theatre

Here’s to the ones who dream.

The anthemic thesis of “La La Land” — the Ryan Gosling/Emma Stone movie musical celebrating its 10th anniversary — became a moment of musical reality in May when a 21-year-old student in Sydney, Australia, was plucked from the crowd at a live concert of the film during intermission. Sterling Nasa proceeded to stun composer-conductor Justin Hurwitz and the 2,000-person audience with his flawless, impromptu performance.

“Jumping into that concert in Sydney, and having an earpiece and seeing all this, was a little bit crazy,” says Nasa with well-mannered modesty, “but we somehow got through it.”

Conductor Justin Hurwitz with pianist Sterling Nasa performing the soundtrack of “La La Land” at the Greek Theatre.

(Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

Nasa is sitting backstage at the Greek Theatre between rehearsals, preparing to make his Los Angeles debut. After that remarkable incident, an international feel-good news story, Hurwitz invited Nasa to fly out and play the entire concert at the anniversary screening here, in Griffith Park, where many of the film’s iconic scenes were shot.

“He’s playing better than most of the professional pianists I’ve worked with,” says Hurwitz, who regularly conducts “La La Land in Concert.”

“He’s nailing it,” Hurwitz explains during a break. “Those Sebastian solos, the ones that Ryan Gosling plays in the movie, he’s playing those as perfectly and cleanly as I’ve heard them in a very long time. Very few of the pianists I work with around the world — and they’re all great professionals — but very few of them play it this well in sync with the picture.”

Saturday’s rehearsals took place under a scorching sun. Half of the assembled musicians played on the film’s original soundtrack; star trumpet soloist Bijon Watson can even be seen wailing in the Lighthouse jazz scenes. Sitting in the midst of these veteran L.A. sessions players, Nasa looked focused but confident, his youthful face belying his easy, fleet-fingered playing.

Pianist Sterling Nasa heads to the stage Saturday after intermission during the 10th anniversary show featuring a full orchestra and jazz band performing the “La La Land” soundtrack at the Greek Theatre.

(Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

He flew in from Sydney on Thursday, leaving a rainy Australian winter for a California heat wave. The initial jet leg was rough, he says, but he had mostly adjusted by Saturday. Hurwitz took some one-on-one practice time with him before the orchestra arrived, and Nasa had also been practicing his part for six weeks.

Nasa (an Anglicized Lebanese name) has been playing piano since he was 3. His parents encouraged his musical education, and he’s performed enough in bands and local musical theater not to suffer from stage fright. He also plays the bagpipes, and has played with 300 bagpipers for 10,000 people at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.

“I’ve always had a bit of an inkling that I’d love to be a musician,” Nasa says, “or if I can find some opportunity in the artistic world, or in musical theater or in music, that I would love too. But I did sort of get the ‘real’ degree.”

He was finishing his studies in international relations at the University of Sydney when the cosmic moment happened in May. His friend Scarlett was the one who enthusiastically pushed Nasa’s hand up when Hurwitz, panicking, asked if anyone in the audience was an “amazing sight reader.”

“I owe so much of this to her,” Nasa says. “I really probably would not have done it.”

The 10th anniversary show of “La La Land” featured a full orchestra and jazz band.

(Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

He played the entire second half of the concert that night. (The hired pianist fell ill and had to leave.) Nasa says he thinks Australians were inclined to root for an underdog — “the audience that night really just wanted it to work” — but for this big L.A. moment, “I think now there’s obviously a bit more of an expectation.”

As the twilight concert began, Hurwitz addressed the sold-out Greek Theatre — a lively crowd filled with yellow dresses — and surprised them by announcing that the “kid from Sydney” was here to play the entire show. Nasa absorbed his ovation, then took his bench in the middle of the orchestra with a little monitor displaying the movie on his piano.

He played the melancholy strains of “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme,” a solo piano motif that Gosling’s character plays throughout the film; he accompanied their flirty “City of Stars” duet, and he performed all of Sebastian’s acrobatic jazz solos — many of them meticulously synced to corresponding shots of fingers on a keyboard.

“La La Land” plays on the screen at the Greek Theatre while an orchestra and jazz band accompany the film.

(Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

The film itself was projected over the stage, but monitors on either side showed Nasa and the other live musicians. A young woman in front of me watched his hands, perfectly aligned with Gosling’s, with her jaw dropped. Nasa never missed a note, and he received another outsized ovation after the rousing end credits.

“I’ve thought a lot about opportunity, and how there’s so much talent in the world,” says Hurwitz, reflecting on the moment in Sydney. “And there’s also so much lost talent in the world, talent that just isn’t realized. And I just love that there was this talented guy, who’s a great musician, but he was in school studying something else — because he didn’t know if he could or should go into music. And then there was this opportunity, and he took it, and he showed everybody — and he showed himself — that he can do it.”

Nasa says he’s not sure what he’ll do now that he’s graduated, but one thing he’s interested in is composing for musical theater — or possibly scoring films.

THE SCHOOL summer holidays have finally started and if you have kids, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do.

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and in gloriously cool air-con – is a theatre show, and many cost less than the cost of a cinema ticket.

According to research conducted by SeatPlan, families can still see some of London’s biggest productions from as little as £12 this summer – less than the price of a medium Domino’s pizza.

So here are the best they’ve found for all ages, ranging from two to 13.

Age two and older

Be Like Blippi – from £24 per ticket

Blippi is a well-known children’s TV character and this summer, in London, you can catch them on stage with a new interactive show.

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The show boasts music, learning and audience participation.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – from £12 per ticket

What kid doesn’t love Peppa Pig?

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show features the TV show’s most-loved characters including Peppa themself.

The show is also interactive.

Ages three to four

The Tiger Who Came to Tea – from £12 per ticket

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a much-loved children’s book, so what better way to enjoy it more than seeing the theatre adaptation?

You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout.

The Gruffalo – from £12 per ticket

Another show based on a children’s book is The Gruffalo.

Bring Julia Donaldson’s character to life, the 55-minute show features three characters that the audience interacts with including singing songs.

SeatPlan recommends for the smaller shows, including plays and dramas, it is better to sit closer to the stage so you can see all the performers.

Ages five to six

Matilda The Musical – from £24 per ticket

For kids a little older, Matilda is a great option – with a powerful story about imagination and courage, it remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Rah Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.

“But, any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.

“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.

“The fact that most the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.

“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”

For bigger productions, SeatPlan advises sitting further back so you can fully take in the stage and sets.

The Lion King – from £40 per ticket

The Lion King is consistently dubbed one of the best stage shows in London and follows the classic story you know and love from the Disney movie.

And it isn’t one just for the kids, adults who grew up with the films will love it just as much.

Cyann also recently saw the show and said: “Mindblowing is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of The Lion King stage show.

“The costumes, the songs, the dancing, the sets – are all simply breathtaking.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired and you’ll leave wanting to immediately watch it again.”

Despite being the most expensive show on this list, the team at SeatPlan states: “The cheapest seats aren’t always the worst seats.

“In many West End theatres, moving back just a few rows can save £30-£60 per ticket with very little difference in the overall view.”

Ages seven to eight

Wicked – from £25 per ticket

Thanks to the recent films, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage.

The show has amazing visuals, memorable songs and a story which both kids and adults can enjoy.

Cyann said: “Wicked was the very first West End I ever watched and it did not disappoint.

“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away with its breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.

“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”

Disney’s Hercules – from £29 per ticket

Full of humour, known songs and outgoing characters, Hercules is perfect for children ready for bigger productions.

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.

“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.

“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.

“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.

“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”

Ages nine to 10

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – from £31 per ticket

For younger Harry Potter fans, this magical stage production has spectacular effects, surprises and adventure throughout.

Cyann said: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I had been wanting to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for years.

“I eventually then won the lottery for cheap tickets and saw both parts – though it is soon being merged into one performance.

“It is a must for Potterheads and will leave you smiling, crying and feel inspired.

“The onstage tricks also help to make it feel as if you are one of the students at Hogwarts.”

Horrible Histories – from £19 per ticket

What kid didn’t watch Horrible Histories when growing up?

And now kid can re-live it through its stage performance, complete with jokes, song and educational moments.

When it comes to picking a show, the bigger names might be tempting but SeatPlan advises: “Look beyond the biggest show – everyone heads straight for the biggest blockbuster musicals, but many newer productions offer outstanding entertainment with much lower ticket prices.”

Ages 11 to 13

Hamilton – from £24 per ticket

One of the biggest theatre phenomena in the world. Older children and teenagers studying history or interested in music will be completely hooked by its unique blend of storytelling, rap and musical theatre.

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens said: “There’s a reason the Hamilton soundtrack is the most streamed musical theatre soundtrack of all time.

“Watching the show on the West End will have you uncontrollably moving to its 90’s R&B and Hip Hop-inspired songs, plus the harmonies of the Schuyler sisters really scratch that itch in your brain.

“It’s the history class you wish you had been taught: fast, funny, and heart-wrenching all at once.”

Mamma Mia! – from £18 per ticket

Perfect for families wanting a theatre trip that everyone can enjoy. Older children and teenagers will love the ABBA soundtrack, while parents get the nostalgia factor.

Cyann said: “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good film and the show is the same.

“You can expect all the iconic songs to sing along too, as well as vibrant sets and costumes that transport you to Greece.”

In the 1990s this iconic building was the ultimate destination for kids and teenagers before it was abruptly abandoned, and it’s now set to get one of the city’s largest

If you were a child in the 90s, or just a kid at heart, then there was one place you would have no doubt wanted to visit on a trip to the capital. London Trocadero, an iconic building set at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue has had many different uses over the years, but among millennials it’s perhaps best known for its time as the ultimate indoor amusement park.

From 1996 to 2011, the Trocadero was home to SegaWorld, later renamed to Funland, a sprawling seven-floor, neon-lit complex that was accessed by a long enclosed ‘Rocket Escalator’. It’s perhaps best remembered for the huge indoor drop ride in the centre, and the floor after floor of coin operated arcade machines from the golden era of gaming.

However, after closing, the venue’s future remained uncertain, and the building lie abandoned for many years. The space had a variety of uses over the years, until 2025 when the Zedwell Piccadilly took over a large part of it, creating a pod hotel with 728 windowless rooms and a large rooftop bar.

Now, there are plans to turn part of the building into a giant branch of JD Wetherspoon, creating one of the largest branches in the capital, and the pub chain’s first-ever venue in London’s Theatreland.

The new pub will be called Piccadilly Hall, taking its name from a historic hall which gave Piccadilly Circus its name back in the 17th-century. It’ll span over 3,600 square feet, offering a massive 280 covers, and will open from 7am until midnight seven days a week.

The venue will serve Wetherspoon’s breakfasts and all-day food and drink menus, and is expected to attract theatre audiences, tourists, and locals thanks to its central location. At the moment, there’s no confirmed opening date for this new London branch.

Earlier this year, Wetherspoon opened its first branch outside of the UK, offering British pub food and Spanish favourites to travellers passing through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Benidorm. The chain also expanded its portfolio with four new branches opening within Haven holiday parks.

Other upcoming openings for the brand include The Sir Ronald Wates in Guildford, which will have the distinction of being the first university-owned Spoons set on a University of Surrey campus. A large branch will also open in Edinburgh in September named The William Chambers, in a building that was once a multi-storey bar and club.

Founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first venue in Theatreland in partnership with Criterion Capital. The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.”

He added: “We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant area of the West End.”

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