About The London Theatre

No trip to London can be deemed complete without booking the London Theatre tickets. Located in the famous West End district, the theatres have some of the best plays, shows, musicals, operas, and ballets in the world. There is a lot to explore in this glittering district of London apart from its famous faces and neon lights. Located in the heart of London’s cultural scene, you can visit some of London’s most iconic landmarks here which also hold immense historical prestige. Explore famous London theatres like the Adelphi which opened in 1806 when the laws on performing plays relaxed and more London theatres started springing up. The London Palladium is among the top favorites today for some of the most brilliant shows in the London theatre scene. The Dominion Theatre, with its giant gold statue of Freddie Mercury sitting upon the entrance, has become an iconic landmark. You can witness memorable shows like the Olivier Award record-setting Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, and Les Misérables that have been at Queen’s Theatre since 2004. Some of the longest-running shows that you can watch include The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre, The Woman In Black at Fortune Theatre, and Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre, among others.

Highlights Of London Theatre

Highlights Of London Theatre
  • Experience an important aspect of London in its culturally rich theatre scene by booking London theatres tickets.
  • Witness glamorous costumes, make-up, alongside brilliant performances, lighting, and sound.
  • Visit some of the grandest theatres in London with their sophisticated architecture, and old-world splendor.
  • Experience the wonderful shows, some of which have been running for decades now such as The Mousetrap, The Woman in Black, and others after you book London theatre tickets.
  • Grab the opportunity to watch a variety of genres including musicals, comedies, as well as ballets, and operas.
  • Explore some of the top theatres that run the exclusive show for families and kids offering wholesome entertainment.


Must Checkout: IFS Cloud Cable Car

Shows At The London Theatre

Musicals
Musicals

Visit one of London’s most upscale haunts and fascinating theatre districts to enjoy some of the best shows. From the latest in musicals, and long-running plays and dramas to fun shows for children as well as opera, ballet, and comedy, the London Theatre boasts a wide variety of high-quality shows that you can watch.

Plays & Dramas
Plays & Dramas

The London theatre caters to a wide variety of audiences and runs plays that will appeal to all sorts of taste palates. This includes several titles that are long-running for their incredible fan following like The Play That Goes Wrong and others that showcase stunning theatrical feats like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Other theatre plays in London cover several popular genres like emotional dramas, and comedies, with some of them finding their way to Broadway as well. Some of the renowned dramas you can catch include The Glass Menagerie, Life of Pi, The MouseTrap, The Woman in Black, Bad Jaws, and much more.

Family & Kids
Family & Kids

Head to the London theatre with family and kids on a weekend for a perfect getaway and a great way of sharing some quality time. The theatre caters to kids of all ages with a wide range of titles that include some of the best family shows. Children greatly enjoy the wonderful histrionics showcased here that include popular Disney musicals like Frozen, to wholesome family entertainment like Wicked. Apart from these there are also shows dedicated to younger children in their ‘theatre for toddlers’ section. Some of the famous titles include The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Back to The Future, Matilda, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, to name a few.

Opera
Opera

Witness some of the world’s best operas right here at the London Theatre which is renowned for hosting this genre. You can catch some of the most scintillating productions all through the year at the stunning Royal Opera House and London Coliseum. Irrespective of whether you are a hard-core opera enthusiast or simply looking at an opportunity to get introduced to this world, you are sure to find a show best suited to your tastes. Moreover, as opera tickets in London aren’t very expensive, you can enjoy your show here at a great price.

Ballet
Ballet

Witness some of the most exquisite ballet performances at the London Theatre during your visit to the city. Ballets are among the most exciting shows here and take place throughout the year. You can get tickets for the best ballet performances at some of London's prestigious dance venues like Sadler's Wells or the Peacock Theatre. From new dance companies trying to showcase young talent to the renowned English National Ballet putting up their version of a classic, you can watch some of the most interesting performances here. Other than traditional stories there are many famous showcases including Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, Nutcracker, and Swan Lake, among others.

Comedy
Comedy

There’s no better way of unwinding than having a bellyful of laughter and the London Theatre gives you ample opportunities for this. West End is known for belting out some of the most brilliant comedies that are sure to have you in stitches. Tickle your sense of humor particularly with shows like The Play That Goes Wrong which is Mischief Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning debut play. There are also hilarious hits like The Book of Mormon which is known for spreading laughter among audiences for years now. You can catch comedy shows in London all through the year at fringe venues and festivals.

Underbelly Festival
Underbelly Festival

You can catch the Underbelly Festival at the London Theatre during specific times of the year when it comes with some of the greatest shows of all times. It is usually held at two of the hippest London locations, Earls Court and Cavendish Square. This is an absolute must-watch if you wish to have a true taste of the city’s theatrical acumen. Whether it is a roll-on-the-floor comedy, genre-defining cabaret, or death-defying circus, this is a festival that features something for everyone. Summers are usually the time when the Festival is underway and you can make it a happening family outing as well with refreshing summer drinks and delicious street food offered by roadside vendors at the venues.

Fringe & Off West End
Fringe & Off West End

The London theatre presents several Off-West End Theatre Weeks when you can get tickets for a plethora of fabulous productions such as The Great Gatsby at excitingly low rates. If you are new to the West End culture, this is one of the best times to catch a show and get the London Theatre experience. Visit iconic venues like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to catch the special Off-West End shows, some of which run throughout the year. Watch the most famous productions here like The Great Gatsby, The Play That Goes Wrong, Henry VIII, Julius Caesar, Jitney, Millennials, Yeast Nation, Handbagged, and several others.

Weekday Matinees
Weekday Matinees

There is no need to drag through the entire week until the weekend to catch a stunning play at the London Theatre. There are matinee shows that are organized every day of the week and present a perfect opportunity for those theater goers who like to catch the latest opening and at the same time keep their evenings free. It is also a nice and wholesome way to fill your afternoon ennui. Most West End shows in London also offer a matinee show, so you can get tickets for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical for a concert experience, Dear Evan Hansen to explore Tragedy, or Julius Caesar, for an out-and-out political drama.

Top London Theatres for Musical Shows

The theatres in London stand as iconic landmarks in the city, with some of them bearing extreme historical significance as well. Head to the Lyceum Theatre which draws thousands of visitors from across the globe for its scintillating show- The Lion King. Other top London theatres for musicals include the Novello and London Palladium, among others.

Lyceum Theatre
Lyceum Theatre

The eye-catching architectural splendor of this theatre with magnificent white columns and elaborate workmanship is its first attractive feature. Instituted back in 1772, the story of the Lyceum Theatre started when the Society of Arts founded a room for exhibitions and concerts near the site of the current building. However, as time passed, the theatre admirably adapted to changing fashions and needs. Today it is home to the famous Disney presentation, The Lion King with an average of 760,000 patrons enjoying shows here every year.

Location: 21 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RQ, UK

Novello Theatre
Novello Theatre

Started in 1905, the Novello Theatre also known as Waldorf Theatre is one of the most well-known venues among patrons. It started off with an opera and drama starring the actress Eleanora Duse along with Emma Calve and Edouard de Reszke, the well-known opera singers. The theatre houses four plush VIP rooms that are available for hire - The Shubert Room, The Whitney Room, which holds up to 10 people, Box B ante-room, and Royal Box ante-room which hold up to 10 people each. Enjoy your theatrical performance here with a bottle of Champagne, a show program, a souvenir brochure, and savory and dessert canapes.

Location: Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD

London Palladium
London Palladium

Known for its variety, the London Palladium boasts a vibrant history with some of the most popular shows presented here. The theatre opened its doors back in 1910 on Boxing Day and immediately shot to fame. It showcased acts that featured diverse stars such as musical hall star Nellie Wallace and classical actor Martin Harvey. Several patrons even went on to describe it as ‘the world’s most famous theatre’ where the biggest names from stage and screen came to perform. This included the multi-talented Gracie Fields, daring illusionist Harry Houdini, and all-around entertainer Ivor Novello.

Location: 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Aldwych Theatre
Aldwych Theatre

Designed by W. G. R. Sprague, this theatre started in 1905 and was built in the famous Edwardian style. This was done keeping in view the style of two other popular theatres in the area- the Waldorf Hotel and the Novello Theatre. The theatre, which has been named after Aldwych, is Grade II listed today and is extremely popular in the London theatre scene as the home of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which has been playing here for the past four years. The theatre has a glittering list of shows such as Dirty Dancing, Whistle Down the Wind, and the hit Carole King.

Location: 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF

Adelphi Theatre
Adelphi Theatre

The Adelphi Theatre in London comes with a long history with several interesting attractions having occupied its current site before it was converted into a theatre. Originally started as a playhouse, it underwent a lot of changes over the years. The original theatre was started by businessman John Scott in 1806 and was called Sans Pareil. It changed hands and its name several times after that until the last major reconstruction took place in 1930. When you visit the theatre today you can still see the beautiful art deco features installed by architect Ernest Schaufelberg.

Location: Strand, London WC2R 0NS, United Kingdom

Prince Edward Theatre
Prince Edward Theatre

The Prince Edward Theatre was designed by Edward Stone and built by Griggs and Son in 1929 after the Emporium draper's shop was brought down. It had started off as an art deco auditorium decorated in warm shades of fuchsia and gold. It closed and reopened several times over the years until it was opened for good in 1999 after the massive success of Mamma Mia, the feel-good show. There was no looking back for the theatre and after the first stage version of P L Travers's popular story about the magical nanny, Mary Poppins, it became one of the top London theatres.

Location: Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS

Top London Theatres for Plays

If plays and drama interest you, visit some of the top London theatres that boast striking performances, intriguing stories, and brilliant presentations. Visit the Barbican Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre, or the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe and enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

Barbican Theatre
Barbican Theatre

This elaborate theatre is a popular center for programming of the performing and visual arts that also houses the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. It is the largest of its kind in Europe where you can watch a variety of classical and contemporary music concerts, along with film screenings, theatre performances, as well as art exhibitions. Apart from the theatre, you can enjoy the other facilities here that include three restaurants, a conservatory, and a library.

Location: Level 2 Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom

Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare's Globe

Located picturesquely by the banks of the River Thames in London, this is not only a world-famous theatre but also an education center, and a cultural landmark. You can watch renditions of some of Shakespeare’s most famous works like Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, Henry VIII, King Lear, The Tempest, and much more. The theatre also produces several interesting plays for families based on The Bard’s contributions, albeit with a twist. You can catch the hilarious play with the renowned acting troupe from Midsummer Night’s Dream taking center stage in Midsummer Mechanicals.

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT

Gillian Lynne Theatre
Gillian Lynne Theatre

This theatre has a long and interesting history that goes back to the 17th century when there was just a tavern on its site. The beginnings of a theatre were taking shape here when Nell Gwynne, a mistress of Charles II started haunting this place regularly. Later the Mogul Saloon was built here followed by the Mogul or Middlesex Music Hall. It underwent a complete turnover in the early 1990s with shows like Sally (1921), The Cabaret Girl (1922), and The Beauty Prize (1923). It is the first West End theatre to be named after a woman.

Location: 166 Drury Lane Holborn, London, WC2B 5PW United Kingdom.

Old Vic Theatre
Old Vic Theatre

Known as a center for creative excellence, entertainment, and education, Old Vic Theatre is a lot more than what you see on stage. It had started as a music hall and over the years converted into a notorious drinking den, a temperance tavern, and an opera house. However, it transformed into its present form soon after and became the venue for great acting, musical extravaganzas, dance, vaudeville, and spectacle. Some of the great names that have performed here include Sybil Thorndike, John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, and Ralph Richardson. You can also attend some of the free programs run by the theatre for engagement, education, and social mobility.

Location: The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Fortune Theatre
Fortune Theatre

This is among the smaller theatres at Covent Garden, but you will not miss the sense of intimacy and grand atmosphere that the London theatres are known for. The venue was instituted in 1924 and there has been no looking back for it ever since. It has had some of the most renowned names in the world of performing arts grace the stage here. This includes names like Dame Judi Dench, Alan Bennett, and much more. From the year 1989, this theatre has become home to the enigmatic and stupendous production of The Woman in Black.

Location: Russell St, London WC2B 5HH, United Kingdom

Park Theatre
Park Theatre

Created by Artistic Director, Jez Bond, and Creative Director, Melli Marie, the Park Theatre came to be what it is today, after the duo’s six-year-long quest. Post their immense search, they found this spot in 2010 in a vacant office block next to Finsbury Park station. With the help of several luminaries, the press, and important residents, they raised the funds after which the dilapidated concrete building was converted into a lively new theatre and beacon for the community. It finally opened its doors in 2013 and there has been no looking back ever since and is today one of the top London theatres for musical shows.

Location: Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, United Kingdom

Top London Theatres for Comedy Shows

The London theatres are known for their satirical comedies that will have you in stitches. Visit the Duchess Theatre that goes back several decades and which has been belting out humour for its audiences ever since. Other popular theatres in London for comedy shows include the EVentim Apollo, and London Coliseum, among others.

Duchess Theatre
Duchess Theatre

This famous London theatre, primarily known for its comedy shows, had opened in the year 1929 with a play featuring Emlyn Williams in the cast, known as Tunnel Trench. A unique factor about this theatre is that it is built with stalls below street level. This was done in order to maintain the rights of neighbors to ancient lights as well as to overcome the scale of the site. Some of the most noteworthy productions here include shows like The Dirtiest Show in Town, Alan Bennett's Untold Stories, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Oh! Calcutta, among others.

Location: Duchess Theatre, 3-5 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA

Eventim Apollo
Eventim Apollo

Located in Hammersmith, this is one of London’s premier live entertainment venues. It is also one of the most well-preserved and biggest UK theatres. Designed in classical art deco style, the theatre was built by architect Robert Cromie, who also designed the Prince of Wales Theatre in Central London. Some of the famous personalities who grace the stage at EVentim Apollo include Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sean Lock, Billy Joel, Paul Weller, Jimmy Carr, Pixes, Russell Brand, and Jason Manford amongst others.

Location: 45 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH

The London Coliseum
The London Coliseum

With over 2,000 seats, this is one of the largest theatres in West End, London, and is located close to the Duke of York’s Theatre and the Noel Coward Theatre. Although today you can watch some of the most famous comedies, operas, and musicals here, when it opened in 1904, it was home to shows like chariot races. During World War II, however, the venue became support for soldiers, and then later was converted into an arts arena. In recent times, two of the biggest productions that were staged here were Man of La Mancha starring Kelsey Grammer and the West End premiere of the Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet!

Location: St Martin's Lane, London, null, WC2N 4ES

Cambridge Theatre
Cambridge Theatre

The Cambridge Theatre is one of the newer and smaller ones amongst the London theatres, which makes it apt for some of the scaled-down shows. Some of the theatre’s most notable plays include George Bernard Shaw’s legendary Heartbreak House (1943) and Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall’s Billy Liar (1960-1962). After being acquired by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2000, the theatre further rose to fame especially after staging the Ben Elton collaboration

Location: Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU, United Kingdom

Savoy Theatre
Savoy Theatre

Renowned worldwide as the first public building in the world to be lit by incandescent electric lights, the Savoy Theatre has not looked back since. This famous London Theatre opened its doors back in 1881 and is famous today for hosting some of the most brilliant comedy shows ever. It was designed by C I Phipps and decorated by Collinson & Locke and some of its most well-known shows today include Pretty Woman: The Musical and The Girls Bathroom – Live.

Location: Savoy Ct, Strand, London WC2R 0ET, United Kingdom

Ambassadors Theatre
Ambassadors Theatre

Opened in June 1913, The Ambassadors Theatre set off its history of brilliant shows with Eugene O'Neill's-The Emperor Jones starring Paul Robeson. A few decades later it produced The Mask of Virtue in 1935, a groundbreaking show that saw the West End stage debut of the then 22-year-old Vivien Leigh. A few years later it introduced yet another brilliant performer that lives in history for eternity with Spring Meeting, Margaret Rutherford. The theatre is also the proud venue that hosted Britain's longest-running production The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie which started on 25th November 1952 and played here until its 21st Birthday in 1974.

Location: West St, London WC2H 9ND, United Kingdom

Why Visit The London Theatre?

Why Visit The London Theatre?
  • Witness some of the most brilliant stage performances at London’s theatre district that has been around since the time of William Shakespeare.
  • Experience the quiet sophistication of England’s theatrical scene, charming theatres, and state-of-the-art stages.
  • Enjoy award-winning plays and theatre, musicals, comedies, opera, ballet, and much more, all of which have set a benchmark for commercial theatre around the world.
  • Watch the biggest theatre productions and actors in history amid exquisite ambiance, brilliant sound, and lighting.
  • From legendary West End opera and classical and contemporary ballet to stunning music and dance performance, and amazing story, shows in the London theatre are an absolute must-watch.

London Theatre FAQs

How many shows are there in The London Theatre?

    There are nearly 40 venues on the London Theatre list with each venue running multiple shows daily. Each theatre offers approximately six evening and two afternoon shows daily.

What is the best time to visit The London Theatre?

What makes The London Theatre so famous?

Are outside eatables allowed inside The London Theatre?

Are there activities for kids inside The London Theatre?

Top Activties To Do In London