Prince of Wales Theatre London
The Book Of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is the satirical musical hit from South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker and is currently showing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in the heart of London's Theatreland.
It concerns the story of two dedicated missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham who travel to Uganda to spread the gospel according to Joseph Smith. Price is an enthusiastic missionary who, though he privately wanted to be posted to Orlando and Disney World, is content to change the world one step at a time in war-torn Africa. Elder Cunningham is his well-meaning but bumbling accomplice.
Together they encounter a drastically different reality than they ever could have imagined. On arrival they are held up at gun-point by the local warlord and met by the hard fact that previous missionaries have so far not managed to convert a single Ugandan.
The problem is that the local people are cynical of claims made by the Book of Mormon or subsequently by Elder Price who is totally ignorant of life in Uganda. Indeed, the locals are resolute in their rejection of the Mormon faith and all seems hopeless. It is not long before Price and Cunningham dream of returning home and leaving the villagers to their ungodliness.
The Book of Mormon is about losing and finding one's religion and how true faith can really help people. It is Elder Cunningham who finds the path to salvation by adapting his viewpoint, rather than preaching a message that is out of touch with the reality of the lives of the locals.
Together our two missionaries realise that they have to address their own core beliefs in order to convey the true meaning of faith to those around them.
The Book of Mormon is a riotously funny musical available to see at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It has redefined the ability of musicals to cross many satirical and religious boundaries. Get your Book of Mormon tickets with Theatre Bookings and enjoy the show!
History of the Prince of Wales Theatre
The Prince of Wales theatre first opened its doors to the public in 1884. Back then it was originally called The Princes Theatre. Indeed, if anything is to be gleaned from the collective history of London's theatres it is that names are often transient and reflect economic status of the venue.
The architect was Charles J Phipps, the experienced theatre architect who was commissioned by actor-manager Edgar Bruce to design the venue.
The first production was A Palace of Truth's by the famous impresario W.S. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame.
Success was not long in coming to the Princes Theatre. The comic opera Dorothy was so successful the proceeds were used to build the nearby Lyric Theatre on the other side of Piccadilly Circus. The Princes Theatre was then renamed the Prince of Wales Theatre later in 1886.
The original theatre was more grandiose in style with eight boxes on either side of the proscenium archway. This was a venue designed to be an evocative experience, a palace of the senses with rooms decorated with Moorish and Oriental influences. Lounge areas contained ornate vestibules and sweeping marble staircases.
When the theatre was demolished in the late 1930's it was redesigned by Robert Cromie in the art deco style that is still evident today. The 800 or so seats were extended to over 1, 160 and opened to the public in 1937.
The Prince of Wales theatre possesses one of the most handsome auditoriums in the West End. Gracie Fields, the celebrated actress was invited to witness the historic proceedings and also found time to sing to the builders as she laid the foundation stone.