The Five Longest Working West End Shows In Historical Past
Posted By baiyangcity on June 24, 2011
Rarely will you meet an individual who does not know the significance of the west end in London, or, for that matter, an individual who would say no to tickets to one of the dozens of exhibits which are operating there on any one night. It could be tougher to seek out somebody who can identify the 5 longest running west finish exhibits in history, though they’re sure to provide a good stab at it.
While might seem spectacular that Billy Elliot the musical has already entered its sixth year on stage, following its opening in 2005, and the current jersey boys theatre extravaganza, telling the historical past of Frankie Valli and The 4 Seasons, opened in 2006, these modern hits come nowhere close to the tenures of the west end reliables.
The Mousetrap
That is the longest running present within the west end by far and, in actual fact, is the longest working present in the world. Since its opening night time on November 25, 1952, the mousetrap has clocked up greater than 24,000 performances over fifty eight years. It is strange, given that the identity of the killer in this quintessential assassin mystery has been revealed in numerous reviews and newspaper articles.
Written by Agatha Christie, the writer herself revealed in her autobiography that she had given the show eight months on the west end. Nevertheless, its persevering with success is generally down to the excellence in its plot and manufacturing, and perhaps the attraction of a time in British history that’s now lengthy gone.
Les Miserables
Primarily based on the 1862 traditional novel written by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is likely one of the most well-known musicals in history. Initially produced in Paris, it arrived in the west end in 1985 and has since been a continuing presence on the theatre listings, with greater than 10,000 performances already beneath its belt. Surprisingly, the primary critiques of this show were largely critical, prompting some to imagine that its run could be short. However, the general public took to it, guaranteeing that its preliminary reserving of three months was extended.
The Phantom of the Opera
Having opened in the west end in 1986, it is now one of the best known musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It too relies on a classic French novel of the same identify, which was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910. For many, it’s the quintessential romance story, with the phantom a disfigured musical genius obsessing over a wonderful soprano, who exhibits him compassion despite the ordeal he puts her through. The present has received the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, with a quarter of a century spent within the west finish so far.
Blood Brothers
Recognised as one of many great modern social commentaries, this musical hit the west end in 1983 after success in Liverpool. Its preliminary run lasted just for six months, but it surely returned to London in 1988 on the Albery Theatre the place it has already run for greater than 22 years. The plot centres across the separation of twins and their respective lives at opposite ends of the social spectrum, one amongst the upper crust and the other being working class but unemployed. Their love for the same lady brings them together with tragic consequences.
Cats
Another Andrew Lloyd Webber creation, Cats is without doubt one of the most talked about musicals. Nonetheless, it’s the only one of many record of five to have closed in the west finish, with its last efficiency occurring on Could eleven, 2002, exactly 21 years after its opening evening in 1981. Thus far, it has been produced in 20 languages and was an equally notable phenomenon on Broadway between 1982 and 2000, with greater than 6,000 performances in New York. Its remaining present in London was broadcast on an enormous display screen in Covent Garden to fans not able to purchase a ticket to the final show.
The full listing of nice west finish exhibits is considerably longer, and the brand new technology of classics are absolutely on their solution to securing equally spectacular runs. Amongst the favourites is Billy Elliot the musical, which relies on the profitable 2000 Oscar nominated film of the identical name. It’s already an award winner on stage and looks set for its personal place in history.
Because of the love for music, romance and drama that the general public has, there is no such thing as a cause to think not, even if it is a US import, akin to the favored jersey boys, theatre goers will proceed to flock to the west end.
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