin Letts, Sophie Mcshera and Greta Scacchi, this show doesn't kick off until August 2016 but tickets are already selling like hot cakes. The story is set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, a contemporary examination of public masks and private torment. Seriously good.
The Entertainer Tickets
10. Beautiful, The Carole King Musical
The Carole King Musical was at number eight in our chart for March, and it's still here... a fabulous stage musical that has inspired thousands of people to rediscover the magical tunes of one of the most popular and talented songstresses of our time. If you love Carole King's music and like nothing better than a top class jukebox show packed with legendary songs, walk this way. It's lovely.
Beautiful, The Carole King Musical Tickets
The Carole King Musical was at number eight in our chart for March, and it's still here... a fabulous stage musical that has inspired thousands of people to rediscover the magical tunes of one of the most popular and talented songstresses of our time. If you love Carole King's music and like nothing better than a top class jukebox show packed with legendary songs, walk this way. It's lovely.
Beautiful, The Carole King Musical Tickets
11. Doctor Faustus
At number 11 last time, Faustus holds the 11th place for the second month running, proof of its endless popularity. A play by Christopher Marlowe based on the German story Faust, it was first performed way back in 1592 but is still raising the theatrical rafters. Amazing. The stellar cast includes Mephistopheles, Helen of Troy, the devil himself and more, in a legend of a stage romp that'll have you on the edge of your seats.
Doctor Faustus Tickets
At number 11 last time, Faustus holds the 11th place for the second month running, proof of its endless popularity. A play by Christopher Marlowe based on the German story Faust, it was first performed way back in 1592 but is still raising the theatrical rafters. Amazing. The stellar cast includes Mephistopheles, Helen of Troy, the devil himself and more, in a legend of a stage romp that'll have you on the edge of your seats.
Doctor Faustus Tickets
12. Matilda The Musical
The brilliantly naughty, charming and rebellious Matilda is back in our chart, no surprise when it's another of those musicals that just keeps on giving. Kids love it, grown ups love it, it's funny and irreverent, wonderfully rude and full of mischief. It's been adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly, and the tunes and lyrics come from the hilarious comic Tim Minchin. What's not to like?
Matilda The Musical Tickets
The brilliantly naughty, charming and rebellious Matilda is back in our chart, no surprise when it's another of those musicals that just keeps on giving. Kids love it, grown ups love it, it's funny and irreverent, wonderfully rude and full of mischief. It's been adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly, and the tunes and lyrics come from the hilarious comic Tim Minchin. What's not to like?
Matilda The Musical Tickets
Every theatre show in our top 12 chart is a classic of its time. If you're looking for a theatreland wish list, it doesn't get much better than this. But how about our show of the month? This time it's the exceptional Mrs Henderson Presents, and you can see it for as little as a tenner a ticket, as much as 44% off full price. That's what we call a great theatreland bargain. Whatever you choose to see this month, you can trust us to deliver the best value for money. See you soon.