Best Theatres in London
Shakespeare wrote that ‘All the world’s a stage’…however no-one does theatre quite like the Brits. From Shakespeare to The Lion King, London has it all. Here is our list of the best theatres in London…the show must go on!
Top of our list of the best theatres in London is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The Globe is dedicated to the performance and exploration of Shakespeare’s plays. The original theatre was built in 1599 but was destroyed by a fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, then demolished during the Civil War in 1644.
It was constructed on what was then the outskirts of the city: inhabiting a liminal space between the civil society of the town and the lawless depravity of the countryside. This is a reflection of playmaking itself, which was viewed less as an art-form, and more as a dangerous means of rabble rousing.
The modern Globe Theatre was reconstructed in 1997, with patronage from the legendary actor and director, Sam Wanamaker. It is situated about 230 metres away from the original site. You can book daily tours around the theatre or go along to watch a show. We would highly recommend the Swan Bar and Restaurant next door for a meal and drink whilst digesting the show afterwards.
Open Daily 9am-5pm
Southwark Station, (Jubilee Line, 600 metres away), Blackfriars Station, (District and Circle Line, 800 metres away, across Blackfriars Bridge)
Routes 45, 63, and 100 on Blackfriars Bridge Road.
Routes RV1 and 381 on Southwark Street.
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
Union Car Park, (020 7357 6799), 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
National Theatre
Dependent on Performance
National Theatre
The National theatre is one of the best theatres in London and is currently located on The Southbank. It actually comprises of three separate theatres: The Olivier, The Lyttelton and The Dorfman. It’s best to book online but you can often buy cheap tickets on the day for £15.
If you’re young and fancy a bargain, Entry Pass is a free membership scheme for anyone aged 16 – 25 which enables you to get £5 tickets. We recommend checking out the bar, which is great for a drink on the Southbank even if you’re not going to a show.
Open Daily 9:30am-11:00pm
Waterloo, (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Waterloo Bridge South Bank (Stop N) Bus Stop,
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
Union Car Park, (020 7357 6799), 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
The Royal Court
Dependent on Performance
Royal Court
Third on our list of the best theatres in London is The Royal Court. The Royal Court is known as the writer’s theatre and every year helps cultivate hundreds of new exciting, diverse plays. The Royal Court has produced some hugely iconic plays from Laura Wade’s Posh to Jez Butterworth’s Mojo and Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen.
Open Daily 10am-11pm
Sloane Square (Piccadilly and District Lines)
Sloane Square Bus Stop H
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
LCP Sloane Square, 1 Cheltenham Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 4RD
The Old Vic
Next on our list of the best theatres in London is The Old Vic. The Old Vic is a 1000 seat, not-for-profit theatre which puts on a whole range of brilliant shows from comedies to Shakespeare and Kitchen-sink dramas. Over the years its artistic directors have included Laurence Olivier, Sir Peter Hall and Kevin Spacey. The Old Vic has boasted some incredible performances from Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Judi Dench and Derek Jakobi.
Open Daily 10am-11pm
Waterloo (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Old Vic Stop Q, 1, 68, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188
Waterloo Car Park, 39 York Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7NQ
The Palace Theatre
Dependent on Performance
Palace Theatre
Last, but by no means least, on our list of the best theatres in London is the Palace Theatre, currently showing Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. A beautiful red-brick building with over 1400 seats. Its longest running shows in the past few years have been Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables and Singing in the Rain. What more could you want from a theatrical experience?
Open Daily 10am-11pm
Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Line)
Cambridge Circus (Stop D)
NCP Car Park, Shaftesbury Ave, London WC1A 1JP