EXPLORE LONDON’S THEATRES AND SHOWS WITH US
Lots of visitors are coming to London to enjoy its theatrical scene since 19th century. Actually, that’s one of the reasons for many tourists to come to the city in the first place, because of the remarkable experience of watching a good play in one the city’s classic theatres.
The theatre ambience has become an identity feature of the city thanks mostly to the London’s theatre district, in West End (sometimes called “Theatreland”), to the point that many claims there’s no way to really know the city if you do not enjoy a classic play here.
It does not matter if you do not have a previous idea about what shows are on the bill, the city itself offers you the information at each step. Even in a metro station you can come across the advertising of the best shows of the moment. The truth is that you will always find the right show for you: dance, comedies, children’s theatre, musicals, circus performances, classical theatre and opera are waiting for you in this great capital. So, if you’re planning to dive into London theatre circuit, we let you some tips to consider.
WHERE TO WATCH A THEATRE PLAY IN LONDON?
The best place to look for a good theatre show in London is undoubtedly the West End, known as “Theatreland”. This area extends from Piccadilly Circus to Somerset House, and from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square. So, take a walk around and discover all the great options available.
Among the most famous London theatres we can suggest The Royal Opera House, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Old Vic, Barbican Centre and the National Theatre. But there is more, so much more. Such is the case of the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Young Vic, Novello Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, The Savoy Theatre and Dominion Theatre.
On Old Compton Street you will find two of the high-rated West End’s theatres: Prince of Wales and Prince Edward theatres. Then, on Shaftesbury Avenue there are the Apollo, Shaftesbury, The Lyric and the Queen’s theatres.
Also, worth a visit the famously haunted Theatre Royal Drury Lane, if you’re brave enough and a MUST for summer months is to watch a performance in Regent Park’s Open-Air Theatre.
HOW TO BOOK THEATRE TICKETS IN LONDON?
We recommend an easy way get tickets: go to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square (it is a departure point of some of our tour) and ask for their offers and discounts or just buy your full ticket for the show of your choice.
You will find the booth close to the clock tower building, from Monday to Saturday (10:00 – 19:00) and also Sundays (11:00 – 16:30).
If you prefer, you can get your tickets at the ticket’s box in the theatre, usually open since morning and until 30 minutes before the show begins, the price is the same, but be aware that if you book them by phone there might be a discrete booking fee.
It’s not recommendable to buy the tickets from a third-party seller.
TIPS AND ADVICES FOR THEATRE EXPERIENCE IN LONDON
If you previously book your tickets by phone or the internet, we recommend you to have then in your hands a few days before the show or, in case that is not possible, be early the very same day of the performance because visitors without a ticket on hand use to wait a long time in a queue.
You don’t have to dress fancy to watch a play in a London theatre, but you will find people who use to do it. Anyway, there isn’t any dress code, so, be yourself and dress like yourself.
Is forbidden to bring any kind of snacks or drinks with you to the theatre and photos and videos are not allowed during the show as well.
VALUABLE TIPS
You can have discounts if you are a student or under 30, as well as for car parking.
Theatres like the Royal Court, the Southbank Centre and the Royal Opera House offers great advantages for students and The Old and The Young Vic, Barbican Centre, the National Theatre and the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will give you great deals if you’re under 30 years old.
If you get there by car and will park in the area, sign up for the Theatreland parking Scheme, in which Q-Park offers half-priced parking. You only need to validate the car park ticket at the theatre and then, automatically, the parking machine will charge you only half of the normal fee.