From Stage to Screen

With the imminent release of the film Rock of Ages starring the delectable Tom Cruise (ok, that’s a personal view of mine & I don’t expect everyone to agree!) then perhaps, also like me, it has started some West End wonderings as to what’s on and what came first - stage, film or book?

Here’s my pick of the best….

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From Book to Play to Film

I'll begin with the incredible War Horse which of course started off as the most amazing book by Michael Morpurgo read by millions before it was turned into a stage play by creatives at the National Theatre, London. It transferred to the New London Theatre in 2009 where it still plays to sell-out performances. The film released in December 2011 was nominated for 6 Oscars. Read more about War Horse Theatre Breaks

Another firm favourite of mine in this category is The Woman in Black. I must admit I saw the play several times before I finally read the book. There was a TV adaptation made of it back in the 1980s which still terrifies me & the kids, but we were also very impressed with the 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Theatre Breaks from £77.50pp!Read more about The Woman in Black Theatre Breaks SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

From Film to Stage

Next up are the current shows that began life on a Hollywood screenwriters desk and eventually made a huge impact on the stage.

Gems such as Singin in the Rain and Shrek the Musical playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is hugely popular with family audiences and has GREAT DEALS! It's full of well-known fairy-tale characters including the Gingerbread Man and tells the story of grumpy green ogre Shrek on a quest to find a Princess with a hidden secret. Read more about Shrek Theatre Breaks SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

If the romantic in you still lives on then there's no better musical to watch than Ghost at the Piccadilly Theatre. To my surprise this has adapted really well to the stage and the heart-breaking story of deceased Sam & still-living Molly trying to re-connect through fake medium Ode Mae will have the tissues out of your pockets within the first 1/2 hour. Read more about Ghost Theatre Breaks SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

From Stage to Film

The most recent stage musical to be put on the big screen is of course Rock of Ages playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre. This "rock-athon" of 80s anthems has a cult following and the audience can't help but stand up and rock themselves silly in the aisles. Theatre Breaks from £94pp!Read more about Rock of Ages Theatre Breaks SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

A musical that I have seen more than 10 times on stage is Chicago and I thought that the 2002 film adaptation starring Renee Zellwegger and Catherine Zeta Jones was highly entertaining. The dancers definitely sizzle on stage and so do our great deals!Read more about Chicago Theatre Breaks SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS