Bunting is flying, flags are ready to be waved enthusiastically and even entire buildings have been dressed as presents in preparation for the much-anticipated wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Hordes of well-wishing crowds are expected to make their way to the capital to help the happy couple celebrate their special day, but with the public festivities finishing by the early afternoon, what can the guests without a ticket for the reception of the decade do to keep the party going into the night or across the long weekend?
Well, they could do worse than head along to Betty Blue Eyes, the new musical set in a Britain of austerity measures preparing for a Royal Wedding. Sarah Lancashire and Reece Shearsmith lead the cast of this most topical of West End shows.
If it is the glamour and romance of a wedding that has captured the imagination, ABBA musical Mamma Mia! and Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well both feature this most sacred of ceremonies.
The fairytale scenario of an ordinary girl suddenly finding herself part of a strange and wonderful new world is not just the subplot of the royal wedding, but also the story of The Wizard Of Oz, though it is unlikely Kate will be sporting ruby slippers for the big day.
If the draw of royalty has piqued your interest in the wedding, there are a number of Theatreland options. Love Never Dies boasts a Vicomte, while The Lion King has, well, a king. Thriller Live features the music of the King of Pop, We Will Rock You is based on the music of Queen and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical speaks for itself. You could even visit a show at the Duchess theatre (Ecstasy), Duke of York’s theatre (Ghost Stories), Prince Edward theatre (Jersey Boys) or Victoria Palace (Billy Elliot – The Musical).
If it is the young Prince’s commitment to serving in the RAF that draws you to the royal couple, there is Terence Rattigan’s tale of World War II pilots and those they leave behind, Flare Path. If it just a love story that makes you feel all warm and gooey, like a celebratory chocolate brownie, Dirty Dancing or Grease could be the show for you.
Whatever the draw of the royal wedding, there is a show to suit your taste. (Whisper it: if you are not interested and want to avoid all mention of tiaras, veils, vows and speeches, there is a show for that too.)
Why not give yourself a present by heading along to tkts to see what cut price tickets the official half-price ticket booth has available this long weekend. If your name is Catherine or William, you could even get a free ticket if you are one of the first 10 customers with that name to arrive at the Leicester Square booth on the day of the wedding.