In a time where travelling abroad is not as simple as it once was, let theatre transport you to the far corners of the world. To celebrate the companies of the West End being back on stage, we’re taking you on a whistle stop tour around the world – one musical at a time.
Head back in time with The Prince of Egypt
The arrival of The Prince of Egypt at London’s Dominion Theatre saw Ancient Egypt descend upon the West End, with stunning scenery, costumes and music that provide the perfect escapism from everyday life.
Adapted from the treasured 1991 film from DreamWorks Animation, The Prince of Egypt has become one of the biggest stage musicals ever produced. From the musical’s opening moments, which begins with a hauntingly powerful rendition of ‘Deliver Us’, the audience is transported both across the globe and back in time. With epic set pieces depicting vast pyramids, decadent palaces, and the Red Sea, The Prince of Egypt can only be described as a true spectacle of theatre.
Many know the story already; a tale spanning two juxtaposing sides of Egypt, as brothers Moses and Ramses find themselves divided by a secret past. Whether you loved the film as a child, or you’re ready to experience it for the first time, be prepared to experience a journey of wonder. With live fire effects, illusions, pyrotechnics and performer flying, The Prince of Egypt will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Enter the Pride Lands of Africa with The Lion King
Another film adaptation that made its way to the West End stage, The Lion King carries audiences straight into the Pride Lands of Africa. While The Lion King has no exact location, it is loosely based on Kenya and Tanzania, home to some of the worlds best safaris – and you are guaranteed to spot a grand array of animals in this West End production.
Utilising stilts, mechanical headpieces and life-sized puppets, The Lion King manages to bring the titans of the animal kingdom to London’s city centre, with costume mastery and mesmerising set design that has been capturing audience’s hearts since it first debuted in 1999.
Party on a Greek island with Mamma Mia! (Greece)
Here we go again. When would you ever turn down a trip to the majestic isles of Greece? While the film adaptation (and sequel) found themselves the subject of a resurgence in popularity during last year’s lockdown, Mamma Mia! the stage musical has been a West End staple for many years, transporting audience after audience for a party like no other in sunny Greece.
With a soundtrack of Abba’s finest, a Greek island as a backdrop, and a story full of love, family, and one very juicy diary, Mammia Mia! has you feeling like you’re on holiday from overture to final curtain.
Sail across the Atlantic with Anything Goes
Fond of a cruise? Enjoy all the fun but none of the sea sickness with Anything Goes, the musical that takes you back to the 1930’s aboard ocean liner SS American. Accompanying the show’s characters as they travel from New York to England, audiences can expect spectacular dance routines, touching romance and good old-fashioned fun in this jazz-fuelled, high-energy production.
Oozing glamour and charm, Anything Goes is just under three hours of pure escapism as you voyage across the high seas. Grab yourself a glass of champagne and relax aboard the SS American, currently docked in London.
Head to Paris with Amélie
Experience the beauty and magic of Paris in Amélie, one of the West End’s newer additions, based on the five-time Oscar nominated film of the same name. Amélie is a whimsical getaway for the dreamers and romantics, featuring an ensemble of actor-musicians and a set that transports audiences between a Paris Métro station, a café and beyond. Audiences are sure to feel the bustle and quirkiness of this infamous city of love.
The Prince of Egypt is now showing at London’s Dominion Theatre, booking until Saturday 8th January 2022. The Dominion Theatre Box Office opens daily on performance days at 12 noon and tickets are available now for all performances.
