Find your new favourite West End musical, dramatic play or incredible opera. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the National Theatre, or treat yourself to a ballet at the Royal Opera House. And experience a long-running hit or a new London theatre show.
Theatre Scene in London
No visit to London is complete without seeing a show, so check out some of the capital’s world-class theatre venues.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an important performing arts venue in Covent Garden. It is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Enjoy a wide range of world-class shows, or take a backstage tour of this historic London theatre.
Shakespeare's Globe
Travel back in time at Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were performed. The Globe stages shows between April and October, when you can get cheap theatre tickets from just £5. The Bankside site also includes the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse; a candlelit space based on the indoor playhouses of Jacobean London.
Young Vic
An extremely influential London theatre, the Young Vic has an international reputation for staging innovative, challenging work. Here, you can find global stars working alongside emerging artists to create vibrant pieces that often attract a younger audience.
Sadler's Wells
Sadler’s Wells theatre in Islington is one of the world’s leading dance venues, bringing renowned international and British dance shows to London. Enjoy all forms of dance, including contemporary, circus, ballet, Bollywood, tap, tango, flamenco and much more.
National Theatre
The National Theatre on London’s South Bank houses three auditoriums: the Olivier Theatre, Lyttleton Theatre and Dorfman Theatre. Experience a varied programme of shows, including Shakespeare and international classic drama, new plays and musicals. It is the home of many of London’s must-see shows, and also offers behind-the-scenes tours to visitors.
Barbican Theatre
The brutalist 1980s Barbican Centre, in the City of London, is comprised of a concert hall, two theatres, three cinemas, two art galleries, a library, restaurants, shops and a conservatory. The venue is the base of the London Symphony Orchestra and presents an exciting international programme of shows, talks and festivals.