Best London Theatres
Among an unlimited number of things the capital is famous for, definitely London’s West End Theatres is worth mentioning. In this group the main focus is paid on entertainment space, historic spots, the finest diners and shops. 40 major theatres belong to the group together with 30 museums and galleries but also 2500 restaurants and bars. It is said that theatrical venues have more than 13 million viewers annually. Some of the tickets may sometimes be horrendously expensive, but you can be sure that you will never forget the experience that West End has to offer! Actors known from box office productions, will serve you the whole gamut of emotions – from laughing with joy to melancholy. If, somehow, West End is not enough, you can also search high quality entertainment in numerous, sometimes world – famous, theatres that are located in the whole city. Among them The National Theatre or the Savoy Theatre.
As there are so many unique places we have prepared the list of London’s Best Theatres.
To read more about The West End pay a visit at: https://www.westendtheatre.com/
The National Theatre
The popularity of the first of our suggestions goes beyond the borders of the UK. According to theatre critics, this is one of the most influential theatres in the whole world! Attention is paid to every detail here – the set design, every scene and every word in the script. I’m sure you’re familiar with the theatre building and you may have found it strange that the theatre has such a modern and ‘angular’ look. It has already become a must see look of London and nobody can imagine the city without it. You must visit the National Theatre because it is one of the best theatres in London. Additionally, this is the theatre that enables viewers all around the world to watch live performances at the cinema. You don’t have to be in London to watch it. All you have to do is to visit your cinema, buy a ticket and sit comfortably to share the emotions with thousands of viewers at the same time.
Visiting address: South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
The Old Vic
Actors first appeared on the Old Vic stage back in 1818. For more than 200 years, some of the biggest names from cinema world have played here. Among them: Sam Mendes, Penelope Wilton, Ralph Fiennes and Andrew Scott. This independent, not-for-profit theatre, whose mission is to bring entertainment with creativity, together with sophisticated attitude towards art, will surely fulfil the needs of the most demanding viewer.
Visiting address: 103 The Cut, Waterloo Rd, London, SE1 8NB
Website: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/
The Royal Court Theatre
A classical theatre established in the 1950s. Initially, the viewer might have found only the most famous plays in its repertoire. Over the years it has gone towards a more experimental direction becoming a so called writer’s theatre. Now most writers, performers and theatre lovers may feel at home here .
Visiting address: 50-51 Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS
Website: https://royalcourttheatre.com/
The Barbican Centre
In this Grade II listed building the actors always perform at the highest level in front of a numerous audience (seating for 1,100 people!) which is almost always filled to the brim. This place has a great reputation, because every theatre lover knows that they never leave the Barbican Centre disappointed. Shakespeare’s works are frequently performed here. Its beautiful and unique architecture cannot be omitted either by a tourist or an art loving fan. The Barbican – as a multipurpose centre of art is the biggest in its category in Europe.
Visiting address: Silk St, London, EC2Y 8DS
Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/
The Savoy Theatre
Theatre funded by Richard D’Oyly Carte. The first performed play took place in 1881. At first it was to be an opera, but in this form it did not achieve the expected success. Over time, it has become a theatre in its own unique style and has been attracting hundreds of thirsty theatre-goers for over 60 years. One of the best and most atmospheric theatres in London.
Visiting address: Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0ET
Website: https://www.thesavoytheatre.com/
Aldwych Theatre
The most famous place associated with Shakespeare as for 21 years it was owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Famous for plays such as ‘The Cherry Orchard’, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf’ or ‘Private Lives’ and others but also known as a musical theatre setting with titles such as ‘Fame’, ‘Dancing in The Streets’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’. Interestingly, it was the first theatre in the world to introduce electricity!
Visiting address: Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4LD
Website: https://www.nederlander.co.uk/aldwych-theatre
English National Opera
Like every national opera house, this one also guarantees top-quality performances. The most popular singers, actors and artists have been performing here since 1930. Since then, the greatest opera classics such as “Tosca” and “The Valkyrie” have been staged here. Known for its diversity and mission serves an unforgettable dosage of high quality art.
Visiting address: English National Opera, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES
Website: https://www.eno.org/
Criterion Theatre
Piccadilly Street is one of London’s most famous streets. Being surrounded by numerous vivid distractors which a city jungle has to offer you mustn’t miss the small and modest entrance to the theatre. Originally opened in 1874, it has always been the place to see great comedies. Nowadays it has its mission to influence the future, to encourage new playwrights, to serve world-class performances, to educate future generations and to bring back the former glory.
Visiting address: 218-223 Piccadilly Circus, London, W1V 9LB
Website: https://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/
Victoria Palace Theatre
The history of this theatre, which spans more than a century, is encapsulated in its many performance styles. The look has also hardly changed and the characteristic marbles are still a highlight of the interior. The most popular productions of the theatre are “Hamilton”, “Grease” or “My Girl”.
Visiting address: Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
Website: https://www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk/
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The theatre was built in 1662 and is the oldest in the city! Although it almost burnt down in the 19th century, the Royal Drury Lane still has that old Victorian style. It is currently owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and hosts top class performances. I think one should definitely visit the venue to check how, or if, its theatrical history is skilfully linked to modern times.
Visiting address: Catherine St, London, WC2B 5JF
Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane/
Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe stands on the site where Shakespeare’s theatre had stood in the 16th century. The original one burned down in 1613, but with the restoration we can still feel the spirit of the real great British bard. You can tour the site, but to get a ticket to a performance – that’s an art! If you are not able to get the ticket whilst visiting the capital you may try The Globe Theatre guided Tour to feel the climate, atmosphere and magic of the venue.
Visiting address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside London, SE1 9DT
Website: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
Gillian Lynne Theatre (formerly the New London Theatre)
The curtains were first raised in 1973. Inside there is seating space for 1,024 viewers, since 2018 the theatre is named after the Gillian Lynne, becoming the first venue in the West End area to be named after a woman, continuing the vision of a musical theatre.
Visiting address: Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne/
Haymarket Theatre Royal
One of the West End’s theatres, which was founded in 1720. Inside there is room for 888 people. Some of the most popular actors have played there, from Judi Dench to Bradley Cooper and Ralph Fiennes.
Visiting address: Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street London SW1Y 4HT
Website: https://trh.co.uk/
Theatre 503
Theatre 503, founded in 2002, is a venue known for supporting the work of young writers. This allows you to enjoy the realisation of fresh ideas on stage.
Visiting address: THEATRE503 is located at 503 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 3BW
Website: https://theatre503.com/
Shaftesbury Theatre
What do Adele and Fred Astaire have in common? They both made their debut at this venue! One of the most iconic and best venues opened in 1911. It can seat 1,416 people. The repertoire mainly includes musicals, such as “Hair” and “Motown: The Musical”.
Visiting address: 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP
Website: http://www.shaftesburytheatre.com/
To sum up, as there are almost 40 theatres in central London a choice is not easy to be made. Hope we could be of any use and you already feel intrigued. Choose and get entertainment on the highest level.
Also see: Best London Cabaret & Burlesque