Anyone looking for the theatrical capital of the world will unquestionably end that search here in London, where a strong theatrical tradition has been nurtured, almost unbroken, for well over 400 years. The city is looking more prosperous and confident than it has in many decades, choked with new construction and jammed with immigrants. This spring and summer have been especially dynamic: The city reveled in the Queen's Jubilee, a gigantic, extended celebration of her 50 years on the throne. Then came England's plucky run for the World Cup, which segued into the Royal Regatta week at Henley, which segued into Wimbledon. All of this had more than a little theatricality to it. The British love their pageantry and spectacle -- parades, bright costumes, music, and song. But many here worry that the U.K. has turned into a gigantic theme park. Still more fret about the obvious drop in American tourism since 9/11. Many London productions are closing after fairly short runs; up in Stratford-on-Avon, the streets seem eerily quiet. But though audience numbers may be down, there's plenty of action on the boards. Here's a brief overview of what's happening on this side of the pond -- which also serves as a preview of coming South Florida attractions, because many of these plays will undoubtedly be presented by South Florida theaters... More >>>