RatedApartments.com contributor Matt Robinson showcases three of London’s best theatre offerings.

For many people the search for something to do, when they visit a new city, can be quite an arduous process. However in London you don’t need to search that far for top entertainment. Whether you are in London for a holiday, on business or just a short visit there is plenty to see and do.

The arts scene in the capital is one of London’s best assets; the theatre scene offers a plethora of entertainment for the whole family with a variety of staple favourites and short running specials.

London Victoria plays host to two top plays; Billy Elliot and Wicked (The untold story of the Wizard of Oz). Originally debuting on Broadway in 2003 Wicked is based on the best selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, a parallel novel to Frank Baum’s classic tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This show is a top night out and full of surprises as well as links to the famous story turned film starring Judy Garland. The show will appeal to fans of the film and those unfamiliar with the story as it works both as a single entity and a companion piece. Show stopping numbers and spectacular effects make this a truly unmissable show.

Billy Elliot, based on the 2000 film starring Jamie Bell, premiered in London in 2005 and has since opened in Australia and New York. The music written by Elton John is excellent and effortlessly brings the story of a boy entering the world of ballet to life on stage. The play is both funny and gritty set against the coal miners strike of the mid eighties in County Durham, but also posseses a great deal of heart, which instills in the audience a real warm fuzzy feeling once they leave the theatre. Definitely one of the best shows around at the moment and a real must for film and theatre lovers.

Still one of the biggest crowd pleasers though has to be Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. This long running musical adapted from the popular Disney film is a true spectacle. The audience is catapulted into the African world immediately as the cast move through the audience at the start of the show. Whilst taking a slightly more adult story telling approach than the film this show still retains all the memorable songs you will know and love and is the perfect family night out.