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!
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- The Theatre in itself is stunning, but try and catch a play for a truly spellbinding experience!
Ellie
Guide-Footprints Tours
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
Getting Here By Tube
Southwark Station, (Jubilee Line, 600 metres away), Blackfriars Station, (District and Circle Line, 800 metres away, across Blackfriars Bridge)
Getting Here By Bus
Routes 45, 63, and 100 on Blackfriars Bridge Road.
Routes RV1 and 381 on Southwark Street.
Getting Here By Car
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
Union Car Park, (020 7357 6799), 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
National Theatre
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Details
Dependent on Performance
National Theatre
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
Getting Here By Tube
Waterloo, (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
Waterloo Bridge South Bank (Stop N) Bus Stop,
Getting Here By Car
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
Union Car Park, (020 7357 6799), 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
The Royal Court
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Details
Dependent on Performance
Royal Court
Open Daily 10am-11pm
Getting Here By Tube
Sloane Square (Piccadilly and District Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
Sloane Square Bus Stop H
Getting Here By Car
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
LCP Sloane Square, 1 Cheltenham Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 4RD
The Old Vic
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- 'One of the best loved theatres in London.'
Darren
Guide-Footprints Tours
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
Getting Here By Tube
Waterloo (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
Old Vic Stop Q, 1, 68, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188
Getting Here By Car
Waterloo Car Park, 39 York Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7NQ
The Palace Theatre
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- Catch a show, then head for a drink in Leicester Square!
Mike
Guide-Footprints Tours
Details
Dependent on Performance
Palace Theatre
Open Daily 10am-11pm
Getting Here By Tube
Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Line)
Getting Here By Bus
Cambridge Circus (Stop D)
Getting Here By Car
NCP Car Park, Shaftesbury Ave, London WC1A 1JP
