Entertainment in Westminster/ St James (London)

Aldwych Theatre

The Aldwych Theatre was built in 1905 by Seymour Hicks and Charles Frohman with design by W.G.R. Sprague. It seats 1200 and has a proscenium stage. From 1925 to 1933 the Aldwych presented Ben Travers' farces, including A Cuckoo In The Nest and A Cup of Kindness . For 21 years, starting in 1960, the Royal Shakespeare Company used Aldwych as their London base.

Theatre Royal Haymarket

The Haymarket Theatre Royal is a relatively large theater seating over 900 people. The plays here are big and attract tourists, but their popularity does nothing to undermine the quality of the work and actors, many of which are household names. Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason and Helen Mirren have all starred here, and Dame Judi Dench is set to be the next esteemed actress to add her name to the bill. There is access for wheelchairs which are placed at the back of the stalls area. Please call in advance to arrange.

Savoy Theatre

Savoy theatre usually shows plays of the British persuasion, like Noel Coward's Hay Fever and a musical version of Hardy's Tess of the D'Ubervilles, but at Christmas it often hosts a variety of shows for children. The auditorium holds just over 1,100 people, including seats for wheelchairs in the dress circle, and it can also be hired for conference purposes.

Victoria Palace Theatre

Victoria Palace has been on the current site since 1832 and has been showing an array of performances since then. The theater mainly puts on musicals, which are hit-or-miss successes, two examples of the latter being Fame and Les Miserables. No dining facilities are available, but there are five licensed bars. There is also a confectionery kiosk selling sweets and drinks.

MCC Lord's Cricket Ground

Lords Cricket Ground is the home ground of quite a few teams prominent among them being the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club). The MCC is actually the governing body of the game of cricket. All the big finals are played here, as well as some more off-the-wall games. The best way to see Lord's (and to start learning how cricket is played if you're not familiar with it) is to take a tour of the ground. This lasts for around an hour and a half, and takes in such highlights as the new Media Centre, the famous Long Room, the Museum and the Lords pub, where many a cricket players have enjoyed a pint after a game.

Astoria

Astoria is one of London's most popular music venues. It has hosted world class artists, such as Roots Manuva, Lemon Jelly, De La Soul and many more. The Astoria also contributes towards benefits, such as the most recent Tsunami Benefit. If you're in London, here's your chance to catch a live gig. So put on your dancing shoes and raise those candles! As of now bookings are open for Megadeth, Cake, Simple Plan, The Donnas, Vine Neil, Ian Hunter, Asian Dub Foundation and a couple of other great bands. Astoria, a venue for bands from all corners of the globe, promotes all genres of music.

London Showboat

This is the way to dine! Good food, live music and some of the most popular sights of London make this an amazingly enjoyable experience. The London Showboat cruises from the Palace of Westminster right up to the Thames Barrier. The night becomes more enjoyable because of lively cabaret performances and live music. Both a set menu and a la carte offerings are available, and the cuisine is Continental. Take your pick from a selection of desserts and coffees on offer. Do check out the website for boarding timings.

Switching On the Christmas Lights

London is ablaze with holiday lights in mid-November, as celebrities switch on the lights of famous shopping streets. Bond Street, St. Christopher's Place, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Covent Garden Market all celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights. Celebrities at past ceremonies have included Victoria Beckham, David Ginola, and Charlotte Church. A Norwegian official usually flicks the switch in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the donation of a Christmas tree from Norway. Free admission.

Saharaween

This Moroccan restaurant offers you comfort dining in a cosy and romantic setting. Experience the Moroccan style of seating - loads of chunky floor cushions, low tables, and colourful rugs. A belly dancer swings to Arabian music thrice a night, and almost everything in the restaurant is for sale, so pick up what you like...oops! Not the dancer of course! But you can book her for private parties! The food will prove a treat for your taste buds - try the Mhamar, an earthy-looking dish of lamb marinated in Maghribi spices. The lower level can be booked for private gatherings.

Trafalgar Studios at the Whitehall Theatre

Originally known for its post war farces, the theatre was accordingly called 'The Whitehall Farces'. The name then changed to 'The Whitehall theatre' and is now Trafalgar Studios at the Whitehall Theatre. Since then the theatre has put on a variety of performances that range from plays to musicals, but today remains committed to intelligent drama and intelligent musicals. The theatre seats 648 people but has no wheelchair access. There are no dining facilities but there is a main bar and a smaller one in the foyer of the theatre. The theatre is currently on lease to the Oxford Stage Company so this respected company produces the majority of shows.

Phoenix Theatre

The Pheonix Theatre has been showing Blood Brothers for the last 18 years, and isn't planning on changing that anytime soon. The theater was originally opened in 1934 for Noel Coward's play Private Lives. There is a selection of five bars that open half an hour before each performance and stays open until the end of the show. A box is reserved for one wheelchair and a companion. Check website for timings.

The New Players Theatre

The New Players Theatre specializes in Victorian Music Hall entertainment, and it promises to transport you back in time. Shows are changed regularly and there are also several pantomimes every year. Attending a show here is a novel experience, with the mixture of sarcastic Victorian humor and traditional music making for a memorable evening. A membership entitles you to free admission to all performances for a year and use of club facilities (late bar and restaurant), whether you're attending a performance or not. Call for show timings, or additional information.