The Nutcracker
: for the magic of Christmas
Who says "Nutcracker", also says Christmas.
This famous ballet by Tchaikovsky is performed notably at the Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden.
And what a sight!
The magic is there.
Sets, costumes, story: everything leads to enchantment, while Clara, the heroine, dreams of her nutcracker one Christmas evening.
Besides the magic of the ballet, it is also a very good choice for those who do not have a good command of English.
Royal Opera House.
Until January 14.
From 100 lbs.
Bow St, London WC2E 9DD.
Such.
: +44 20 7304 4000.
Where to have a drink or dine
The NoMad London is located directly opposite the opera house.
Photo press / NoMad London
Right opposite the opera house, the NoMad London is the ideal address for a drink before or after the ballet.
This beautiful boutique hotel has an opulent and glamorous decor.
If you want to dine on site, absolutely book, because the NoMad Restaurant, located under a huge glass roof, is always crowded.
It also offers a pre-show menu.
For a drink, aim instead for the basement bar, chic and subdued;
otherwise, the hotel's other bar, Side Hustle, has more space.
NoMad London.
28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW.
Such.
: +4420 3906 1600.
More info
For those who couldn't see
The Nutckracker
live, don't panic: the Royal Opera House is also streaming it on its roh.org.uk platform.
Read alsoLondon at Christmas: 12 great tips and stars in your eyes
Elf: The Musical
: for families
Follow the tribulations of Buddy, a human who thinks he's an elf, at the Dominion Theatre.
So Christmassy!
Photo press / Elf The Musical
Played at the Dominion Theatre,
Elf: The Musical
depicts the jubilant tribulations of Buddy, a human raised by mistake in the land of Santa Claus, who thinks he is an elf.
The show is rhythmic, invigorating and communicative.
We come out with a smile on our face.
Special mention to the impeccable performance of the main actor, and to the final scene, particularly magical… Very good for adults too!
Dominion Theatre.
Until January 7, 2023. From 25 lbs.
268-269 Tottenham Court Rd. Tel.
: +44 20 7927 0900.
Where to have a drink before
Located a two-minute walk from the theatre, the Coral Room is the ideal address for a pre-show drink.
This elegant hotel bar, in coral and gold tones, features a very jazzy retro/chic decor.
Perfect for a cocktail, accompanied by a few
small plates
– including the courgette fries, or the cheese and apricot chutney platter.
Coral Room.
16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN.
Such.
: +4420 7347 1221.
The Coral Room, with a chic and jazzy decor.
Photo press / The Coral Room
Where to have a drink afterwards
One metro station away, L'Oscar London (Holborn) has an intimate bar, signed Jacques Garcia, where it will be good to talk about the show.
In the same vein, think of Fitz's, the bar of the Kimpton Fitzroy hotel, with its opulent and cozy atmosphere (9 minutes by taxi from the theatre).
There is also the Sketch, 7 min by taxi;
this address is nestled in a private mansion, where several decors and atmospheres will enchant visitors.
Where to dine
Head for the Circolo Popolare, located a 4-minute walk from the theatre;
it's a very good option for Italian dinner, all in a trendy and festive setting, signed by the Big Mamma group (reservation essential. Service until late.) Otherwise, consider Arros QD, the London restaurant of starred chef Quique Dacosta;
it is a 7-minute walk from the theatre, and serves memorable paellas, in a pretty setting.
Read alsoForget everything you know about English cuisine: six very good British restaurants in London
The Mousetrap
: to shiver with suspense
"The Mousetrap", in VF, is an Agatha Christie classic.
Photo press / The Mousetrap
Still in the winter theme, Agatha Christie's famous play is set in a snowy evening.
"La Souricière" (The Mousetrap) is a clever camera set in an isolated hotel.
While a snowstorm is raging, the assassin is about to strike... Verdict: timeless and effective, this detective piece will give you a great time.
St. Martin's Theatre.
Plays continuously.
From 20 lbs.
West St, WC2H 9NZ.
Such.
: +4420 7836 1443.
Where to have a drink before or after
Right across from the theater, The Ivy is the most convenient option for pre- or post-play drinks.
Its Art Deco interiors are successful, the atmosphere is lively and the establishment offers a pre-theatre menu.
Otherwise, the elegant bar Brasserie Max, at the Covent Garden Hotel, is chic and cozy at the same time (3 min walk from the theatre).
Note that the hotel has a pretty room upstairs with a fireplace, where you can enjoy afternoon tea before the play.
Finally, the bar at the Ham Yard Hotel, 7 minutes from the theatre, is also a good option.
Where to dine
Dishoom, an Indian restaurant with a lively atmosphere, a minute's walk from the theatre.
Photo press / Dishoom
The district is literally full of good addresses.
A minute's walk from the theatre, Dishoom is an institution, serving comforting Indian cuisine in a lively atmosphere (suitable for families and groups).
Special mentions to
chicken berry Britannia
,
Okra fries
,
black daal
(the signature dish) or Murgh Malai.
For dessert, opt for the Basmati Kheer, a rice pudding infused with coconut and vanilla.
Good value for money, booking essential.
(Allow 10 minutes to wait for a table, despite the reservation).
Note that dinner service continues until 11 p.m. on weekends for the last order, so you can dine there after the show, around 10 p.m.
dishoom.
St Martin's Courtyard, 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, WC2H 9FB.
Tel: +4420 7420 9320.
Another nice option for a good dinner, the Whitcomb's restaurant, on the ground floor of The Londoner hotel, is a 6-minute walk from the theatre.
We recommend the fried calamari, excellent;
and truffle risotto.
Serve with potatoes gratin.
Whitcomb’s.
38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX.
Such.
: +4420 7451 0167.
Read alsoIn London, our selection of the best “afternoon teas”
And also…
Other shows and shows are also playing at the moment in London.
For children, think of the unbeatable
Frozen
, played in the Covent Garden district, at the Theater Royal Drury Lane.
For adults,
Swan Lake
is represented at the London Coliseum.
Otherwise, see Agatha Christie's other play in London,
Witness for the prosecution
, for an excellent evening of theater in a majestic setting – the play is performed in Westminster's Old Town Hall.
Prices:
all vary according to dates and seats.
In general from 23 euros for the first prices.
Times:
these three shows start at 7:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.
