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Author Archive for Simon Harding

Simon owns the original Theatre Breaks company now at http://www.theatrebreaks.co.uk. He has been promoting London theatre for 30 years. He also writes, sings and acts (although Finsbury is the closest he has got to doing so in the West End). His favourite meal is a pre-theatre italian, probably Spaghetti Bolognese.

Miss Saigon returns to London

By Simon Harding on Aug 26, 2013 in Europe, Events, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Rumours of a return to London for Miss Saigon have been around for several years now and so it is fitting that the 25th anniversary of its world Premier in London should be marked by a new production and a return to London’s West End and the Prince Edward Theatre in Soho. Film rights were released

The most expensive shows in London

By Simon Harding on Jul 23, 2013 in Europe, Events, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

It has always been easy to spend your money in London but, when it comes down to it and, contrary to a lot of rumours, theatre-going in the theatre capital of the world is not necessarily that expensive: with special offers, meal deals, last minute tickets and upper circle seats you can “do” London’s Theatreland

Pre-theatre dining in Soho, London

By Simon Harding on Jun 27, 2013 in Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Shaftesbury Avenue has been at the centre of London’s Theatreland for over a century. The gilded architectural flourishes, the bespoke pavements the enticing billboards have long been the iconic façade of London’s entertainment industry, whilst up dark side alleys, past stage doors and strip joints, Soho has enjoyed a totally different relationship with London’s visitors.

Stars queue up for West End roles

By Simon Harding on May 23, 2013 in Celebrities, Europe, Events, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The cast for London’s Theatreland is particularly impressive this month as those whose runs started in the Spring are still to be found in the theatres of London whilst the curtain is raised on several intriguing Summer shows boasting an even broader aray of stars. I suppose it would behove us well to start with

Bolshoi Ballet at London's Royal Opera House this Summer

By Simon Harding on Apr 20, 2013 in Europe, Events, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The Bolshoi Ballet returns to London and the Royal Opera House this Summer, with four full-length productions and three one-act ballets running (or should that be courant) between 29th July and 17th August 2013 to celebrate its 50th anniversary of its first Covent Garden performance. Their annual visit is always an event to be cherished and

Bank Holiday shows in London

By Simon Harding on Apr 17, 2013 in Europe, Events, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

So what’s on in London this Bank Holiday weekend? What will make it worth the journey down (apart from the chance to see the sun glistening off of the Thames as you look up stream from Waterloo bridge)? Of course there are the usual suspects that have been entertaining London audiences every weekend since Margaret

"Vulgarity Arch" to become Armani hotel

By Simon Harding on Feb 23, 2013 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Dubbed “Vulgarity Arch” by the Daily Mail when its sale to developer Rafael Sorrano was announced last year, it has been confirmed that London’s Admiralty Arch is to be transformed in to a £100 million Armani hotel. Originally designed by Aston Webb as a ceremonial passage from Trafalgar Square to Pall Mall and Buckingham Palace,

Top tips to help you enjoy a luxury night out at the theatre in London

By Simon Harding on Jan 31, 2013 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Planning the perfect evening at the theatre need not make you stressed. Remember the emphasis on a theatre trip is on relaxation and enjoyment. Fortunately, adding the sparkle to a long leisurely evening at the theatre can be easily accomplished with an early start: an aperitif, a pre-theatre dinner (not three courses just two) at

3 new hotels for London's luxury market

By Simon Harding on Nov 29, 2012 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Three brand new hotels will hope to open in 2013 in London, each adding their own distinctive brand of luxury living to the capital. London has seen a lot of activity in the hotel industry recently. In what was a rather unseeming rush to open, enlarge and upgrade in time to host the Lycra-clad classes of