With so much going on in London's West End over the festive period you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to treating your family or partner to an extra-special experience. As well as attending the obligatory West End show there's lots to do in London, including a massive choice of last-minute Christmas shopping.

This festive season London's theatres are offering plays, musicals, comedic & tragic Shakespeare, ballet, and a fair smattering of star-filled pantomimes that should cater to just about everyone's tastes. There is a vast choice of musicals in the West End that are either based on films or use the music of mega-successful musical artistes such as Abba, Queen, Take That and Buddy Holly. Productions recently opened and booking well into the New Year include Joseph, Dirty Dancing, Grease and Hairspray. For those not turned on by musicals there is also a huge choice of drama and comedy plays to choose from such as The History Boys, Boeing Boeing, Glengarry Glen Ross and King Lear.

For the ballet lover there are three excellent productions in the run-up to Christmas. On offer is Matthew Bourne's production of Swan Lake at the Sadler's Wells theatre and two alternative versions of The Nutcracker; the first, showing at The Coliseum in St. Martins Lane features spectacular contemporary sets designed by cartoonist Gerald Scarfe and is presented by the English National Ballet. Alternatively, The Royal Ballet version at the Royal Opera House is for traditionalists, and is more akin to Tchaikovsky's original production.

If comedic Shakespeare tickles your fancy then try Propeller's all-male production of Twelfth Night at the Old Vic. It's an interesting presentation of the tale of shipwrecked siblings Viola and Sebastian, and is attracting rave reviews. Or, if you are in the mood for tragedy, then visit the Geilgud Theatre and watch their compelling version of Macbeth.

Whatever type of production you decide upon you can always combine with a stay in the capital and take advantage of the great Christmas shopping bargains. London theatre breaks are popular all year round, and many people buy them as a Christmas present for a loved one. But, usually the gift recipient will have to wait until into the New Year before they get to enjoy their break due to the popularity of the shows!

However, those desperate to get to London before Christmas could chance getting tickets from the same-day ticket booths in Leicester Square, which deal in returns and tickets made available by cast members. Most people will get to see a show this way even if it might not be their first choice, and it may even be easier than trying to get the right combination of hotel and show tickets in a package.

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