Shows to see in London for February Half-Term 2017
Posted on 3 February 2017
The first half term of the year (second of the school year but that doesn’t sound as good) is in February and if you find yourself with children but no ways of entertaining them why not take advantage of a show-it practically babysits them for you. N.B. Please look after your children, actors cannot babysit your offspring.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Gielgud Theatre
A classic page to stage from the National Theatre. It sadly ends on 3 June so there will sadly be no opportunities to wait until the summer holidays.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, fifteen years old Christopher stands beside Mrs Shears' dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. Suitable for 11+
Matilda, Cambridge Theatre
Another page to stage success. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, with original songs from comedian Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre is the captivating musical masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny
Matilda’s parents think she is a nuisance and she thinks, quite rightly, they are only interested in watching telly. Life is not much better at school, where the monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull terrifies both students and teachers alike. Then one day Matilda discovers she has a very special power and decides it's time the grown-ups were taught a lesson. Be warned, the children are revolting! . 6+; toddlers not admitted
School of Rock, New London Theatre
Based on the iconic, hit movie, this irresistible new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a supply teacher at a prestigious prep school.
There he turns a class of straight-A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? 5+, 8+ recommended.
Wicked the Musical, Apollo Victoria Theatre
This classic prequel to the Wizard of Oz story has now been in the West End for 10 years. Around the world, Wicked has now been seen by 50 million people in 14 countries, and won over 100 major awards. Based on the best‐selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re‐imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. 7+ recommended.
Whatever your plans for the school holidays, have fun and remember it is only a week.
By Shanine Salmon
Shanine Salmon was a latecomer to theatre after being seduced by the National Theatre's £5 entry pass tickets and a slight obsession with Alex Jennings. She is sadly no longer eligible for 16-25 theatre tickets but she continues to abuse under 30 offers. There was a market for bringing awareness that London theatre was affordable in an era of £100+ West End tickets – Shanine’s blog, View from the Cheap Seat, launched in April 2016, focuses on productions and theatres that have tickets available for £20 and under. She is also quite opinionated and has views on diversity, pricing, theatre seats and nudity on stage. Her interests include Rocky Horror, gaming, theatre (of course) and she also has her own Etsy shop. Shanine tweets at @Braintree_.