Tourist Information
Archive for June, 2010
Egypt M/S Omar Khayam Cruise at Lake Nasser, Lake Nasser Cruises Ship
0Itinerary A:
Aswan / Abu Simbel Every Monday
4 Nights / 5 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Aswan / Board cruise
You will be transferred from the point of your arrival or your hotel in Aswan and board cruise. Lunch will be served aboard, followed by guided tour to Kalabsha Temple considered one of the biggest temples that was built in the era of the XVIII dynasty and dedicated to the fertility god Mandukis. Temple is classical for the Ptolemaic period with pylons, courtyard, hypostyle hall and three room sanctuaries. Also you will visit Beit el-Wali represents another of Ramesses II’s Nubian monuments dedicated principally to Amun, together with other gods, that was cut out of the rock and is probably unique as the smallest of its gender. On the walls of the forecourt are several fascinating reliefs, detailing the Pharaoh’s victory over the Nubians and his war against the Lybians and Syrians. And kiosk of Kertassi built of Two Hathor-headed capped columns flank the entrance during the Greek Roman period and dedicate Goddess Isis. Afternoon tea will be served in the lounge aboard. Dinner and overnight will be in the Aswan Harbour.
Day 2: Wadi El Seboua
You will have breakfast on board. You will sail to Wadi El Seboua, cocktail will be offered while passing Tropics of Cancer after which the area experiences no dramatic change in season because the sun is consistently high in the sky throughout the year. Lunch and dinner will be served on board, overnight stay on board.
Day 3: Wadi El Seboua / Amada
Breakfast on board and then early visiting Wadi El Seboua Temple. In Arabic it is mean ” Valley Of Lions ” and refers to the avenue of 10 Sphinxes that stood in front of the Temple Of Ramses – Mery – Amun, dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods Amon Ra and Harmakis. Then you see the temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, it’s construction appears to have become a combined effort between these Nubian kings and the line of Greek Pharaohs in Egypt, the temple itself was started by Arkamani and was added to by his contemporary, Ptolemy IV, and decorated by later Ptolemies; and the temple of Meharrakka dates from the Greco-Roman period dedicated to Serapis. Sailing to Amada during lunch, in arrival visit to the Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, was first constructed by pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18th dynasty and dedicated to Amun and Re-Horakhty with next continues the decoration program for this structure by other pharaohs. Then u will see the Temple of Derr is a rock-cut temple built by pharaoh Ramesses II in Lower Nubia and the Tomb of Penout, the only conserved example of a tomb of an Egyptian viceroy in Nubia. Dinner and overnight aboard.
Day 4: Kasr Ibrim / Abu Simbel
You will have breakfast while sail to Kasr Ibrim, the last Nubian monument remaining in its original location. Tour is conducted from the ship’s sundeck as entrance is not permitted. Continue your sailing to Abu Simbel to visit Great Tempe carved into a cliff on the banks of Nile as a grand display of the power and territory of Ramses the Great, dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Rameses himself and generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramses II, and The temple of Hathor and Nefertari, also known as the Small Temple built about one hundred meters northeast of the temple of Ramses II and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and his beloved queen Nefertari. This was in fact the second time in ancient Egyptian history that a temple was dedicated to a queen. You can attend light and sound show at Abu Simbel temple, as optional tour. Candlelight dinner and overnight on board.
Day 5: Disembark in Abu Simbel
Disembark the ship after breakfast. Then you will be transferred to the point of your departure in Abu Simbel (Airport – Hotel ).
Cruise Itinerary B
Abu Simbel / Aswan Every Friday
3 Nights / 4 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Abu Simbel / Board cruise
You will be transferred from the point of your arrival or your hotel in Aswan and board cruise. Lunch will be served aboard, followed by guided tour Temple of Derr is a rock-cut temple built by pharaoh Ramesses II in Lower Nubia and the Tomb of Penout, the only conserved example of a tomb of an Egyptian viceroy in Nubia. After you will sail to Kasr Ibrim the last Nubian monument remaining in its original location. Tour is conducted from the ship’s sundeck as entrance is not permitted. Continue your sailing to Abu Simbel to visit Great Tempe carved into a cliff on the banks of Nile as a grand display of the power and territory of Ramses the Great, dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Rameses himself and generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramses II, and The temple of Hathor and Nefertari, also known as the Small Temple built about one hundred meters northeast of the temple of Ramses II and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and his beloved queen Nefertari. This was in fact the second time in ancient Egyptian history that a temple was dedicated to a queen. You can attend light and sound show at Abu Simbel temple, as optional tour. Dinner and overnight will be on board.
Day 2: Kasr Ibrim / Amada
You will have breakfast on board with free time for relax. Lunch will be served during sailing to Kasr Ibrim the last Nubian monument remaining in its original location. Tour is conducted from the ship’s sundeck as entrance is not permitted. While sailing to Amada, lunch will be served. visit to the Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, was first constructed by pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18th dynasty and dedicated to Amun and Re-Horakhty with next continues the decoration program for this structure by other pharaohs. Then u will see the Temple of Derr is a rock-cut temple built by pharaoh Ramesses II in Lower Nubia and the Tomb of Penout, the only conserved example of a tomb of an Egyptian viceroy in Nubia. Dinner and overnight will be served on board.
Day 3: Wadi El Seboua
After braekfast early visit Wadi El Seboua Temple means in Arabic ” Valley Of Lions ” and refers to the avenue of 10 Sphinxes that stood in front of the Temple Of Ramses – Mery – Amun, dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods Amon Ra and Harmakis. Then you see the temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, it’s construction appears to have become a combined effort between these Nubian kings and the line of Greek Pharaohs in Egypt, the temple itself was started by Arkamani and was added to by his contemporary, Ptolemy IV, and decorated by later Ptolemies; and the temple of Meharrakka dates from the Greco-Roman period dedicated to Serapis. You will sail to Aswan, cocktail will be offered while passing Tropics of Cancer before which the area experiences no dramatic change in season because the sun is consistently high in the sky throughout the year. You will return back to the board for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Aswan
You will have breakfast on board,then you will have tour to Kalabsha Temple considered one of the biggest temples that was built in the era of the XVIII dynasty and dedicated to the fertility god Mandukis. Temple is classical for the Ptolemaic period with pylons, courtyard, hypostyle hall and three room sanctuaries. Also you will visit Beit el-Wali represents another of Ramesses II’s Nubian monuments dedicated principally to Amun, together with other gods, that was cut out of the rock and is probably unique as the smallest of its gender. On the walls of the forecourt are several fascinating reliefs, detailing the Pharaoh’s victory over the Nubians and his war against the Lybians and Syrians, and kiosk of Kertassi built of Two Hathor-headed capped columns flank the entrance during the Greek Roman period and dedicate Goddess Isis. Disembark the ship after breakfast.
Tour Includes
Meet and assist upon arrival and departure by our REP
Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your cruise
Accommodation on full board basis on board the Lake cruise
All sightseeing tours as per the cruise itinerary
Admission fees to the sights as per cruise itinerary
Professional English speaking tour guide
All service charges and applicable taxes
Magdy Abdel Ghany
Tour Consultant
Albaraa Travel Egypt-Hurghada Branch
No: 12, 3 Floor in front of Mubarak II
TEL: 002 0653 452871 002 0653 452871
Fax: 002 0653 452871
Cell : 002 01629 222 90 / 002 01411 82 622
Emails: magdy@egypttravelhotdeals. com
Website:
http://www. egypttravelhotdeals. com
http://www. albaraagroup. com
Nile Cruises. wmv
0
The Greek Historian herodets wrote “Egypt is the gift of the Nile” Without it the country would have been buried in the desert Today you can sail the same path like those Ancient Kings and Queens Aboard one of more than 300 luxuries Nile cruises
Know about Caribbean Cruises
0Azure waters, white sandy beaches, perhaps a cheeky rum punch or two – Caribbean holidays are the stuff of dreams. And a cruise is a great way to see all the best islands in one holiday. Imagine dropping anchor in a new port every day or two to explore another gorgeous beach or experience another island culture. Then hop back on-board at night to enjoy the fabulous facilities and sail on to the next dream destination.
Caribbean cruises enable you to experience the rhythmic, exuberant, yet laidback nature of these islands, as well as a great place to relax in the sun. Delve deeper and you’ll find that each island has its own traditions and special identity: from deserted white sand beaches and crystal clear waters to lush rainforests and waterfalls, vibrant scenery to colonial history.
The Caribbean, with its sugar-soft beaches, turquoise seas and gently swaying palms, is one of the world’s best-loved holiday destinations. With so many beautiful and diverse islands, there is always somewhere or something new to explore. It really is made for cruise holidays.
As the gentle waves softly caress the shoreline you will find your worries just melting away on a Caribbean cruise. From Grand Anse beach in Grenada, to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola, your picture postcard paradise is never far away. If you have been dreaming of your own secluded island in the sun, the private island of Mayreau is the perfect Robinson Crusoe getaway. Not only does the sun shine year round, but many of the islands are lush and green.
In addition to the region’s famed beaches there are also many fascinating places for you to visit, and each island has its own colourful history. From Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua to Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts, these islands` riches have been fought over for many centuries. But it’s not all about beaches, there’s plenty to do besides sunbathing. From jeep safaris through tropical rainforest in St. Lucia, to swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, or horse riding in Jamaica, every day offers new possibilities. You might watch for whales and dolphins, go river tubing or even traverse through the jungle canopy to gain a bird’s eye view. Shop at local markets, try snorkelling or scuba diving. Enjoy the local rum punch and adopt the ‘no worries’ attitude of the locals. Whether you are a sports fanatic, nature lover, sun-worshipper or water baby, the Caribbean has no other rival on earth for natural beauty and fun in the sun.
With its wonderful blend of natural and man-made attractions, each island can offer you a totally different experience. With a different island almost every day, you can really embrace the diversity of this wonderful region.
<!– @page { margin: 2cm } TD P { margin-bottom: 0cm } P { margin-bottom: 0. 21cm } –>
CruiseAnswers. co. uk is part of the Co-operative Travel group – UK’s largest independently owned travel distribution group. Our dedicated team of cruise experts are ready to assist you in choosing the right cruises. If you are looking for a deal on Caribbean cruises or any of your favourite cruise, just make us a call, we will find the perfect deal for you.
The Adventure Journey at the Galapagos Islands
0The Galapagos is the dream of every nature lover. The land is calling everyone who dreams of exploring the richness of the Mother Earth in its raw form. It is applicable for all sorts of big actions to enjoy a life at remarkable islands. Here, you will get excellent live-abroad covering area with great itineraries to minimize the impact of travelers’ impact. It is amongst few places where you will see little signs of human exploration. Isn’t it amazing to see a great place to be the Mother Nature and enjoy to the fullest.
Millions of people walked to the land of Ecuador every year in celebrate the beauty of the nature in its most original form. On your Galapagos tour, you can enjoy visiting special and typical destinations, where excitement is the only word you will experience throughout your trip period. Hence, it is advisable to you to look for an attractive and flexible the Galapagos Islands adventure travel package. Possibly, you will get options for your luxury trip to the islands. Ensure that the option that you have in mind matches well with what is being offered to you. Judge the value of the Galapagos Islands and get a typical enjoyable tour easily and conveniently.
Apart from experiencing the beauty of the nature, you can indulge into some of the interesting activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding, snorkeling and other adventurous activities. Enjoy a boat ride in the waters of the country and watch closely various species of birds and animals in Ecuador.
To learn more, please visit Galapagos Islands and get the details about Galapagos islands excursions
Scuba Diving Tours in the Galapagos Islands!
0The Galapagos Islands are included among world’s top five all around diving sites for the year 2000. The Islands were also honored with the top voted as “Best Fish Life”, “Best Big Animal Dive”, “Best Advanced Diving” titles as well. The Galapagos Islands also scored top position as the “Healthiest Marine Environment”, and “Best Value” by the recently conducted survey.
Majority of people who come here book their Galapagos diving trip as a complete package on a live-aboard boat. However, the trips started from Puerto Ayora location generally offers consistent quality guides and safety standards.
There are many authorized diving tour services are available in the Galapagos Islands. All these diving tours are instructed and run by professional divers and marine instructors. These agencies are licensed and possess all equipments and security measures for any kind of marine challenge. These instructors can extend their help to all marines and divers to enjoy to the fullest by going deep down enjoying every bit of their stay inside the sea.
Discover the Wonder of the Underwater World:
At the Galapagos Islands, you will experience the true magic of wild waters o this great Islands. You cannot only relive your imagination of swimming with penguins in complete equatorial style. You can hobnob with four-eyed fish, iguanas and other aquatic creatures at the scuba diving tours at the Galapagos Islands. Also, with dolphins leaping and playing with sea lions will certainly take your heart away and you will be rejoiced.
Make your Galapagos Islands plan now!
To learn more, please visit Scuba Diving tours and get the details about Tours Galapagos
How do I find out what to do on various island?
4Im going on a caribbean cruise to 5 islands next spring. Do most people take cruise ship excursions when they go there? How do I find out about what’s to do on each island if I want to just get off the ship and explore? Things like diving, shopping, bars, local transportation are important to me.
Which approach is better and why?
Cruise Vacations 101
0Cruising is easy, fun and cost-efficient. It’s easy because you only have to unpack once. It’s fun because you can fill up your days with nonstop activity, or you can choose to do nothing at all. And it’s cost-efficient because the same itinerary will cost you much more if you fly between destinations and sleep in hotel rooms. Let’s delve into each of these points a little further.
Say you want to take a trip to the Caribbean. You have 10 days to spare and you want to split it up between a few different islands. If you plan out that trip by the conventional air-and-hotel method, you would have to spend time packing and unpacking (and checking in and checking out) at each location. You’d also spend some of your time hanging out in airports waiting for your flight to leave. And how about the time it takes to figure out where to eat dinner or where to have a cocktail? All that time spent means less time enjoying your vacation.
If you cruise, you get to the ship and move in to your cabin for a week and a half. The ship does most of its traveling at night, when you are either sleeping, gambling, partying, dancing, seeing shows, dining or just relaxing. When the ship’s in port, you can hop off and explore the area to your heart’s content. You may have a few days on the ocean, which you can use to relax and refuel before you get to the next destination.
So cruising is easy, and it’s also fun. Activities are going on almost around the clock. Those activities include everything from wine tasting and cooking demonstrations to Carnival’s famous Hairy Man Competition. The cruise lines are in the business of making sure you have a good time, and they know how to put together an itinerary that will please a diverse set of passengers.
You can understand the efficiency of cruising by picking a cruise vacation and pricing the same itinerary with hotels and airfare. Typically, a cruise will cost you about $100-130 per person, per day. That includes food (lots and lots of food) plus entertainment. A couple could easily spend that $200-260 per day just on a hotel room.
Common concerns about cruising
Will I get seasick? How’s the food? Am I going to get bored or irritated?
Seasickness
Some people do get seasick when cruising. If you are prone to motion sickness, go get one of those handy patches that go behind your ear. While you’re at it, pack a bottle of ginger ale and some gingersnaps. Then you won’t have to worry about it.
Cruise Food
The quality of the food varies depending on the cruise line you select; sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s excellent. If you are super picky about what you eat, talk to your travel agent about it. A knowledgeable travel agent can assist you in selecting the right cruise line for you.
Getting Bored
You won’t get bored unless you or your cabin mate is chronically bored. Sorry, but it’s the truth. Even on the weekend cruises (where drinking is often the primary activity) there are many, many things happening throughout the day and night.
Crowds
Again, you have to do a self-check to decide if your co-passengers on a ship are going to irritate you. If you feel uncomfortable being in close quarters with people you don’t know, a cruise on a mega-ship isn’t for you. You could be perfectly happy, however, on a smaller ship. This is another conversation you should have with your travel agent.
Catherine Brock operates BrockComm Travel, an online travel agency specializing in cruises from Long Beach and Las Vegas travel planning. The agency has access to high quality travel products, services and unpublished travel discounts. BrockComm Travel also produces online travel destination guides including a Las Vegas Strip information portal.
Rodrigues Sea Cucumber Plunder
0
By Alain L’évêque
Following an impassioned hue and cry about sea cucumber harvesting, resident environmentalists on the Indian Ocean Island of Rodrigues, citing overexploitation, petitioned for a moratorium. But, neither the stonewalling regional government nor the strangely muted opposition seem keen to rock the fishermen’s boat.
A simple search of the sea cucumber trade around the world brings to light a murky business, steeped in kickbacks, poaching, corruption and black marketeering. It looks as if there’s more to these little sea slugs (holothurians) than meets the eye. Fossils of these soft-bodied, sausage-shaped marine invertebrates date back 400 million years. Today, 1400 distinct species exist worldwide, and 29 of them live in the shallow waters of Rodrigues 240 sq km lagoon. Here, holothuria atra or bambara-nwar is the dominant species. These worm-like scavengers suck up sediments on the warm sea floor, feed on its organic matter, and redeposit sand in a more aerated form; in this way, natures own living-breathing little pool cleaners continually turn over the sand’s top layers. And, in this tight, yet fragile ecological balance, their eggs, larvae and juveniles provide food for molluscs, crustaceans and fish. Experts in Rodrigues warn that heavy exploitation of sea cucumbers will turn the sand into a black anaerobic mud, giving rise to a black-mud lagoon empty of animal and plant life. What’s more, a combination of this animal’s late sexual maturity, limited mobility and dependence on population density to reproduce, makes its recovery from exploitation extremely difficult. Rehabilitation takes decades and, even then, original numbers are rarely restored.
Consumed as a delicacy or an aphrodisiac
As the world’s sea cucumber numbers dwindle, and demand from Asia increases, the market value of bêche-de-mer, as its processed form is called, enters the realm of some serious money. It’s consumed as a delicacy, taken as an aphrodisiac, or used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory agents. Since the eighties, trade in bêche-de-mer has been brisk and lucrative. In Hong Kong or Singapore, a low value product can generate (U$10) 280 Rupees a kg, while a high grade one can fetch up to (U$50) 1400 rupees a kg. International Traders get slightly less, exporters lesser still, and Rodriguan fishermen get – less than 3 Rupees a kg – or 100 Rupees for a 40 kg tin. At that cold-blooded price, the entire yearly 60-ton-quota (illegal trade excluded) collectively earns the fishermen 150,000 Rupees. Or, when divvied up among hundreds of them – chicken feed. The figures don’t jell. Let’s recap: chronic damage to the lagoon’s bionetwork and the life of millions of animals snuffed out – for less than the price of a cheap bottle of whisky each. The stench is unmistakable.
Here’s the odd thing. If, Rodriguans were stuck with this state sanctioned looting, what was so inconceivable with a cooperative of the local fishermen processing and exporting their own catch? Oh, and have I mentioned that this wasn’t a contract to build stealth bombers? Here, no high technology, sophisticated fishing techniques, or huge capital outlays were needed; the whole process entailed picking up sea cucumbers at low tide, gutting, boiling, and drying them in the sun. Once dried,
bêche-de-mer keeps for years. So, in a seller’s market, how hard can it be to pack them in a container and offload them to a trader in Singapore or Taiwan? How does handing out free licences to six outside companies, to blow-in and bleed a limited resource dry, line their pockets and take off once it’s all gone, benefit the people of Rodrigues? Frankly, it’s wacky logic. Remember the pre-election promises to encourage small Rodriguan entrepreneurs? Remember all the talk of economic independence? What happened? Hmm, we get it. To talk the talk is one thing; walking the talk afterwards is a monstrously different other. Hopefully, this is not indicative of things to come, otherwise, our people may well be holding out the rice bowl for the next thousand years.
Can Rodrigues enforce the unenforceable?
Size limitations and quotas, though well-meaning, are token measures which seldom stem stock depletion. The sea cucumber’s plasticity, alive or cooked, makes it tricky to determine its actual size, besides, who is on hand to measure? Since our fishermen do not keep logs, who actually records the allowable catch? Are records always accurate? Could animals collected in the lagoon be delivered to foreign vessels anchored outside the reef? By its very nature, it is difficult to establish the volume of the unreported black-market trade. And another thing, if illegal fishermen can plunder sea cucumbers, day and night, around most islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory and the Torres Strait, under the noses of British and Australian authorities; if poachers in the Seychelles can use the former police commissioner’s boat to pillage these animals; if the fisheries inspector entrusted with Galapagos’s quotas is himself carted off the island, in handcuffs, what makes us think that Rodrigues can suddenly enforce the unenforceable?
At the end of the day, no matter how neatly pseudo-scientific reports dovetail with the interests of those who commission them, harvesting wild sea cucumbers can only ever be a fly-by-night operation. Comoros, Tanzania, Somalia, Tonga, Galapagos, and Madagascar know this from experience. In fact, there is no sustainable harvesting anywhere in the world. Stocks simply do not recuperate. That’s why India banned commercial harvesting of these animals. The bottom line is Rodrigues would do well to follow suit – before it’s too late.
In spite of the culture of deception and spin, it is nose-bleedingly obvious that there is n-o-t-h-i-n-g in this for the people of Rodrigues. Then, why are these animals and an ecosystem that has taken ages and ages to evolve, being pushed to the brink of total collapse? And more pointedly, for whose benefit?
Alain Leveque is a writer living in Melbourne Australia who promotes the self-determination of the people of Rodrigues island.
Ways to Save Money on a Cruise Vacation
0Going on a cruise and want to see if there are ways to save money without skimping on fun?There are several ways you can save some cash.
Schedule your trip during off season and don’t book around the holidays and summer vacation. Big discounts are available during non-peak seasons. This way not only do you save money, you also get to explore without crowds. Summer vacation is also a high peak time. Families schedule their vacations when school is out and cruise ships know this. Don’t book your travel periods around the summer months and you won’t have to pay premium prices.
Shore excursions are offered on board the cruise ship. While it is perfectly fine to take excursions with the cruise ship, you might want to consider waiting till you get off the vessel and look at what they have to offer once you get to the ports. A lot of times, you can haggle and prices are lower than what was first stated. You’ll get a tour with a real local that knows the ins and outs of what you want to see.
Another way to save money is to look out for airfare included deals. When you are searching for your perfect cruise vacation you can find packages which include airfare to the port you will be sailing out of. Since the cruise ship has many air fares on reservation you can snag a flight and cruise cheaper than if you were to purchase separately.
There are many different ways to save money while booking your cruise. Make sure to keep a look out for these things and you’ll be on your way to paradise soon enough.
Amy Moore loves reading, knitting, and traveling. Cruising is one of the most favorite ways she enjoys exploring the world. Visit http://www. CruiseShipReviewer. com/ today and learn more about cruise ship reviews.
Record-Breaking West End Sales Confirm London Musicals More Popular Than Ever!
01 year ago
Author: Chris Tomkins
London’s West End and theatre district continues to perform well against a backdrop of economic uncertainty. Figures show that ticket sales for London musicals have risen for the seventh consecutive year, boosted by star casts and top shows. London musicals continue to attract both audiences and awards, and a packed programme of events to encourage new theatregoers looks set to help continue the trend.
Ticket sales to West End shows topped 500,000,000 in 2009, making it a record-breaking year for London theatre. With ticket sales up 7. 6 percent on figures for the previous year, attendance to plays, musicals, opera and dance at London’s West End theatres was also up, by 5. 5 percent, during the same period.
Record Year for West End Theatre Tickets
This was the seventh year in a row that new theatre attendance and revenue records were set in London’s West End. Out of all types of entertainment, London musicals by far drew in the largest crowds, with plays the second most popular.
A recent study by the Society of London Theatre suggested that high audience satisfaction may be a key driver behind the success of these sales figures. The report revealed:
* 93 percent of London theatre audiences were happy with the performance they attended, with 75 percent rating it as ‘very good’
* 83 percent thought their ticket represented good value for money
* 80 percent of London theatre-goers saw a West End performance more than once a year
West End Stars Shine in London Theatre Awards
The winners of the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards were recently announced in a glittering, star-studded ceremony, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. The awards, which are now in their 34th year, are voted for by the public and a professional panel to reward excellence on the London stage.
For the first time since 2002 the Audience Award for Most Popular Show, which is the only category voted entirely for by the public, was reintroduced. Over 60,000 votes were cast for this category alone, with the hit musical Wicked topping the list.
Other winners on the night included:
* Best Actress – Rachel Weisz for A Streetcar Named Desire
* Best Actor – Mark Rylance for Jerusalem
* Best New Musical – Spring Awakening
* Best Costume Design – Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert The Musical
West End London Musicals Involved in Exciting Annual Events
Although figures show that there are large numbers of returning audiences to London musicals in the West End, there is also a strong emphasis on encouraging new theatre-goers. A number of initiatives and special events are planned throughout the year to make theatre tickets more affordable and performances more fun.
Get into London Theatre takes place during the first three months of the year, with discounted tickets to over 55 top London shows and a programme of workshops. It’s a fantastic opportunity to book cheap tickets to some of the best London musicals. This year’s event was a huge success, with more than 65,000 theatre tickets sold.
Children can experience the magic of London theatre for free during Kids Week. Now in its 13th year, Kids Week will take place from 13- 27 August 2010. As well as free tickets for children aged 5-16, there are a fantastic range of free activities and events, from behind the scenes tours to puppet workshops.
See the world’s largest free theatre festival in London’s Leicester Square on 19-20 June at West End LIVE 2010. Full details of the event are yet to be announced but you can expect to see great performances from London’s most popular musicals.
About the Author
For more information about record breaking London musicals, visit: http://www. visitlondon. com/events/theatre/top-ten-musicals
