London's Theatreland
Bordered by Oxford Street and The Strand, the West End’s synonymous with theatre. Broadway transfers, musicals and premières open at a dizzying rate; after dark, the area’s bright with neon lights and buzzing with expectation. There’s a thrill to seeing a show here, even if you’re in the gods (theatrical slang for the cheapest, highest upper-circle seats). Afterwards, join the throng heading into Soho, in search of a restorative glass of wine or sociable late supper.
Iconic shows
The Lion King
Lesser productions have come and gone, but Disney’s story of Simba the lion cub has been running for 20 years. The puppetry and masks are breath-taking, while the Elton John-penned Circle of Life has been known to make grown men cry.
The Lyceum, 21 Wellington Street, WC2
Mamma Mia!
The plot’s featherlight, but that’s hardly the point of this feelgood, Greek-island-set musical. It’s a chance to wheel out some wildly kitsch, sequined 70s costumes, and an all-singing, all-dancing succession of ABBA’s greatest hits.
Novello Theatre, Aldwych, WC2B
The Book of Mormon
The New York Times dubbed this ‘best musical of the century’ when it opened on Broadway. Written by the duo behind South Park, it follows two Mormon missionaries posted to Uganda. It’s savagely satirical and funny (and not for under-15s).
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, W1D
Last-minute deals
West End prices can be high, but there are ways to find cheaper deals. Queue up at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted last-minute tickets (the website lists what shows they’re selling seats for that day).
Meanwhile, even sold-out plays and musicals often get same-day returns or hold back a limited number of cheaply priced ‘day-seats’. Do your research on the show you want to see, then head to the box office in the morning.
For the kids
From musicals to children’s theatre shows and Christmas pantomimes, London’s theatre scene has something for all ages. Daytime matinées can avoid fraying tempers, while Kids’ Week, held every August, offers free tickets for 16-and-unders.
Explore the area
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane, WC2NOpened as a music hall in 1904, this is one of London’s grandest theatres. Its Edwardian interiors are a riot of cherubs and gold-leaf, while the roof is topped with a magnificent revolving globe. Now home to the English National Opera, it also runs guided tours, taking in off-limits backstage areas (and tales of resident ghosts).
The Actors’ Church
Bedford Street, WC2St Pauls (aka the Actors’ Church) is set on Covent Garden, backdropping all manner of offbeat street performers. The church is full of memorials to theatre’s great and good, from Ellen Terry to Noël Coward, while its bench-lined gardens are a haven for lunching locals. What’s more, it stages alfresco plays and musicals in summer.
Theatreland Tour
The Lodge, Leicester Square, WC2H 7DEWho better to take you on a tour of the West End than Sir Ian McKellen? The dulcet-voiced thespian narrates this free-to-download audio tour, kicking off at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Spiked with anecdotes, time-travel, murders and more, it whisks you round some of the West End’s most famous theatres.
Take a break
Brasserie Zédel
20 Sherwood Street, W1Just off Piccadilly, this art-deco brasserie is impossibly grand, with its marble columns and mirrored bar. The big surprise? The bargain prices and set menus – though it’s worth straying off the prix-fixe for a heavenly île flottante.
The Blue Posts
28 Rupert Street, W1D 6DJAfter a slick refurb, this Chinatown pub is a cut above the average London boozer. Upstairs, there’s a tiny cocktail bar, but hit the ground-level pub for a pint, with its leather stools, terrific ales and tasty Ogleshield cheese toasties.
New musicals
Fame The Musical
Fame’s gonna live forever... Celebrating 30 years with a tour, the musical comes to London. David De Silva, who developed the show, said the anniversary UK production is the best he’s ever seen.
Adrian Mole – The Musical
Adrian Mole has acne, he writes cringe poems and...he’s coming to the West End! Britain’s most hilarious fictional teenager will charm the whole family in this musical adaptation of the best-seller.
You may also like
Explore Covent Garden and the West End
Discover our guide to London's West End, from Piccadilly’s neon billboards, to Chinatown and Theatreland.
London for foodies
Discover our guide to London's best restaurants
Week-end luxe à Londres
EVJF, anniversaire de mariage ou week-end entre filles ? Célébrez une occasion spéciale et faites-vous plaisir à Londres.
Image credits: © Grant Smith; © Grant Smith; © ENO; © AdobeStock; © SOLT; © David Loftus; © Steven Joyce; © The Blue Posts; © Disney; © Brinkhoff & Mögenburg; © Johan Persson; © Image Source; © SOLT; © Alamy; © Kerb; © The Library; © Tristram Kenton; © Pamela Raith