Electrifying! London's musicals

Short weekends away always seem like such alife is in tune or exalted, despite real-life
good idea - to leave behind habits and habitats,appearances to the contrary. Plays abound on the
see something new; perhaps listen to somethingWest End, from classics by Beckett and Mike
different. But without an aim, weekends awayLeigh, to intriguing performances such as Absurdia,
can sometimes fall a bit flat, a case of traipsinga celebration of British Absurdist theatre.
around a large city, sporadically darting into shopsBut for luxurious, light-hearted entertainment
and recognising monuments. This might be fine ifduring a London theatre break most people turn
you are happy to go with the flow, but if youto musicals. These can be anything from the
prefer being busy and 'doing' something thenheart-wrenching tragedy of Les Misérables
theatre breaks can be a great option.to the rollerblading wonder that is Starlight
Although you could always fly to Europe, whyExpress. But fans of rock and roll, doo-wap and
bother? There is plenty of talent and tinsel muchmen and women in tight leather will only be
closer to home in London, plus you'll be reducinginterested in one option - Grease. Taking the
your carbon footprint, which is one less thing toworld by storm in the 1970s, this musical has
feel guilty about. A cosmopolitan capital full ofnever ceased to impress, transferring with
verve and energy, London has something forconsummate ease to the silver screen. Featuring
everyone with a fantastic mixture of the historica handsome John Travolta and an impossibly
and modern, high and low culture, exclusiveskinny Olivia Newton-John, the film went on to be
restaurants and 'greasy spoons'; its appeal willnominated for an Oscar.
never fade although your energy might.Most people will have a small space in their heart
Famously, London also boasts a wealth ofreserved for Grease, no matter what age they
theatres, most of which are clustered in the Westare, or indeed what gender. It is one of those
End - a place in which life seems to become afamily-friendly films that transcend generations;
little rosy and everything turns out well in the end;equally the musical is suitable for all ages. The
or at least if not, you can get caught in emotiveease and liveliness of Rydell High is infectious, the
moments and feel a slightly better person. Afterlate 1950s costumes desirably retro, and the
a hard week in the office it is refreshing to inhalesongs so catchy that you'll be singing in your
a little of this magic - buying into moments whereseats.