There’s nothing Londoners like better than dressing up for a great evening out at the West End.
London and New York are considered the best places worldwide for their theatre. And, whilst theatre in the US is a relatively modern innovation, the UK has thousands of years of dramatic tradition to draw on.
In the capital, you’ll find everything from the latest shows to performances that have captivated audiences for hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate world theatre day, check out the best of London’s dramatic heritage with these seven fantastic venues.
National Theatre
The National Theatre is the granddaddy of the capital’s scene as the largest publicly funded theatre in London. It shows 25 major productions a year, with numerous smaller performances and festivals at regular intervals. The Olivier Theatre – its main stage – is a beautiful hall modelled on the ancient Greek theatre of Epidaurus.
Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi is one of London’s classic West End theatres. Located slap-bang in the centre of the Strand, it’s a comedy and musical theatre specialist, showing performances such as Kinky Boots, Chicago, Sweeny Todd and Evita.
The Old Vic
This not-for-profit theatre based in Waterloo is one of London’s most iconic. It’s a centrepiece of the London theatre scene for generations, playing host to many personnel forming the National Theatre, including Laurence Olivier. The theatre went through a complete refurbishment in 2003 with Kevin Spacey as artistic director.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Originally built in 1599 and demolished in 1644, this painstakingly constructed replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is the perfect place to explore some of the UK’s traditional theatre. Of course, you’ll find many of Bard’s best works performed here and some more unique and bizarre performances that will keep you enthralled.
The Young Vic
Built as a temporary theatre designed to last only 5 years or so, the Young Vic became so popular that it’s lasted to this day. After numerous refurbishments, it has become the popular younger cousin of the Old Vic. It’s well-known in the theatre scene for producing classic plays with a unique twist, many of which go on to larger tours across the UK. Actors such as Judi Dench, Robert Lindsay, Timothy Dalton, and Helen Mirren have performed at this unique venue.
Savoy Theatre
Another West End staple, the Savoy, dates back to 1808 when it was purchased for the production of several Gilbert & Sullivan operas. Recent productions include classics such as Fiddler on the Roof, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, H.M.S. Pinafore and Dreamgirls.
King’s Head Theatre
This unique venue is the first theatre pub to open since the Elizabethan age. Previously used as a boxing ring and a pool hall, it now features daily productions ranging from the fantastically unique to the bizarre.
You’ll find performances such as Trump: The Musical, Charles Court Opera, The Worst Little Warehouse in London, the Crown Dual and Undetectable. You won’t get anywhere else if you’re looking for a theatre experience. This is it!
If you’re interested in theatre tickets for London’s biggest attractions, they’re available from Evan Evans on our theatre tickets page. Enjoy the show!
