In case you didn’t know, London’s West End is home to one of the largest theater districts in the world! With more than a dozen of the world’s most beautiful theaters packed into this small district, it’s no wonder that it’s known as Theatreland! So if you’re looking for fun things to do during your London vacation, look no further than London’s theatre district! And this spring is promising to be particularly rosy for theatre lovers of all ages!

Opening later this month at the Palace Theatre, all of London is a raving about Jonathan Church’s stage adaptation of the 1952 MGM musical “Singing in the Rain.”

Another dazzling adaptation of a Hollywood film, “Ghost: The Musical,” is playing at the Piccadilly Theatre and promises to make you laugh and then cry in this heart-warming story.

But if you’re in the mood to indulge your devilish side, “Sweeney Todd,” starring Michael Ball as the demon barber of Fleet Street and Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Lovett, will begin slashing throats at the Adelphia Theatre this March.

If you’re looking for something for the kids to enjoy, there’s the excellent “Matilda: The Musical,” which tells the story of a  little girl with an huge imagination battling the powers-that-be, at the Cambridge Theatre.

Starting in May, Kensington Gardens will be presenting a production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” which is sure to provide plenty of Turkish delight to all!

Of course, you don’t want to go to the theatre on an empty stomach, so drop by some of Theatreland’s fine restaurants for a pre-show meal . Just across the street from the Palace Theatre is Incognico, with the decor of a classical French Brasserie and a menu of delightful French and Italian dishes. If you’re in the mood for something a little more eclectic, the Hampshire Bar and Restaurant provides a unique blend of classic and modern British cuisine on Leicester Square. If you’re in the mood for an after-show drink and want to rub elbows with the cast and crew, check out the White Hart Pub near Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of  the West End.

Of course, you’ll need a place to stay nearby, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with some of the best short-term vacation rentals in London that are just minutes away from  the action in the West End. Take our Notting Hill Gate short-term rental apartment for example. From there it’s just a quick 10-minute subway ride on the Central Line to Theatreland. Getting around London couldn’t be easier.

A few tips before you pack your bags: First, make sure you book your must-see shows a few weeks ahead of time because many of these shows do sell-out! If you’re looking for a Saturday evening show or a very popular show (like The Lion King or Mamma Mia!), you better make that a month or two in advance. Next, don’t worry about dress code. You’ll fit right in whether you’re wearing a suit and tie or a T-shirt and jeans.

Are you as excited as we are bout the upcoming shows in London? Good! Now, hurry up, buy your tickets, and get to London to take in these wonderful shows before the final curtain drops!

2012 London Theatre Picks

Singing in the Rain: 4 Feb-29 Sep at the Palace Theatre

Ghost: The Musical: until October 13, 2012 at the Piccadilly Theatre

Sweeney Todd: 10 Mar-22 Sep at the Adelphia Theatre

2012 London Theatre Picks for Kids

Matilda: The Musical: until October 12  at the Cambridge Theater

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: 8 May-9 Sept at Kensington Gardens

Where to Eat in Theatreland

Incognico, 117 Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, London, WC2H 8AD

Hampshire Bar and Restaurant, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH

Hart Pub, 191 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QD

Where to Stay Near Theatreland

Notting Hill Gate Apartment