It is so easy to plan a trip to London for theatre lovers! I visit London regularly with theatre on the mind, thanks to my very dramatic daughter’s love for theatre. We’ve tried everything from the biggest West End shows to small impromptu performances. This city is amazing for its performing arts.
If you love theatre too, this guide will help you add some theatrical flair to your next trip. From booking show tickets to touring historic theatre icons, this is what you need to know to make your London trip dramatic in the best way.
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Know Before You Go: London for Theatre Lovers
🛎️ Best London theatre district hotel: Radisson Blu Mercer Street
🚶♀️Best London theatre walking tour: London Iconic Theatres Tour
🎭 Best London theatre visit: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
🎟️ West End tickets: I usually check London Theatre Direct first to pre-book tickets, or try my luck with the theatre directly to check for rush or lottery tickets.
📱 Phone data: Keep your theatre tickets on hand and find your way around London without surprise data roaming charges with an Airalo e-sim.
Welcome To London’s West End
The West End is world famous and one of the top London attractions. Generally known as London’s theatre district, the actual boundaries of the West End aren’t so easy to pin down. Historically, the West End referred to a portion of central London on the western side, north of the River Thames.
Google Maps defines today’s West End with these boundaries:
Focusing more on concept than geography, the West End is home to plays, musical theatre, opera and ballet on a grand scale. For Americans, think of it as similar to Broadway in New York.
While most famous, the West End isn’t the whole story on London theatre. Smaller theatres are dotted all over London, and even larger venues like the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre are located south of the Thames.
What To Expect at a London Theatre
Visiting a West End theatre can feel a little different if your theatre experiences have only occurred in the US. From small theatre layout to tiny tubs of ice cream, here’s what to expect.
What to Wear to a London West End Show
Before you head to the theatre, you may be wondering what the dress code is for shows on the West End. Luckily for visitors, there is often a wide spectrum of outfits on London theatre-goers.
West End shows are popular with tourists, and no one will bat an eye if you wear the same jeans and sneakers that you wore for sightseeing that day. You won’t be turned away for being under dressed.
On the other hand, if you enjoy dressing for the theatre don’t avoid dressing up to fit in. Cocktail dresses and suits fit in just as well as the denim crowd.
Entrance and Finding Your Seats
There are a few London theatres that hold large audiences, but most are small when compared to theatres in the US. The theatres were also built before modern building codes, so navigating them can be interesting. It’s common to encounter separate queues for the different seating areas inside the theatre as the staff help you find the right twisty corridor to your seat.
Once you’ve found the right entrance line, expect a quick bag check and ticket scan. Most tickets are delivered digitally these days so you can present them on your phone.
Travel Tip: Some of the older theatres have pillars or other layout features that may obstruct part of your stage view. Pay attention to any seat notes when booking so you know what you’re purchasing.
Bar Drinks and Ice Cream
I’ve yet to visit a London theatre venue that didn’t have a bar ready to serve me drinks and snacks. You can expect wine and beer on offer, as well as some simple cocktails like a gin and tonic. Expect your drink to be open top and don’t expect drink holders at your seat.
Snacks are usually bagged popcorn or crisps. Shows occasionally have refreshments themed to the show. Increasingly I’ve found theatres offering the ability to pre-order refreshments and have them delivered to your seat.
One of my favorite British theatre quirks is that you’ll often find ushers selling tiny tubs of ice cream during intermission. Ice cream was first introduced as an intermission treat in UK theatres towards the end of the 19th century, and it’s still a common offering today.
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Programmes for Sale
Playbills are not handed out for free but are available for purchase. When we went to see Les Miserables, they actually had two separate programmes for sale. One was a classic playbill giving performer bios and song lists. The other was a larger brochure style book packed with performance photos.
While purchasing a programme is an extra expense, even the smaller shows typically include bios for the performers and some information about the production. They make a great souvenir.
Visit the Stage Door
Because London theatres are smaller, it’s usually a simple process to figure out where the performers leave the venue. If you want to try your luck for a quick meet and greet after the show, simply head around to the back of the venue and look for the “Stage Door” sign.
Since these theatre doors open into public access streets or walkways there’s no reason you can’t wait outside. It’s not uncommon to find hopeful fans there gripping a programme in hopes of autographs from their favourite performer.
Travel Tip: Keep in mind that there is no guarantee you will get an opportunity to greet your favorite performer. Actors are people too, and sometimes they’re just not up to it.
Celebrity performers often draw the biggest crowds, making it tough to ensure you get an autograph. I’ve had luck at both minor and major shows and it’s usually a lot of fun.
How To Book London Theatre Tickets
Individual theatres and theatre groups offer tickets for sale at their box office and on their website. There are several London theatre comprehensive sales websites, but I most often turn to London Theatre Direct to find the best prices and availability.
Some theatres post special promotions or ticket lotteries on their websites and social media. It can be worthwhile adding your favorites on Instagram so that you can hear first when deals become available.
Saving on London Theatre Tickets
For any bucket list shows, it’s best to bite the bullet and buy your tickets in advance. Buying early helps secure promotional sales and makes sure you actually get to go to the performance.
For last minute tickets, try stopping by the theatre box office at 10am on a show day. Shows will often offer their unsold tickets for the day at this time for steep discounts. Popular shows tend to sell out, making them less likely to have last minute tickets available.
Buying Children’s Theatre Tickets
Tickets are not usually discounted for children at the theatre, but there are some exceptions. Each August, London Kids Week typically offers a free ticket for a child under 18 when accompanied by a full paying adult.
Keep in mind that not all shows are appropriate for young audiences and many shows do not allow you to bring a child under 5. However, if you’re visiting London with a young child, there are still plenty of theatre options for you to enjoy. Check out Unicorn Theatre for wonderful shows divided by child age.
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London Sightseeing for Theatre Lovers
A theatre lover needs to see performances, but what else should you do while in London?
London Theatre Walking Tours
From the historic to the goofy and fun, a guided walking tour will bring London’s theatrical history to life. Choose one of these tours to hear how British theatre was shaped here and have a bit of fun along the way.
Best Overall London Theatre Walking Tour
- London Iconic Theatres Tour – Hear amazing stories from over 400 years of London stage history while visiting iconic spots around the city.
Best Shakespeare Walking Tour
- Shakespeare’s London – Follow in the London footsteps of the world’s most famous playwright. This tour goes off the beaten path to point out parts of London that retain glimpses of life from Shakespeare’s time.
Best London Musical Theatre Walking Tour
- West End Musicals Silent Disco Walking Tour – This fun tour shares musical theatre facts and TikTok inspirations as you make your way through London’s Theatreland. You’ll be dancing and laughing your way through this one.
Best London History Walking Tour for Theatre Lovers
- Secrets of London Walking Tour – This historic tour is not just for theatre lovers, but you will get to visit London spaces that have inspired playwrights and authors over the centuries.
London Theatre Tours
Get behind the scenes at some of London’s most inspiring and historic theatres.
- Shakespeare’s Globe – See first-hand what theatre was like during Shakespeare’s time and learn how this space was recreated to continue staging today.
- Royal Albert Hall – One of London’s largest and most iconic venues, you can’t help but stare at the grandeur of this building. The guided tour shares insider stories from the theatre’s 150 years in operation and takes you through the Royal entrance for a peek at the King’s box.
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane – There’s been an entertainment site here since 1663! It is the world’s oldest theatre site in continuous use. Expect ghost stories and plenty of big names for the stars who have graced this stage.
- Royal Opera House – You don’t have to be a major ballet or opera fan to enjoy the many tales this theatre has to tell. Take a peak behind the scenes at the scene building, costuming and more that go into these lavish productions.
- National Theatre – This tour is great for theatre nerds who like to see how the magic happens. Tours often look in on the props and carpentry departments to see what’s being made for shows that are beginning soon.
London Museums with Theatre Exhibits
These London museums include exhibits spotlighting theatre history and artifacts. Expect to find costumes, set design models, and portraits of the artists and performers who’ve defined British theatre over the years.
- Victoria & Albert Museum – This museum has many good exhibits, but theatre lovers should not miss the fabulous Theatre & Performance collection. Save time for a coffee out in the beautiful garden during your visit.
- National Portrait Gallery – This collection features portraits of British historic figures, including artists and performers. Find it close to Trafalgar Square, behind the National Gallery.
Where to Stay in London for Theatre Lovers
If you want to embrace the West End, then tighten your search down to Covent Garden. You can’t get much more central to the theatre action than this.
My favorite Covent Garden hotel is the Radisson Blu Mercer Street Hotel. I often recommend this hotel for first-time visitors to London because it is extremely central, but also very comfortable and in one of London’s best unique neighborhoods.
Making the Most of London Theatre
London’s theatre performances are some of the best in the world. Even if you’ve seen a show before, the level of talent drawn here is truly tremendous. I’ve been to a lot of performances here with my theatre-mad daughter and have yet to have an experience that was less than wonderful.
Whether taking in a large-scale musical, revisiting Shakespeare, or learning about the history of British drama, don’t hesitate to indulge your theatre love on your next trip to London!
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