Taste of London, Regent’s Park

Don’t miss the tenth anniversary of this outstanding food festival, which features an unbeatable line-up of both chefs and restaurants. Highlights of this year’s Taste of London include appearances by celebrity chefs, including Raymond Blanc and three generations of the Roux family, as well as the presence of top London restaurants such as Le Gavroche, the Opera Tavern and Tamarind. Tickets start from £24 – you can find full details on these and Crowns, Taste of London’s currency, on the festival website. 20-23 Jun

Eye Nights at the EDF Energy London Eye, Southbank

Enjoy night-time London from an unbeatable angle on the EDF Energy London Eye, which is now allowing passengers to hop on board until 11.30pm on Fridays. Not only can you enjoy the bright lights of London after dark, but you can also augment your experience with special packages that range from champagne and canapés to special Sipsmith gin cocktails. Tickets start from £18.80. From 21 Jun

The Shubbak Festival 2013

Explore contemporary culture at this wide-ranging festival, which provides a window into Arab music, films, art and thought. Highlights include an exhibition of work at the Tate Modern by Sudanese and Lebanese artists, a discussion about faith and fashion, and a closing party at the Flyover Portobello. Events are staged around town and many are free: see the website for full details. 22 Jun-6 Jul

The Pimm’s Summer Garden

Enjoy the best of the English summer indoors at the Pimm’s Summer Garden! Wander in for a glass of Pimm’s at the bar and a cheeky game at Pimmbledon, or become part of the Pimm’s Picnic Club by reserving a blanket, which not only gets you Pimm’s and dinner, but also means you can take the blanket away as a souvenir. For full details see the Facebook page. 19-29 Jun

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is London’s largest festival of outdoor theatre, and features great free performances of theatre and dance in the area’s public spaces. For a list of the highlights and further details, see our event page. 21 Jun-29 Jun

West End Live in Trafalgar Square

For two days only, you can enjoy the best of London’s world-beating theatre for free in Trafalgar Square. West End Live features the best of London’s musicals, including Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia and Wicked, as well as exhibits and family activities. Get there early to secure your spot! 22-23 Jun

The St John’s Wood Classic and Supercar Pageant 

Between 11am and 5pm on Sunday you can ogle at more than 30 beautiful automobiles at this pageant in St John’s Wood. Not only can you view cars such as Fangio’s 1956 Mille Miglia Ferrari, a 1928 Speed Six Bentley and Stirling Moss’ 250 GT Ferrari, but you can also enjoy a funfair and the area’s splendid array of shops. 23 Jun

More London events

You’ve got your tickets to London’s hottest show, but haven’t a clue what to wear, or how much time you need to get to the theatre! Luckily, Matthew Amer, Senior Editor at OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk is on hand to give first time theatregoers his top tips:

“I’ve been working in West End theatre for a decade. I was fresh to the scene when I first set foot in the hallowed foyers of London’s incredible venues. I’d been a regular theatergoer before, of course, but not in London. Not in the famous West End. I didn’t know quite what to expect. I was unsure exactly how to act. I’ve learned a lot since then:

1. It really doesn’t matter what you wear. When I first experienced the magic of going to the West End as a child, it was as a once a year treat we spent months looking forward to. The whole family would dress in their best clothes; this was our special night out, after all. For many theatergoers I’m sure this is still the case, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, wear that. I’ve seen theatregoers in shorts, vests, fancy dress. If you’re happy, and you’re not making anyone else unhappy, it really doesn’t matter.
2. Give yourself time. There’s honestly nothing worse than getting caught on the Tube or stuck in traffic and realising you’re going to miss the start of the show. Your heart rate goes up, you start to sweat, you check your watch every 10 seconds. Where’s the fun in that? Get there early and relax. You can always find a bar, pub or restaurant to keep yourself amused in, this is London after all.
3. If you want interval drinks – and who doesn’t? – you can often order them before the show. That way you avoid what can be a very long wait at the bar, which makes that drink taste all the sweeter.
4. If you want to avoid the rest of the audience staring at you and tutting during the show’s most dramatic moment, turn your phone off! There is nothing more embarrassing than sitting in a near-silent theatre, everyone absorbed in one of the year’s finest performances, only to hear a Europop ringtone blaring from your pocket. Avoid that feeling of wanting to sink into your chair and turn it off at the start.

“Looking back now, it seems obvious. But back then, as a timid young thing, this was the most important information I could learn. Hopefully it can help you too.”

For the latest theatre news, interviews and show information, check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Why do you think The Lion King has been such a long running success?
The Lion King is a spectacular show. There are so many layers to it and at the heart of it is a timeless story that resonates with everyone.

How did you react to being asked to play such an iconic role as Simba?
Ever since I first saw The Lion King, I fell in love with it. I used to watch the video with my brother so many times that we could recite the words along with the characters! Simba’s journey is really inspirational. When I was offered the role, it felt as if I’d been told to play a childhood hero!

You’ve done some TV work – do you prefer the stage?
Yes, most definitely. On the stage, there’s no opportunity to stop and start over again like with television or film. I love the challenge of reproducing the story every day, but still keeping it fresh for those coming to see it for the first time.

How old were you when Disney’s Lion King film came out? Did the story have a profound effect on you?
I was 11 years old when the film was released. If I think about what the story means to me, I’m reminded of Simba’s progression and growth that leads him to succeed. By learning from our mistakes, we can develop and succeed in our lives.

Have you ever had any wardrobe malfunctions on stage?
As part of my costume, I wear a beautiful hand-beaded corset. Unfortunately, some of the beads occasionally fall off with all the dancing. Even after the costumes are created, there’s still a lot of hard work that goes into maintaining them.

You were Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar – how does it feel going from villain to hero?
It’s always fun playing the bad guy! There’s something appealing about acting in a way completely unlike yourself. But playing the good guy is just as fun. Being able to save the day and get the girl eight times a week is a good feeling!

Why should theatre-goers see The Lion King? And after that why should they see it again?
The Lion King is a musical for kids and adults, theatre-lovers and first-timers. The show is so rich with detail that it’s impossible to take it all in the first time. The beautiful puppetry and costumes, the vivid make-up and lighting, the enormous staging, the evocative music and choreography all combine to create this wonderful musical. Who wouldn’t want to see it again?!

The Lion King is currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre. Book tickets to see the show here.

At the start of the 19th century London’s theatres were divided by law. Two London theatres had royal patents, which allowed them to stage “legitimate drama” like Shakespeare and classical Greek plays. But Londoners also wanted to to see melodramas, music, and sensational performances on stage. London’s other, so-called “illegitimate”, theatres were happy to oblige.

Astley’s Ampitheatre was a popular choice with Londoners. It got around the theatre laws by concentrating on spectacular and daring performances instead of formal drama. Astley’s was south of the river, not far from where Waterloo Station is now. At the start of the 19th century, this meant it was on the edge of the city. Astley’s had plenty of space to keep horses, and had a reputation for its amazing equestrian melodramas. One of its most popular performers was Andrew Ducrow, who was brave and skilful.

London’s theatres were expensive to run, and there was a great deal of competition for audiences. Playbills like these were used to advertise entertainment, giving exuberant descriptions of different acts.

As time went on the law was relaxed. By the middle of the 19th century the law was changed, and theatres had more freedom. Nowadays London’s theatrical landscape is more diverse, and plays can move between London’s theatres. War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are two examples of successful plays that have been performed in more than one London theatre.

Today, London has a thriving theatre scene – take a look at what’s on.

A guest post by the Museum of London as part of our Visiting the Past series. More London history next week.

In other musical news, the highly anticipated X Factor Musical, called I Can’t Sing! will open at the London Palladium next year, with tickets going on sale today. Written by comedian Harry Hill and directed by Sean Foley, I Can’t Sing! begins previews at the Palladium on 27 February. The title sets the tone for the talent show-inspired musical, which features 19 original songs by Hill and Spend Spend Spend’s Steve Brown, and aims “an affectionate poke” at the popular ITV series, according to Hill and Brown.

Another week; another West End transfer. The Young Vic’s acclaimed production of A Doll’s House will transfer to the Duke of York’s Theatre this summer, following two sell-out runs at the Young Vic. Hattie Morahan will reprise her Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard Award-winning role as Nora in the production, which runs from 8 August to 26 October, alongside fellow original cast members Dominic Rowan, Nick Fletcher and Steve Toussaint.

London Theatre Cast News

• Jane Asher will star as Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Pride and Prejudice this summer. She’ll be joined by Jennifer Kirby, Imogen Byron, Yolanda Kettle, Eleanor Thorn and Leah Brotherhead as the five Bennet sisters, Timonty Walker and Rebecca Lacey as Mr and Mrs Bennet, David Oakes as Mr Darcy, Barnaby Sax as the charming Mr Wickham and Rob Heaps as wealthy bachelor Mr Bingley
• Michael Xavier and Charlotte Wakefield will star as Captain Von Trapp and Maria in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music at the Open Air Theatre
• Jessica Raine, Daniel Mays, Mark Gatiss and Tom Hiddleston are all to appear in the Donmar’s new season of plays from August this year. The season includes the premiere of Nick Payne’s new play The Same Deep Water As Me (with Daniel Mays); a revival of Arnold Wesker’s Roots (starring Jessica Raine and Linda Bassett); and Coriolanus (with Tom Hiddleston and Mark Gatiss).

The Mousetrap: 61 years
The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play, captivating London audiences since 1952. Packed with suspense, the classic whodunit takes place in a remote English country house hotel during a snow storm.

Les Miserables: 28 years
Now in its 28th year, Les Misérables is the longest running musical in the world.  This global stage sensation has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries. Set in 19th-century France, Les Mis follows the plight of an ex-convict turned mayor who is hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman.

The Phantom of the Opera: 27 years
The Phantom of the Opera has reigned at Her Majesty’s Theatre for a whopping 27 years. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic musical, which opened on 9 October 1986,  tells the tale of a disfigured composer who terrorises the Paris Opera in an attempt to make his protégé a leading lady.

The Woman in Black: 24 years
The Woman in Black has been terrifying audiences since 1989, making it the second longest-running play in the history of the West End. Based on Susan Hill’s eponymous novel, the spooky show sees a malevolent ghost haunting a small English town, bringing devastation to the lives of anyone who lays eyes on it.

The Lion King: 14 years
Still a roaring success, The Lion King is celebrating its 14th year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Bursting with colour and brilliant songs, the Disney-movie-turned-musical sees fearless lion cub Simba making his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as king of the lions. The Lion King is one of five musicals to play for 10 or more years on both Broadway and the West End.

Mamma Mia: 14 years
Mamma Mia is now well into its second decade, after first opening in the West End in 1999. Based on the catchy tunes of Swedish pop quartet ABBA and set on a Greek island paradise, this feel-good show follows a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father.

We Will Rock You: 11 years
Mega-musical We Will Rock You has been a permanent fixture at the Dominion Theatre since 2002. Based on the songs of rock legends Queen, the show is set in a futuristic world where rock music has been banned.

Stomp: 10 years
Celebrating its 10th year in London, Stomp has been kept fresh with new routines, choreography and music. As its title suggests, talented performers use everything from zippo lighters to bin lids to hammer out a feel-good rhythm.

Billy Elliot: 8 years
Billy Elliot has been dazzling London’s West End since 2005 with its heart-warming tale of a young boy who struggles against the odds to fulfil his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. The all-singing all-dancing musical features an acclaimed score by Elton John.

Wicked: 7 years
Wicked made its West End debut seven years ago in 2006. Still going strong, the show welcomed its five millionth audience member last month. The award-winning musical tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young trainee witches who meet at sorcery school.

Read more about all London’s theatre shows at visitlondon.com/theatre

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

One of London’s most popular outdoor entertainment venues is the enchanting Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. This amphitheatre is completely exposed to the elements, and there are few more atmospheric places to watch theatre than in the dusky confines of the Regent’s Park, with London’s bright lights seemingly a world away. Productions this year include To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice and The Sound of Music, and pre-theatre dining options include pre-packed picnics and a barbecue. Until 8 Sep

The Scoop at More London

Situated just by London Mayor Boris Johnson’s office by Tower Bridge, this sunken theatre is host to a plethora of free entertainment during the summer. From Wednesday to Sunday you can see free open air theatre here in the evenings, and this year there will two short productions based on the ancient Greek city of Thebes. A family production of the Prince of Thebes takes place at 6pm, followed by a more adult staging of Oedipus and Antigone at 8pm. 7 Aug-1 Sep 

Opera Holland Park

Every summer a marquee is erected in front of the glorious Holland House, allowing visitors the chance to watch wonderful operas in the grounds of Holland Park without getting wet! As well as seeing productions such as Madam Butterfly, the Pearl Fishers and new family opera Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, you can also enjoy a pre-prepared picnic in their alfresco dining areas beforehand. 4 Jun -3 Aug

Fitzroy Square Opera

For one night a year, Fitzroy Square Opera brings the magic of traditional country house opera to London. This year, on 27 June, you can sit in this luscious square in Fitzrovia and enjoy a production of Bizet’s Carmen. You can also order a pre-prepared picnic (£22), enjoy freshly cooked paella in the interval or simply avail yourself of the cash bar.

Shakespeare’s Globe, Southbank

At this incredible reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre you can choose whether you have a fully outdoor or partially indoor theatrical experience! The stage is situated under the sky, but there are seats available within the covered theatre section if you don’t feel like standing in the exposed middle with the ‘groundlings’. Scheduled for 2013 are favourites such as King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest, and you can buy standing tickets for just £5. Until 28 Sep

Theatre in the Square with Lyric Hammersmith

Watch live outdoor theatre for free in the Lyric Square, Hammersmith, thanks to a festival staged by five of the country’s most exciting theatre companies. A collaboration between HammersmithLondon, Lyric Hammersmith, Latitude festival, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and Watford Palace Theatre, this festival is sure to offer innovative, enjoyable and eccentric entertainment. Keep an eye on the theatre’s What’s On section for more details. 12 Jun-5 Jul

BP Summer Screens

The BP Summer Screens bring one of London’s most exclusive indoor venues – Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House – to the great outdoors. Better still – screenings are free! You can see the ballet Mayerling (13 June) or operas La Rondine (11 July) and Tosca (18 July) in outdoor spaces such as Trafalgar Square, Canary Wharf and Woolwich.

Chiswick House and Gardens

You can watch both opera and theatre alfresco at the beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens, which stages a range of both as part of its excellent events programme. During July you can catch productions of Carmen, Gulliver’s Travels and A Little of What You Fancy! on the rear lawn of the House. Tickets are £30 and full details are available on the venue website.

Fulham Palace

On 7 July take the whole family to Fulham Palace for a theatre production of Babe: the Sheep Pig which is sure to delight both adults and children alike. Taking place in the Walled Garden, the production starts at 2pm and tickets cost £8 for children or £12 for adults.

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

London’s biggest festival of outdoor theatre runs from 21 to 29 June and brings performers to the parks and streets of Greenwich and the surrounding area. You can see everything from street dance to aerial theatre at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival – take a look at our pick of the highlights here.

More London theatre

If you’re into experimental and brand new theatre, make sure you check out this summer’s Almeida Festival, running from 9 July to 3 August. It’s a really eclectic programme, including international theatre companies, new collaborations and award-winning artists. Look out for Bryony Kimming’s new show, Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model; Lost Dogs’ new show Rabbits; and Dante or Die’s I Do, a site-specific piece that takes place in six hotel rooms 10 minutes before a wedding is due to start. For the full line-up, see almeida.co.uk/festival-2013.

The line-up for this year’s Kids Week has also been announced. Running for the whole of August in 2013, there are 34 top London shows offering free tickets to children aged 16 and under with every adult ticket bought. As well as top musicals, drama and dance shows, there are also workshops for kids interested in trying ballet, learning pop songs with the cast of Let It Be and tap dancing with Top Hat. Tickets go on sale on 18 June from kidsweek.co.uk.

The latest news from the National Theatre is that Rufus Norris will direct a new stage adaptation of the acclaimed novel Behind The Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death And Hope In A Mumbai Undercity next year. The novel by Katherine Boo is being adapted by playwright David Hare, and is a non-fiction account of life in the slums of Annawadi. If the adaptation of Mark Haddon’s novel, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time is anything to go by, the National could have another hit on their hands.

London Theatre Cast News

• Olivier Award-winning actor Julian Glover will star in the UK premiere of The Scottsboro Boys when it opens at the Young Vic later this year
• Joanna Lumley and Andrew Scott will star in two short plays by Harold Pinter as part of a programme of platform events at the Trafalgar Studios
• Maureen Lipman stars in the world premiere of Oliver Cotton’s Daytona at the Park Theatre from 10 July
• Danny Webb joins Imelda Staunton and Toby Jones in the UK premiere of Annie Baker’s Circle Mirror Transformation, part of the Royal Court’s Theatre Local project later this year
• Olivier Award winner Gawn Grainger and The Lord Of The Rings star Billy Boyd have joined the cast of Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe

Mike Clewley, Cultural Tourism Officer at the Greater London Authority (GLA) introduces his pick of immersive performances in London:

As Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage” so why should we confine theatre to traditional venues? London is home to a variety of incredible immersive experiences to enjoy whether you’re looking to dine out or just watch a film.

You may already be aware of this summer’s exciting new production from Punchdrunk and the National Theatre but if you’re the type of person who likes surprises and wants to be part of the experience, as well as being able to tell your friends “you’ll never guess what I did in London!”, then read on.

Secret Cinema

This is the closest you can get to immersing yourself in the fantasy world portrayed within a film without actually being on the screen. Hot off the heels of past successes including the Shawshank Redemption, Lawrence of Arabia and Bugsy Malone (including a massive custard pie fight), Secret Cinema continues to take London theatre, and its audience, to strange, new places.

Holding true to their mantra of “Tell No One”, you won’t know what you’re in for until you’re there, but this summer’s event promises to be intriguingly G.O.O.D.

Fawlty Towers – The Dining Experience

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend the evening dining with famous comic characters, now’s your chance. You can relive the legendary 70s British comedy Fawlty Towers in person with Basil, Sybil and Manuel in this theatrical dining experience like no other. Its set menu includes Duck “Surprise” (chicken) but no Waldorf Salad unfortunately. However, if you like your food served with chaos and hilarity then: bon appetit!

The Ginger Line

There are some great pop-up restaurants in London but The Ginger Line also serves up artists, chefs and actors for one of London’s most unique dining experiences. Adventurous diners make their way to a secret location (always on the East London Overground line, which is ginger coloured, hence the name) and are treated to a mix of theatre, cabaret and cocktails to meet new friends over fantastic food and new surroundings. Look out for the next The Ginger Line event this summer.

Mike Clewley is Cultural Tourism Officer for the Mayor of London: “I’m in a very privileged position to represent the kaleidoscope of culture on offer in this great city. I’m passionate about history, art, music, film and discovering those moments in life that will make you go “wow!”. I love the fact that London is so difficult to sum up and why it’s so great but that’s what makes it the best city on the planet”.

What’s your favourite song from Viva Forever!?
At the moment my favourite song is “Who Do You Think You Are?” Jennifer’s [Saunders] put it in great context and written a fantastic scene around it; one minute it’s funny, the next minute it’s like a fight between all of us. It’s very exciting to enact and the audience respond really strongly to it.

Why do you think the Spice Girls songs are so popular?
I think the Spice Girls songs are the embodiment of fun and optimism. The Spice Girls aren’t afraid to aim high and go for their goals, while encouraging others to do the same. They shine a bright light in what sometimes seems a bit of a dull world!

What does performing in London’s West End mean to you?
It’s incredibly handy – a quick pedal up the hill on my bicycle and I’m there! That aside, London’s West End is a vibrant multicultural hub – and it’s amazing to be part of a phenomenal theatrical history that goes way back.

Do you prefer TV or stage work?
TV and stage work present different challenges, both of which I enjoy.

If you weren’t playing Simone in Viva Forever!, what other role would you like to play on stage at the moment?
Oh my – how long have you got?! There are a million things I’d like to do, but I feel strangely shy about talking about specific plays or shows – I must be more superstitious than I thought! I love working on classical texts. I love Mr Shakespeare and Mr Chaucer. I’ve never done a Chekhov, Tennessee Williams or Lorca play – or a full Greek Tragedy. I also passionately want to do a gig or two.

What part of a musical do you most enjoy – the dancing, singing or acting?
Singing! And acting is naturally at the heart of it anyway.

Do you have any lucky charms or rituals before you go on stage?
Mostly practical stuff – I fill up an old contact lens case with vital throat moistening sweets and pop them down my frontage because I don’t have any pockets. And I always put the left shoe on first – I’ve no idea why!

Why should London theatre-goers choose to see Viva Forever!?
Viva Forever is a fun party that everyone’s invited to. It’s the sort of party you don’t want to leave because you’re having too much fun – and the music is great. Come along and boogie!

Viva Forever! is currently playing at the Piccadilly Theatre. You can book tickets to see Viva Forever! here. You can follow Viva Forever! on twitter: @vivaforever