London is a fantastic city for theatre lovers! Whether you’re visiting London specifically to experience the famous West End or just want to add some theatrical flair to your trip, there is plenty to occupy your time.
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Where is the West End?
London’s 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 referring to a portion of Central London on the western side, north of the River Thames. Google Maps defines it 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, your home reference would be 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 London Theatre
Entrance and Finding Your Seats
There are a few London theatres that hold large audiences, but many of them are small when compared to theatres in the US. 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 entrance.
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.
Refreshments
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 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. Some shows have ushers selling tiny tubs of ice cream during intermission, which I always find a quirky choice.
Purchase a Programme
Playbills are not handed out for free but are available for purchase. Our recent experience at Les Miserables 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.
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. Since these 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.
Especially due to covid, you can’t be promised an opportunity to greet the performers. If the performer is a celebrity, you may be part of a large crowd with the same idea. But if a performance moved you, it’s worth a shot to tell the performer in person how much you enjoyed it. You might get a unique souvenir out of the experience too!
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 Official London Theatre is a true one-stop-shop with tons of show tickets and discount offers. They are also run by the Society of London Theatre as a not-for-profit encouraging theatre engagement for all.
If there is a particular show or theatre on your must-visit list, then give them a follow on Facebook or Twitter. This will keep you updated on any show changes and give you access to special promotions or ticket lotteries.
Saving on London Theatre Tickets
For any bucket list shows, it’s best to bite the bullet and buy your tickets in advance. If you are flexible on your show dates and times, or willing to gamble, there are paths to even the biggest shows for a fraction of the price.
For last minute tickets, stop by the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Also run by the Society of London Theatre, discounts offered here are often also available online through Official London Theatre.
Another last minute gamble is to stop 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.
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 has offered 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.
London Sightseeing for Theatre Lovers
A theatre lover needs to see performances, but what else should you do while in London?
Theatre Tours
Get behind the scenes at some of London’s most inspiring and historic theatres.
- 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. You can even book afternoon tea here in the newly restored Grand Saloon.
- Royal Opera House – Whether ballet and opera are new for you or a great love, this venue has many tales to tell. They offer behind the scenes tours as well as special tours emphasizing different bits of history.
- Royal Albert Hall – One of London’s largest and most iconic venues, this spot also has many tales to tell from its 150 years.
- 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.
- Shakespeare’s Globe – This tour is a great introduction to what theatre was like in Shakespeare’s time. The building is an impressive recreation of the original Globe and still offers shows and activities throughout the year.
Museums with Theatre Ties
From costumes and set design to 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.
- National Portrait Gallery – This collection features portraits of British historic figures, including artists and performers. The exhibit rooms are beautiful and its located right on Trafalgar Square.
Walking Tours
From the historic to the goofy and fun, a guided walking tour will bring London’s theatrical history to life.
- Shakespeare’s London – Follow in the London footsteps of the world’s most famous playwright.
- West End Musicals Silent Disco Walking Tour – Dance and sing while you learn!
- Secrets of London Walking Tour – Historic tour not just for theatre lovers, but you will visit areas that inspired Charles Dickens.
Where to Stay in London for Theatre Lovers
Stay in the West End
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. Here are three highly reviewed options within a short walk from major theatres:
Hotels in this area can come with a high price tag and note that this area of London is lively at all hours. Hotels with lower ratings in this area often lose out because guests don’t enjoy the inevitable street noise.
Stay in Marylebone
On my last visit featuring lots of theatre action, I stayed at the lovely Hotel La Place in Marylebone. This is one of my favourite areas in London. It’s easy to get anywhere from here but still has a quieter neighbourhood feel. Daunt Books on the high street is worth a visit and you’ll find many delicious cafes and coffee shops here. For more promising locations in Marylebone, check out:
Is London Theatre Worth the Visit?
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 theatre here, don’t hesitate to indulge your theatre love!
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