I saw The Lives of Others yesterday and have been thinking about it ever since. It’s the kind of theatre that stays with you after you leave the auditorium. If you’re a Keira Knightley or Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton) fan, I’d really recommend seeing it.

It’s playing at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End until 9 January 2027.

I came across this review afterwards and thought it captured the play so well that I wanted to share it: https://www.instagram.com/p/DfAcX-5jbja/?hl=en&img_index=1

Very excited about Jaja’s African Hair Braiding returning as I missed it the first time round!

Four days was not long enough for London, but I managed to see five shows.

First was Operation Mincemeat, and having seen more than twenty shows, hands down, this has become my favorite musical ever. It was so funny, never a dull moment. The actors were just fantastic playing multiple roles.

The next day, we saw Rent. I had mixed feelings about it. I came in almost blind as I had seen only snippets of the movie version. Still I wasn't able to follow the story completely. I did tear up though at some point. Disappointed with Seasons of Love, which was supposed to be the most popular song of the show. Gaten Matarazzo had a thankless role, but he was surprisingly good.

The next day it was Hadestown. I went not knowing anything about it and I was embarrassed for gasping at the ending. Beautiful songs, wonderful choreography.

In the evening we saw Titanique. Totally insane and we loved every minute. The vocals were also impressive.

For our last show, we saw Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant in Hay Fever and seeing them was the highlight of the show. We thought the show was ok. Act 1 was ok, Act 2 was hilarious, Act 3 was like - was that it?

I can't wait to go back next year. Just sharing. :)

I just wanted to thank this group for all the recommendations and reviews. Spent 9 days in London from US and saw 3 shows on the West End. First was Into the Woods which was just terrific. I had only seen an into the Woods Jr production where my middle school age son played Milky White and only the First Act, a college production and the Movie. The staging and scenery are so good as are all the actors. Really enjoyed it. Unfortunately that Saturday night there was a demonstration in Trafalgar Square with Met Police everywhere and traffic at a standstill. Stuck in a cab for 45 minutes to get back to Kensington High Street hotel, but no regrets,

Then saw My Neighbor Totoro solely on this groups recommendation. Did not see the movie, knew nothing about it although my 33 year old son who came with me had heard good things. We had switched hotels and could walk there. Enjoyed it so much and the staging and puppets are wonderful. Great seats at very reasonable prices. Two days later my son saw Oh Mary with friends from grad school and loved it.

On the Friday before we left we saw Jesus Christ Superstar first night at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Matt Bomer as Herod. I had only seen local school productions 50 years ago in the 1970’s. My son had never seen it and only knew the title song. I booked a pre-theatre fixed price dinner at the Jamie Oliver restaurant right next door to the theatre that the developer of the app did a post about in this forum. Never would have known about that restaurant otherwise as it has a search by theatre function. Wonderful production Judas was outstanding as was the entire cast.

So glad I found this group several months before the trip. I remember getting tickets for Tom Stoppard.s Jumpers in 2004, one of my first trips to London based on a high school classmates recommendation. Took my other, then high school age son and we both hated it. To make up for it, I went to Tkts in Leicester Square the next day and got seats for Stones in His Pocket which we both enjoyed.

My niece has tickets for Paddington the week of November 3rd so excited for her based on everything I have heard here. Happy theatre going.

I’m urgently selling my ticket for The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre in London TODAY (Tuesday, 27 October) at 2:30 PM – for 50% off the original price!
I mistakenly thought I’d booked the evening performance, but an important work meeting has come up at exactly the same time, so unfortunately I won’t be able to attend.

Ticket details:
Show: The Lives of Others (starring Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane & Luke Thompson)
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Venue: Adelphi Theatre, London
Seat: Dress Circle Right, Row H, Seat 8
Original price: £91
Selling for: £45.50 (50% OFF!)

Since this is incredibly last-minute, I’d much rather someone else enjoy the performance than let the ticket go to waste!

Happy to provide proof of purchase. Please DM me if you’re interested! I’m hoping to find someone who can make use of it today! :)

I’m a professional “working” actor (graduated 2 years ago and have booked a couple things every year) and wish there were more communities for professional actors to chat.
I don’t want to gatekeep the profession but it seems like most online forums/ facebook pages / Reddit threads are oversaturated with questions about drama school auditions- how to get an agent etc, which are valid questions- but it’s entirely different.

I know in the US there is far more transparency and open communication about auditions and the industry with forums like callback corner etc- we lack a UK equivalent- and it means myself and many other actors friends feel totally out of the loop if we don’t discuss current auditions- which you don’t always want to bring up in a social context where you just want to relax.

I’d like somewhere we can speak openly about auditions, experiences with casting directors, upcoming projects, etc.
I can imagine if spotlight had a forum for members only it would be great.
Does anyone else relate?

hello, does anyone know if the cast of hay fever do stage door for matinee performances? thank you ☺️

I'd seen Paddington back in August and while I'd enjoyed it there were 4 understudies on, making me all the more keen to see the original cast before they changed. And boy, did the gamble of assuming today would be their last run pay off. What a performance! So much love from the audience, speeches from Tom Fletcher and others and applause that never ended.

Everyone in the photo holding flowers was enjoying their last show, but they go out with style. I wish the new cast all the best but so lucky to have seen today. Magnificent!

I was there on my own because my husband wasn't bothered to come. He soooo missed out, I'll have bragging rights for years 😎

Hi! I really want to join the lottery for The Lives of Others but the rules are a bit confusing to me.

The info states that the lottery opens every Tuesday and they will close entries on the following Monday. You can then win tickets for the following week.

So… if I want to win tickets for November 14th I will need to sign up tomorrow, October 27th? Because then the lottery will close on November 2nd and then I can buy tickets for the following week? Am I understanding that right?

Hi folks,

I'm planning my first trip to London in February and just looking for some suggestions.

I'm definitely going to see Falsetto Reunion Concert, Cabaret and Paddington. Shows that look interesting to me are Rent (big fan, I've heard reviews haven't been great tho), Oliver, Avenue Q (both have never seen), and One Day (loved the book and movie). I've seen most staple shows on Broadway so I lean more towards productions that I can only catch on West End but I'm open to any suggestions, off West End included! Of all those shows, is there any that I should buy tickets in advance or should I do lottery and rush? I'm travelling solo so I often find great ticket price the day of when I go to New York, I understand February isn't too busy there either but I could be wrong.

In terms of hotels, I have the more affordable options like Travelodge London and Queen's Gate Hotel noted but any other suggestions will be appreciated! I love taking public transit so as long as it's convenient and under half an hour to the theaters, it works for me. I don't need anything fancy as long as it has a bed, I'm used to sleeping in hostels if it means I can splurge on shows and food. It will be my first time there too so I would love a location that can take me to other big sightseeing spots during the day if possible. TIA!!

1. Oliver

2. Phantom of the opera

3. Harry potter and the cursed child

4. Paddington

5. Mama Mia

6. My neighbour totoro

I have ADHD so I need an exciting show 😊

Other suggestions are welcome 😁

Just read that Hayfever will make it to screens next year, would that mean that it will eventually be available on NT at home as well at some later period?

https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/26661736.baranski-richard-e-grants-hay-fever-heads-cinemas/

Hello, I've impulse bought a ticket for avenue q on Tuesday 10th November when I have some annual leave (Monday to Wednesday) and as ill need to stay at least Tuesday night in London now I figured i may as well see something else if i can.

To consider -

Price ideally under £50, happy with rubbish seats - if its something amazing once in a lifetime id pay more though eg looked at Rent but theres no matinee

I live in Manchester so I do have lots of theatre opportunities and lots of good quality theatre locally so im spoiled already 😊

Love musicals but love theatre in general id include opera but probably not ballet unless its exceptional

Happy to see something quirky, out of town (public transport only though)

Have seen Wicked, Hamilton, Phantom, Les Mis, Saigon, Cats, lots of Shakespeare, Singing in the Rain, Hamlet hail to the thief all recently enough that without some amazing cast or rework im not massively about seeing again

Ive learned im not the hugest fan of completely sung through but it wouldnt stop me going to see something otherwise good.

I suspect the days and price will be the most limiting factor though.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Thought this would be a good post for the community, and theatre pin collectors. Space Hamlet over at the Cockpit (until 31 October)!

It's a pretty terrific show as it happens - five star reviews coming in, but I thought the pin was pretty cool!

Does anyone know why the show was cancelled tonight? Kept outside queuing until 7:45pm at which point we were told the show was cancelled and we’d be offered refunds by the ticket suppliers.

Hi everyone 😊

I’ll be visiting London for 4 days in November and I’m hoping to see around 4–5 West End shows while I’m there! I’m really excited, but as I’m travelling alone and on a budget, I’d love to make the most of rush tickets.

I’d really appreciate some advice from people with experience getting rush tickets for the following shows:

Hadestown – How realistic is it to get a rush ticket for the Saturday matinee?
SIX – Would Sunday evening be a good option for trying for a rush ticket?

I’ve tried the rush system a couple of times just to get a feel for it, and I’m curious about how competitive it gets, especially on weekends.

Would you recommend trying for rush tickets, or would it be better to book in advance, check TKTS, or try the box office on the day?

I’m happy to be a bit flexible with my plans, but I’d love to see as many shows as possible without spending a fortune!

This will only be my second time seeing West End shows, so I’d be really grateful for any tips, advice or personal experiences.

Thanks so much in advance! I’m already so excited for my trip! 🎭✨

Sorry if this is a repetitive question but I couldn't find posts about this in the last 2 months and wanted to see if there's an update on the situation.

I just went to see my first ever JCS(of any kind).
While I have mixed opinions about the overall show, there's no doubt that the songs Absolutely SLAP.
I chose to walk back to the hotel in this absurd wind and rain because I felt like I needed to walk it off. To cool down and digest the songs.... Only to discover there is no cast album yet. wht..

So... Is the cast album coming soon? Are they working on it? Do you think we'll get it eventually?????
What's the buzz and Gethsemane is keeping me going but I desperately long for the full cast album.

I don't think I watched any musical that didn't have a cast album yet, so this... album-less-void-period is very new to me

Hi,

For Jesus Christ Superstar, are Royal Circle Row A seats 6 and 7 affected by any sound obstruction or unusually poor acoustics, in addition to the restricted view?

I´m debating between those and Royal Box A. Both are on the first floor and both are listed as restriced view but there is a significant price difference between one and the other.

Has anyone seen this producion?

Thanks

I am coming to London in January and am actively trying to decide what show I should see. I lean more musical so I am currently considering:

• Come Alive!
• One Day
• Paddington
• Wild About You

Thoughts/suggestions? Is one better as an afternoon matinee versus an evening show? I welcome other thoughts as well, but I have seen a lot of plays in the US (Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Lion King, Rent (original), Phantom, Hadestwon, Les Mis, SIX, Cabaret, Oliver, Avenue Q, Harry Potter, Oh Mary, ...).

Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: So it looks like Paddington has gotten really pricey already (almost $200 for back of the house), so I think I am going to pass. :( Maybe when it comes to Broadway, I will go see it. Any suggestions on what else I should see?

Selling one on-stage standing ticket for Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane tonight, 24/10, 7.30pm (£25). Matt Bomer Herod! PM If interested. (On-stage standing tickets are sold out for the rest of the run, hence no discount).

Im from the US and see a lot of Broadway shows - both touring and in NYC. (We also do West End trips…)

I see that there is a coming cast change for Paddington. It makes sense because most people have been on contract for a year.

However, I watched the video of the new cast and I was surprised that it looked like the entire cast is changing over.

Is that typical on the West End? Broadway will typically have leads go after at least one year, but many stay longer… particularly the non-leads.

Hey everyone. I hope your all doing well. I am getting a little bit of money just before Christmas and I am treating myself to the following shows next year. If anyone can think of anything else I should see, it would be greatly appreciated:

Jan - High School Musical & Jersey Boys
Feb - Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
March - Six & Rent
April - Jesus Christ Superstar
June - Back To The Future & Everyone's Talking About Jamie
July - Billy Elliot
August - Pretty Women
September - Chicago & Starlight Express