The 2005 Tony Award winner for best musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, will finally reach London this fall. Tickets went on sale this past February, eight months in advance of its highly-anticipated opening night. Arguably, this will be the toughest seat to purchase this year but judging from its New York audiences and critics, it will be well worth the expense.

The production’s home will be the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Previews, originally scheduled starting October 2, will now begin Saturday, September 30. The red-carpeted Opening Nights will take place on October 16 and 17, and performances are currently scheduled through May 26, 2007 (so it’s not too early to book now!). For online sales, visit www.seetickets.com/spamalot.

The musical is based on the 1974 cult classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and the book was written by original Python member Eric Idle (who also helped compose the new score with John Du Prez). Tim Curry will reprise his Broadway role when the show opens before turning the “crown” over to Broadway’s current King Arthur, award-winning British actor Simon Russell Beale, in early 2007. Curry, best known for his work in the film version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” is return to London’s West End after a twenty-year absence from its stages.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy during your London vacation is obviously important. Taking a few minutes to prepare before your trip will help you avoid potential problems and allow you to enjoy yourself.

While it may be difficult to fit one more item in your suitcase, it’s always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit and some cold and headache remedies. Blisters are bound to happen with all the walking you’re going to do, and a few bandage strips and some cream will come in handy. While the Brits have plenty of drug stores (with Boots as their largest chain of “chemists”) with usually very helpful pharmacists, their products are just not the same as ours. The last thing you want to do if you get sick while on vacation is try to figure out if Night Nurse or Lemsip is going to work as well as what you’re used to taking back home.

If more serious medical attention while in London, your hotel staff will be able to direct you to an emergency room (called Casualty or A&E for accident and emergency) or ambulances can be reached by dialing 999, not 911. You’ll need to pay for doctor’s services out of pocket. If you want to put your mind at ease before leaving, check with your insurance carrier to see if they will help reimburse some of your expenses for overseas medical consultations. You may also choose to purchase additional traveler’s insurance.

Crime occurs in every major city, and London is no exception. Tourists are often easy targets because they are preoccupied with having a good time far from home and may be oblivious to warning signs around them. Basic safety principles, such as not walking alone after dark (especially in parks or isolated areas), should be observed. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers work the streets and the Underground, so men should keep their wallets in their front or inside jacket pockets and women should keep their bags securely fastened and closed. As night turns to morning and many Londoners spill out of the pubs and clubs, take caution as you may see an increase in disorderly behavior on the streets.

The attacks of 7/7/2005 on the public transport system have renewed worries over terrorism. London proved that it had emergency plans ready to implement that day, and while things can always be improved upon, the local and national authorities are constantly working to strengthen both their anti-terrorism campaign and their preparedness procedures. During a crisis, television news from the BBC and other channels can often be your best and quickest source of information.

If you have a wireless phone with international roaming, it may be a good idea to carry it with you while on vacation. They can also be rented at the airports when you arrive in the U.K. or from certain companies before you leave. Mobile phones are of great help during emergency situations and can help keep your family connected in case you become lost or separated.

Finally, the U.S. Embassy in Grosvenor Square is able to provide assistance in emergencies for American tourists. Keep their phone number in your wallet — 020 7499 9000 – and it’s not a bad idea to register your visit with them online at www.state.gov. Along with passport assistance, the Embassy can help you if you become ill and need advice or if all your money is lost or stolen and you need assistance in obtaining funds.

In the first installment of this series of articles on taking in the London views from a higher vantage point, you learned that the Monument was an inexpensive but delightful way to see the skyline for just a few pounds. Good news! The same people who manage and oversee the Monument (the City of London) also operate the Tower Bridge Experience. The ornate and familiar landmark, often confused with the famous London Bridge, is a short walk from the Tower of London – and visitors are in for a treat.

Built in 1894, the Tower Bridge spans the River Thames and as built originally in order to relieve some of the unbearable congestion at the time. More than four dozen design concepts were reviewed before ultimately awarding the contract to Horace Jones. It took eight years to complete. It currently opens its drawbridges nearly a thousand times each year to let large sailing vessels pass undisturbed, and it hosts countless people every day traveling by car and by foot.

In 1982 the Tower Bridge Experience opened to the public. Visitors who purchase tickets to the Experience will see several video presentations about the construction and history of the hydraulic (steam powered) bridge. The high-level walkways that rise 45 meters above the river below are spacious and roomy. There is no rush here – you are welcome to stand above the Thames and take in the views to both the east (towards Canary Wharf and Greenwich) and the west for as long as you like. Coin-operated telescopes are available. Excellent photo opportunities are available of the unusual London City Hall building and the historic Tower of London. The treat mentioned earlier is the fact that small specially-built glassless windows have been installed all along the walkways so that you may take pictures without worrying about flash reflection.

Between July 22 and August 31, 2006, families can enjoy the Victorian Fun and Games exhibit. Visitors can try their luck at a series of activities such as cup-and-ball, hopscotch and marbles – all included for the regular price of admission.

Tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience are presently £5.50, with discounts for seniors and children. Special combination tickets for the Experience and the Monument can be purchased for just £6.50.

London and all of the U.K. is clinging on to its monetary system, despite being a member of the Euro-using European Union. British Pounds Sterling are used in the following denominations: £50, £20, £10 and £5 notes and £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p coins. (You’re going to end up with a lot of those coins, so bring an extra large change purse!)

The conversion rate is currently £1 = $1.86 US. There are plenty of available currency calculators, as well as free software for your handheld devices, that you can find online. Mentally calculating 2-for-1 seems to work fine as an alternative.

While you will find yourself using credit cards for most of your purchases (Visa, MasterCard and American Express are readily accepted virtually everywhere), keep in mind that many retailers are now able to charge more for goods and services if you pay this way. Keep an eye out for signage about this pricing differential. They’re obligated to post this when it occurs.

You’ll need cash for taxis, as well as small purchases and meals. There’s no limit on the amount of US dollars you can bring into the country, but you’ll have to exchange it into pounds for use within London and environs. There are plenty of places to exchange money, but be cautious and read the posted exchange rates and ask about fees. Airports, railroad stations and the Bureaux de Change in the high streets can cost you money – you may want to visit a bank or use an ATM. If you have a Visa debit card, you can use Plus System ATMs. For MasterCard debit cards, use any Cirrus machines. While I’ve never heard of anyone’s debit card having difficulties in the U.K. (i.e. being “eaten” by the machine), it’s always a good idea to have some sort of backup system or reserve, such as travelers’ checks, for emergencies. Also, make sure you jot down a phone number for your bank back home in case you run into difficulties – and be sure to inform them that you’ll be using your debit card overseas. They’ll log the dates in their system.

You’ll also want cash for gratuities. While you’re welcome to tip whatever you think is appropriate, it’s customary to offer 10-15% of the hotel and restaurant bills to the staff and waitpersons who have served you. (Some restaurants add service fees to the bill – always remember to check before “double tipping.”) If someone shows you to your hotel room and takes your bags up, offer at least 75p-£1 per suitcase. Taxi drivers should get 10-15% of the journey’s cost.