Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Almeida The Almeida is known for its adventurous stagings of new and clas-
sic plays. The theatre's legendary status is validated by consistently good productions
at lower-than-average prices. Performances are usually held Monday to Saturday. The
Almeida is also home to the Festival of Contemporary Music (also called the
Almeida Opera) from mid-June to mid-July, which showcases everything from atonal
jazz to 12-tone chamber orchestra pieces. The box office is open Monday through
Saturday 10am to 6pm. Almeida St., N1. &   020/7359-4404. www.almeida.co.uk. Tickets £6-£30.
Tube: Angel or Highbury and Islington.
Young Vic Long known for presenting both classical and modern plays, the
Young Vic tends to nurture younger talent than its sister theatre, the Old Vic (see
above), and places a greater emphasis on working with young and emerging directors.
Productions at the Young Vic could be almost anything, and are priced depending on
the show—discounted tickets are available for students and anyone aged 26 or under.
The box office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm. 66 The Cut, SE1. &   020/7922-
2922. www.youngvic.org. Tube: Waterloo or Southwark.
CLASSICAL MUSIC, OPERA & DANCE
Currently, London supports a sometimes unwieldy yet impressive five major orches-
tras—the London Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia
Orchestra, the BBC Symphony, and the BBC Philharmonic —as well as several
choirs, and many smaller chamber groups and historic instrument ensembles. Look
for the London Sinfonietta, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Acad-
emy of St. Martin in the Fields.
Barbican Centre Standing fortress-like on the fringe of the City of London,
the Barbican is the largest art and exhibition complex in Western Europe. Roomy and
comfortable, it's the perfect setting for enjoying music and theatre, and is the perma-
nent home address of the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as host to visiting
orchestras and performers of all styles, from classical to jazz, folk, and world music.
In addition to its hall and two theatres, the Barbican Centre encompasses the
Barbican Art Gallery, the Curve Gallery, and foyer exhibition spaces; Cinemas One
and Two, which show recently released mainstream films and film series; the Barbi-
can Library, a general lending library that places a strong emphasis on the arts; the
rooftop Conservatory, one of London's largest greenhouses; and restaurants, cafes,
and bars. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm. Silk St., EC2.
&   020/7638-8891. www.barbican.org.uk. Tube: Barbican or Moorgate.
Royal Albert Hall Opened in 1871 and dedicated to the memory of Queen
Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, this circular building is one of the world's most
famous auditoriums. With a seating capacity of 5,200, it's a popular place to hear
music by major world-class performers from both the classical and the pop worlds.
Since 1941, the hall has hosted the BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts,
known as “the Proms,” an annual series that lasts for 8 weeks between mid-July and
mid-September. The Proms incorporate a medley of mostly British orchestral music,
and have been a national favorite since 1895. The final evening (the “Last Night of the
Proms”) is the most famous, when rousing favorites “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and
Glory” echo through the hall. After its 8-year restoration, the Albert Hall now allows
tours both front of house (£8.50) and backstage (£12). The box office is open daily 9am
to 9pm. Kensington Gore, SW7. &   0845/401-5045. www.royalalberthall.com. Tube: S. Kensington.
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