Haye and Chisora are Licensed To Thrill!
(Photo courtesy of KWDesigns on Flickr)
Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming fight between David Haye and Dereck Chisora – and we’re selling tickets for the heavyweight summer showdown!
A crowd of around 40,000 is expected to pack West Ham United’s Upton Park in London to the rafters to see the duo clash on July 14.
Frank Warren, Chisora’s manager, revealed recently that over 20,000 tickets have already been sold, meaning you’ll have to act quickly to secure a seat for what promises to be an explosive night.
Haye and Chisora hit the headlines back in February after brawling with each other in a press conference after the latter had been defeated by Vitali Klitschko in Munich.
The arch-rivals will now renew rivalries in the ring in a bout that has got the nation talking – and you can be there to witness Licensed To Thrill!
Ticket.com receptive to theatre ticket debate
The cost of theatre tickets is a topical issue right now.
Celebrities such as Felicity Kendal and Kevin Spacey have been particularly vocal in voicing their concerns over the price of going to see shows and how this is putting off younger people from attending.
At Ticket.com, we’re quick to acknowledge that going to the theatre can be an expensive experience, especially when you factor in the cost of travel, food and possibly accommodation.
As with most forms of popular entertainment at present – like a trip to the cinema, sporting event or comedy/music gig – theatre tickets have increased over the past decade or so. And this, of course, is a cause for concern when it comes to future generations being able to afford to do these types of activities.
It’s important, though, to bring some context to this whole debate.
Theatre fans don’t need reminding of what a memorable and unique night they can enjoy at the theatre. That’s why shows like Les Miserables have attracted such a cult following over the years, with many people going to see it time and time again.
Live theatre is absorbing, raw, emotional, captivating and entrancing.
Why?
Because of talented and passionate actors and actresses. Because of the buzz of live entertainment. Because of superb directors, script writers and musicians. Because of the charismatic theatre venues that stage the shows. Because of the heritage of theatre in English culture and the fact that so many people – including audience members – and determined to uphold and support a much-loved tradition.
The quality of the shows has improved as well – as anyone who has seen the visually-stunning Ghost The Musical can testify. Special effects using state-of-the-art technology is now commonplace across most West End shows.
It’s fair to say we’re passionate about this topic. We’d love to know what you think. Is West End theatre an affordable luxury? Or does it provide good value for money? How often do you go? Or have you ever been?
(Photo courtesy of Andypiper on Flickr)
Ten of the best-loved UK comedians
(Photo courtesy of comedy_nose on Flickr)
Everyone has a favourite comedian.
You know the one, that certain somebody who never fails to raise a smile and chuckle every time you see them on the box or in person.
We’ve been privileged to have produced some top UK comedians, with the current crop packing venues the length and breadth of Britain.
Here we profile 10 of the best-loved comedians that are doing the rounds in 2012:
It has been a stellar rise to stardom for Bishop, who turned his back on his job as a sales and marketing director for a pharmaceutical company back in 2006 to become a comedian. What a decision that has turned out to be as the likeable Liverpudlian is now a regular feature on our TV screens.
The gruff Welshman has successfully made the transition from stand-up comic to TV personality over the past few years and has won a cluster of awards along the way. His latest tour is intriguingly named ‘The Man With The Flaming Battenberg Tattoo’ and his act is bound to include his trademark rants.
Nelson is like marmite – you either love him or hate him. The plucky chav character has now gone from his own show on BBC Three to venues throughout the UK and his no-nonsense antics mean anyone attending one of his gigs should brace themselves for a lively evening.
Lee’s rollercoaster stand-up career is now firmly back on track after he quit the live scene for a few years in the early 2000s before picking up the microphone once more, much to the delight of his army of loyal fans.
Bringing his bar-room banter back after a short break, Murray will be flying the flag for everything that’s great about Britain in his own unique way in 2012. The Pub Landlord is not afraid to speak his mind.
Man-of-the-moment McIntyre is touring again this year and his whirlwind delivery of gags and general buffoonery has helped him to become runaway success, so much so that he broke the record for the fastest-selling UK stand-up DVD of all time in 2009.
Outspoken and often controversial, Boyle is captivating viewing whether on the TV or live in the flesh as he is unlike any other UK comedian in terms of his style, content and tone of voice. The Scot initially stopped touring after announcing plans to quit stand-up, but is definitely back with a bang.
The Geordie comic is flying high at present and is giving her male counterparts a real run for their money. She’s down to earth, she’s genuine, she’s grounded and she’s extremely personable – it’s hardly surprising that she’s so popular at the moment.
It’s hard to believe Bridges is still only in his mid-20s as the Scot has made it at a remarkably young age in an industry that is tough to make a breakthrough in. Bridges actually started his stand-up career shortly after turning 17 and less than a decade later is one of the most well-known comedians in the UK.
Amstell continues to switch backwards and forwards from small screen to stage and has been in the public eye since starting out as a Channel 4 presenter in 2000. His brand new stand-up tour is entitled Numb.
Who’s your favourite comedian? What’s the best comedy gig you’ve ever attended? Let us know if you’ve bought comedy tickets recently and tell us who you’re off to watch!
Allison writes her review of Sweeney Todd musical
Today we want to share one of our customers’ reviews for Sweeney Todd musical. Thank you Allison for taking the time to share your experience with other theatre lovers!!
“I was so excited as my son had surprised me with a trip to the theatre for my birthday and it was a musical that we both wanted to see.
As you look at the posters outside the theatre, a shiver runs down your spine. The menacing stare of Sweeney Todd looking at you gives you goosebumps. What awaits inside?
We took our seats in the stalls about 15 minutes before the performance and notice people on stage already. I thought it was just backstage crew getting the stage ready, but it was actually actors going about their business. I have never seen this before. The lights went down and the music belted out around the theatre. Sweeney Todd (Michael Ball) appears with a dark look and a fantastic voice. The story begins with Mr Todd returning to London after being imprisoned for the past 15 years and is seeking his wife and daughter. He arrives with a young man he met on the ship, Anthony Hope. They are then propositioned by a beggar woman, who recognises Mr Todd but is soon dismissed. Sweeney Todd finds out that his wife committed suicide and his daughter is being brought up by Judge Turpin (the judge who imprisoned him). Mr Todd wants revenge!
He meets up with Mrs Lovett (Imelda Staunton), who owns a pie shop on Fleet Street and makes the most dreadful pies. She tells him the story of Benjamin Barker and how he was sent to Austraila by Judge Turpin. The judge then lured Lucy (Benjamin’s wife) to his house and rapes her. Lucy then takes her own life and the daughter, Joanna, goes to live with Judge Turpin. Mrs Lovett starts to think that Mr Todd could be Benjamin Barker.She wonders how Mr Todd will make a living and shows him the silver razors, that she has kept since Mr Barker went to Australia. Mr Todd then rents the room above the pie shop and opens a barbar’s shop.
The story unfolds around the pie shop, the barbar shop and Sweeney Todd’s revenge on Judge Turpin. The whole musical is memorizing from start to finish. The acting is incredible. The music unbelievable. The throat cutting looks very realistic. Michael Ball is sooo good as Sweeney Todd, but Imelda Staunton steals the show as Mrs Lovett. She has some great one liners and is hilarious. The show has so many different emotions thoughout.
I would recommed this show to anyone who loved the film version with Jonny Depp (it is very much like the film) or to anyone who just likes a good night out at the theatre. I can’t wait to go again!”
Allison Potts
No Booking Fee Promotion – The Lion King Tickets
The Lion King
We’ve just announced a fantastic new offer on Lion King tickets! No booking fees on shows until September 2012!
You can enjoy savings by booking with ticket.com before the 31st May 2012. The offer applies to Lion King performances up to the 9th September 2012 so now’s the time to see why critics rate this spectacular show so highly.
“The Lion King was one of the best ever musicals I attended..” and “a beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination” are some of the comments we’ve received on this top London theatre show.
Venue: Lyceum Theatre, London
Dates applicable: now until 9th September 2012
Offer ends: 31st May 2012
Exclusions: The discount does not include Saturday performances.
Google’s Secret Plans for Orkut Revealed!!
We love the internet and we love fun… since we are former Google employees, we cannot pass up the opportunity to make fun of Google – it does not happen very often.
As we were setting up our YouTube channel we noticed Orkut* in the sharing options above Facebook and Twitter. Orkut?? Why is that still around? Given Google’s big push for G+ we expected that link to have been long upgraded to Google+
So for God’s sake, dear Google friends, take note and update this link. Although we met Orkut and he’s really a nice guy, we love Google+
Yours truly,
Xooglers** Basak & Michel at Ticket.com
*Orkut was Google’s first social network product that used to be big in Brazil and India
** Xoogler is the nickname for former Google employees
*** For our Google friends’ benefit the page where the link is www.youtube.com/my_videos_upload
Ticket.com’s festival guide 2012
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Festival season in the UK is fast approaching and hundreds of thousands of music fans will be turning out in force at various music events throughout the summer.
There’s still plenty of time to book to see some of the biggest and best acts in the business; our festival guide 2012 features a real eclectic mix of artists and bands set to woo crowds this year.
Here’s the Ticket.com UK festival guide for 2012 to give you the lowdown on who’s playing where and when.
Who’s on the bill? Alice Cooper, Anvil, Dimmu Borgir, Dio Disciples, Sanctuary, Sepultura, Paradise Lost, Testament.
When is it? August 9-12.
Where is it? Catton Hall, Derbyshire.
Who’s on the bill? Deaf Club, Dirty Goods, Pulled Apart By Horses, The Drums, Willy Mason.
When is it? June 2-4.
Where is it? Bristol, Manchester and Nottingham.
Fatboy Slim Big Beach Bootique 5
Who’s on the bill? Annie Mac, Carl Cox, DJ Fresh, Jaguar Skills, Maya Jane Coles, Nero, The 2 Bears.
When is it? June 1-2.
Where is it? American Express Community Stadium, Brighton.
Who’s on the bill? Feist, Michael Kiwanuka, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Felice Brother, The Walkmen.
When is it? August 17-19.
Where is it? Glanusk Park, Wales.
Who’s on the bill? Chase & Status, Friendly Fires, Labrinth, Maverick Sabre, Nero, Tinie Tempah.
When is it? July 27-28.
Where is it? Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon Avon.
Who’s on the bill? Crystal Castles, Friendly Fires, Hot Chip, Kelis, Lana Del Rey, Emeli Sande, Bobby Womack.
When is it? June 15-17.
Where is it? Victoria Park, London.
Who’s on the bill? Bjorn Again, Dizzee Rascal, Hard-Fi, Katy B, Levellers, The Lightning Seeds, Razorlight.
When is it? July 21.
Where is it? Wollaton Park, Nottingham.
Who’s on the bill? Calvin Harris, Dizzee Rascal, Ed Sheeran, Katy B, Rizzle Kicks, Zane Lowe.
When is it? July 6-8.
Where is it? Llyn Peninsula, Wales.
Who’s on the bill? Calvin Harris, Cher Lloyd, Deadmau5, Drake, Example, Jessie J, Maverick Sabre, Professor Green, Rihanna, Tulisa and many, many more.
When is it? July 6-8.
Where is it? Hyde Park, London.
Are you going to a festival in 2012? Who are you looking forward to seeing? Let us know!
Win tickets to see The Bodyguard
We’re running a special competition to win a pair of tickets to see The Bodyguard to celebrate the release of a stage musical version of the smash-hit film.
All you need to do to be in with a chance of getting to see the most-anticipated theatre release of 2012 is to get involved in our exclusive Twitter giveaway by heading over to our Competwition page and hitting the ‘enter now’ button.
Good luck!
The Bodyguard comes to London’s West End!
Exciting news – a stage version of The Bodyguard will open in London’s West End later this year!
If you’re anything like us at Ticket.com HQ then you’ll have no doubt watched The Bodyguard film time and time again since its release in 1992 and will know the words to I Will Always Love You and the other tunes from the movie’s soundtrack off by heart.
Hopes are high that Bodyguard the musical can live up to the hype ahead of its much-anticipated theatre release as Heather Headley and Lloyd Owen take on the lead roles made famous by Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner respectively in a production directed by Thea Sharrock.
Featuring a string of Houston’s hits including One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and, of course, the timeless classic I Will Always Love You, Bodyguard the musical is a romantic thriller that sees former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer fall head over heels in love with his employer Rachel Marron, who is a music superstar attracting some unwanted attention.
Preview showings of The Bodyguard start at the Adelphi Theatre in November and the adaptation will open to the public in early December.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fantastic stage production – get your tickets today!!!
Sweeney Todd Sale- Best Seats from £45.99
’Michael Ball couldn’t be better as this insatiable serial killer. Imelda Staunton is in show-stopping form’ – The Mail on Sunday
Hello Theatre Fans
London’s weather may remain wet for some more days. Not great news 
but it may be a good time to head towards west end and enjoy some great shows with our fabulous offers.
Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s best show and one of the greatest musicals of all times has tickets on sale at ticket.com. Set amongst London seedy side streets and full of brilliant wit and dark humour, the musical depicts Sweeney Todd’s savage quest for justice and retribution after years of false imprisonment.
With over £20 off in the Stalls and Dress Circle tickets, this one is not to be missed. Sale must end Monday 7 May.
Enjoy your day!