It’s time to go to the theater and enjoy all the London shows out now! This week, we’re focusing on London Theatres.
In a city as big and bountiful as London, there are so many local theatres near you to choose from, that it can be hard to know where to start. Just searching “London theatres near me” is overwhelming AF––what’s the difference between one theatre and another? With several West End theatres within the London area, it’s no wonder you don’t know where to start!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite local West End theatres in London to help you make the most of your London West End experience.
Get comfy as we dive into our London West End theatre guide!
London Theatres: Adelphi Theatre (Back to the Future)
As with many of the theatres throughout New York, the Nederlander Group co-owns the Adelphi Theater with Andrew Lloyd Webber and is home to one of the greatest shows of our time, Back to the Future: The Musical. But, we’ll get to that in a bit. Right now let’s talk about the history of this truly iconic theatre. Having celebrated their bicentenary in 2006, the Adelphi Theatre wasn’t always sitting on this location. In fact, the first theatre to call this location home was a small playhouse called the Sans Pareil (‘Without Compare’, for you non-French speakers). The Sans Pareil was originally built in 1806 by John Scott, a prominent local businessman.
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The original use for the theater was not to perform plays, operas or musicals, it was to show off the piano playing talents of John Scott’s daughter, Jane Scott. After nearly 14 years at the theatre Jane Scott would leave. That was not before helping to redefine theatre as we know it. She would go on to show that theatre can be for everyone and not just a select few.
In 1819 the theatre would be sold for the first time and renamed to the Adelphi Theatre. This would be the first time the theatre would be known by this name, and would change several more times before being renamed the Adelphi Theatre one last time. Over the past 200+ years there have been some amazing shows to grace this stage, from Pierce Egan’s Tom and Jerry; or Life in London (described as the Beggar’s Opera of its day), to modern day classics like Sunset Boulevard starring the great Patti Lupone, and The Bodyguard: The Musical.
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The newest show to call the Adelphi Theatre home now is the musical adaptation of the 1985 classic Back to the Future. If you’ve seen the movie, then you know what lies ahead for Marty and Doc Brown. This new musical adaptation finds the audience following the antics of Marty McFly. He tries to find his way back to 1985 after being transported to 1955. After inadvertently changing the past, Marty must now find a way to save his present while fixing the past.
This electrifying new musical features original music by legendary composers Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Along with the new music, you’ll enjoy classics from the film with new musical adaptations that you need to hear to believe. So if you’re in London, be sure to head over to the Adelphi Theatre on the Strand Travel Back to the Future, and tell them Doc Brown sent you!
This Google reviewer has our heart.
“We went to see Back to the Future the musical. What a wonderful experience. The show itself is amazing. The actors were all fantastic, the songs fit really well, the effects used were really impressive. A must see if you love Back to the Future and enjoy musicals.”
Adelphi Theatre
Strand
London WC2R 0NS
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Aldwych Theatre (Tina)
Acquired by the Nederlander Organization in 1982 from its former owners, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Aldwych Theatre has seen a plethora of amazing musical theatre productions. Since it’s purchase, the Aldwych has seen shows such as The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov starring Judi Dench, as well as Tango Argentino.
The ’90s saw shows like the hit musical The Cotton Club, a show based on the real-life club in the heart of Harlem, as well as The Importance of Being Earnest starring the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith. The 2000s saw potentially the biggest boom in business for the Aldwych Theatre and saw it become the musical powerhouse it is today with shows like Fame, Dancing in the Dark, and theatres longest running show Dirty Dancing.
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While the Nedelrander era has been incredible, there is much more to the Aldwych Theatre’s history than meets the eye. Constructed in 1905 as a companion theatre to the Novello, the Aldwych Theatre was managed by Seymour Hicks, who would go on to feature in many of the early shows including the premiere show Blue Belle, and Charles Frohman. The Aldwych Theatre would then go on to gain notoriety as a house of farces when they began running a series of farces by the great Ben Travers for the decade spanning 1923 to 1933. After that, in the 1940s, the theatre would change ownership over to the Abrahams family and would see plays such as A Streetcar named Desire starring Vivien Leigh and The Dark is light enough by Christopher Fry and Peter Sellers in Brouhaha.
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The current show calling the Aldwych Theatre home is the hit musical based on the life of the stunning Tina Turner simply titled Tina. Tina Turner is perhaps one of the most successful solo artists of this generation. Having sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer certainly has led to her being dubbed the Queen of Rock & Roll.
Tina: The Musical takes audiences on a whirlwind journey from Tina’s humble upbringing in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her incredible transformation into the Queen she is today. Tina: The Musical will have audiences dancing in the aisles to all of her incredible hits. The show is written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed theatre director Phyllida Lloyd. You can catch Tina: The Musical now through September 3, 2023.
We absolutely love this Google reviewer’s thoughts: “Lovely old theatre, the decoration is beautiful. Quite spacious great seats. I went to see Tina Turner brilliant from start to finish. Great evening worth seeing.”
Aldwych Theatre
49 Aldwych
London WC2B 4DF
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Dominion Theatre (Elf the Musical)
The Nederlander Organization owns of 26 theatres in the United States of America and 3 theatres in England, including this one. The Nederlanders got their start back in 1912 when David T. Nederlander would go on to sign a 99 year lease with the Detroit Opera House. After several years in Detroit, James M. Nederlander would move to New York and begin the dynasty that is the Nederlander Organization as we know them today. From the purchase of the historic Palace Theatre on Broadway, the Nederlander Organization has continued to operate historic theatres throughout North America and England. It gives people everywhere a chance to enjoy the art that is live theatre for years to come.
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The Dominion Theatre has seen a very storied history, with everything from stage shows and variety shows, to a cinema and music venue. Many shows such as The Judy Garland Show, and epic runs of cinema greats like South Pacific and The Sound of Music have helped to make the Dominion Theatre what it is today. Other legendary films that had their premieres at the Dominion Theatre were all three of the original George Lucas helmed Star Wars films. After many years of struggling, the Dominion Theatre was nearly lost to the world when it was up for demolition. Through sheer determination and love for the venue, the Dominion Theatre was saved and purchased by the Nederlander Organization and thus a new era of musical theatre history was born.
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While many shows have come and gone at the historic Dominion Theatre, the latest hit show to call the theatre home is the 1970s classic Grease: The Musical, which played through October 28, 2022. Beginning on November 15, 2023 and running through January 6, 2024 is Elf: The Musical based on the hit holiday classic film starring Will Ferrell. Elf The Musical will only be at the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited run. The show tells the story of Buddy, the young man who inadvertently crawled into Santa’s Christmas sack as a child and was raised as an elf. Now, several years later, Buddy is on a journey to find his birth family and instead finds true love. Will you be heading to the Dominion Theatre this holiday season to watch Elf The Musical? We’d love to hear your thoughts if you do!
This Google Reviewer says it best: “First time at this theatre, and we really enjoyed Grease. Although we had a front row, the incline of the stalls looks like all seats would have a great view. We’d definitely be happy to sit further back. We’d happily go and watch Grease again, and also return to the theatre for other shows, well laid out and in a great location.”
Dominion Theatre
268-269 Tottenham Court Rd
London W1T 7AQ
United Kingdom
London Theatres: Apollo Victoria Theatre (Wicked)
Designed by W. E. Trent and E. Wamsley Lewis, and constructed in 1930 for Provincial Cinematograph Theatres, the Apollo Victoria Theatre first operated as a combination motion picture theatre, with stage shows. The theatre was built in an art deco style with a beautiful underwater theme. The theatre has gone on to produce many amazing shows from cinema to concerts and live performances.
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The Apollo Victoria would run as a cinema and stage production theatre under the operations of the Gaumont British Theatres company until a brief closure during the Second World War. When the theatre reopened in 1941 they would continue with business as usual, that was until the 1950s, when it was in danger of being demolished. In a twist of fate, the New Apollo was saved from demolition by a property developer that was typically known for demolishing buildings in an effort to rebuild the community. However, due to the location and the amenities the theatre offered, the property developed renovated the theatre and it has become one of the West End’s most profitable theatres to date.
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Beginning in 1981, the Apollo Victoria would begin staging full scale musical productions starting with “The Sound of Music”, and would go on to house such productions as Camelot starring Richard Harris, and Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol. In 1984, the Andrew Lloyd Webber smash hit Starlight Express would start an epic run at the Apollo Victoria. Finally, in 2006 the phenomenal hit Wicked began its run here and has been going strong ever since. So, the next time you find yourself in London, head on over to the Apollo Victoria and check out the theatre in all its grandeur.
We adore this Google reviewer for their incredible thoughts: “Amazing theatre, staff were absolutely lovely and excited for us, which just hyped us up even more. Great location being literally on the other side of the road from Victoria station. The theatre looks amazing inside, themed green everywhere.”
Apollo Victoria Theatre
17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico
London SW1V 1LG
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Novello Theatre (Mamma Mia!)
Opening in 1905, the now Novello theatre first opened under the name Waldorf Theatre. That year saw the theatre open with an 8 week season only of opera and drama shows starring talented and beautiful actress Eleanora Duse, as well as the world renowned opera singers Emma Calve and Edouard de Reszke. The theatre would operate in this manner until it was renamed The Strand in 1913. The theatre would see many hit shows come and go throughout the early 1900s. Not even a bombardment from a Zeppelin could stop the shows from happening, as in 1915 when during a performance of The Scarlet Pimpernel, 19 bombs were dropped on the Strand and the star of the show refused to end the show until the final curtain fell.
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For the remainder of the 1900s and up until the early 2000s, the Strand would play host to hundreds of theatrical productions and musicals. Then, in 2005 the theatre would reopen under the new name Novello after a lengthy refurbishment process. Since then, the theatre has seen a flurry of hits from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Betty Blue Eyes, to the show that has called the Novello home since 2012, Mamma Mia!
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Set to the music of Swedish rock group ABBA, Mamma Mia tells the story of Sophie, a young woman that has grown up on a lush Greek isle and wants nothing more than to have her father walk her down the aisle at her wedding. The only issue with that is that she has no clue who her father is. After rummaging through her mothers things, she discovers that she has three possible fathers, and in one impulsive move, she invites all three. So, who is her father and will he walk her down the aisle? Find out for yourself the next time you are in Covent Garden in London. Just stop on by the Novello Theatre, we’d love to have you!
This Google reviewer says it best: “This is a wonderful old theater in the west end. Built in 1905, it isn’t very big but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The staff are helpful and kind. I recommend it.”
Novello
Aldwych
London WC2B 4LD
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Cambridge Theatre London (Matilda The Musical)
If you are a fan of theatre, then you are going to love the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden. One of the youngest theaters in London’s historic West End, the Cambridge Theatre first came onto the scene in 1930 with what at first would appear to be a laughable and lackluster size. However, it was precisely this size that would go on to make one of the best theatres in London to go to. According to their website, with an intimate size, the Cambridge Theatre was perfect for spectacular musicals, as well as scaled down plays, making it the perfect cozy theatre for the perfect date night, even in the 1930s.
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Many famous celebrities of our generation have called the Cambridge Theatre home. From stars like Audrey Hepburn in 1949, to Sir Ian McKellan who starred as Hamlet in 1971. Other notable celebrities include the legendary Joan Collins, Peter Cook, Peter O’Toole and Dudley Moore. With stars such as these, it’s only natural that the Cambridge Theatre would also attract some very popular shows, and one of the biggest to call the theatre home has been JM Barrie’s story of the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan. This show would have many various iterations from 1943’s original play to the Peter Pan – The British Musical in 1994.
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While Peter Pan is a classic that everyone has at least some memory of, be it a stage production or the Disney animated film, the biggest musical to hit the Cambridge Theatre, now under the ownership of Andrew Lloyd Webber, is Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical, which has called the Cambridge Theatre home since 2011. The hit musical tells the story of Matilda, a young girl born with incredible powers, from astonishing wit and intelligence, to amazing psychokinetic powers that she’ll use to help rid her boarding school of the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Perhaps one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s most successful shows, it’s a not to miss musical the next time you find yourself in London.
This is the best Google Review ever: “Matilda was amazing tonight. Funny, entertaining and worth every penny.
We loved ‘Miss’ Trunchbull. The whole cast were fabulous, the children were great. Thanks for a great night.”
Cambridge Theatre London
Earlham St
London WC2H 9HU
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: St. Martin’s Theatre (Mousetrap)
Owned by the Willoughby de Broke family, St. Martin’s Theatre was designed by W.G.R. Sprague. After construction on St. Martin’s Theatre began in 1913, the theatre had their construction halted by the onset of the First World War. When they were finally able to open their doors on November 23, 1916 they opened with the absolutely phenomenal comedic Edwardian musical, Houp La!. From 1916 to 1973 St. Martin’s Theatre played host to a wide array of spectacular shows. This also includes an incredible number of noteworthy and who’s who of British stage royalty.
It’s just over two months until we celebrate our official 70th birthday! 👀
PS. Send gifts to St Martin’s Theatre, West St, London WC2H 9NZ 🎁 pic.twitter.com/Mvju87q1nw
— The Mousetrap (@MousetrapLondon) September 7, 2022
St. Martin’s Theatre became a kind of right of passage for those who love the theatre world. According to theatre-tickets.com, some of the more notable shows that called St. Martin’s Theatre home since their opening have been Damaged Goods, which premiered in 1917 following the run of Houp La!, A Bill of Divorcement in 1920, and Rossum’s Universal Robots by Karel Capek. As for the who’s who of British stage and screen royalty, there was Basil Rathbone, popular for being a Shakespearean actor, the actor also racked up around 70 film roles. Countess of Dudley, Gertrude Ward, best known as Gertie Millar, was famous for appearing in a slew of Edwardian comedies like the aforementioned Houp La!.
The Mousetrap – West End
I’ve been meaning to see this show for ages. It was fantastic, so much rumour & mystery packed into the story. Glad I finally saw it, & definitely will see the tour when it lands in Brum. Such a beautiful theatre too!
26/01/22 – St. Martin’s Theatre pic.twitter.com/G6uFxb8owM
— Sean Brady (@StillSeanyb) August 28, 2022
While the previously mentioned shows have all done their part to make St. Martin’s Theatre, a staple of the West End and theatre district, it’s actually all thanks to Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the show that has been calling St. Martin’s Theatre home since 1974. The show has the proud distinction of being the longest running play on London’s West End. It first opened at the Ambassador Theatre in 1952. So, if you’re doing the math, that is 70 years on stage in London alone. The Mousetrap is a whodunnit stage production that is based on the popular radio show from the 1940s and is an absolute must whenever you are in London and have a free night. So, what do you say? Do you have what it takes to solve the case before the villain gets away?
This is the best Google review ever: “I had such a wonderful experience watching The Mousetrap. Being an avid Agatha Christie reader and big fan, my expectations were high. But they were met! The cast was brilliant and the theatre, though on the smaller side, rather lovely, comfortable and welcoming.”
St. Martin’s Theatre
West St
London WC2H 9NZ
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Duchess Theatre (Play That Goes Wrong)
Designed in the mid 1920s and opening in 1929, the Duchess Theatre was one of the first theatres built to provide clear sightlines to the stage from every seat in the house. The building attached steel girders to the roof. This made it unnecessary to include columns from ground to roof. The Duchess Theatre is located right in the heart of Covent Garden. It has become known as the theatre to host transferred productions on the reg. While many may believe this to be a curse, this is the opposite for the Duchess Theatre. Many productions transfer between the Duchess Theatre and their next home. Because of this, people are able to enjoy a wider array of shows.
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The theatre has produced shows like Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, which premiered in 1942 and went on to become a hit film starring Dame Judi Dench in 2020, to 1962’s Alfie, which went on to become a hit starring Jude Law in 2004, to finally 1974’s controversial show Oh, Calcutta, which had an Off-Broadway run before becoming making its way to the screen in 1972.
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Now calling the Duchess Theatre home is the incredibly hilarious show The Play That Goes Wrong. If you are a fan of the “Whodunnit” style of show and let’s face it, who isn’t? Then you are sure to get a kick out of The Play That Goes Wrong. From the moment the thespians are given the plot of their very own whodunnit, anything that can go wrong, can, and will, go wrong. The Play That Goes Wrong has been calling the Duchess Theatre home now for 8 very long, and oftentimes very chaotic (but in a good way) years, and shows absolutely no signs of stopping. So, if you want a fun night out with family, friends, or even your significant other, then you need to head on down to the Duchess Theatre. See if you can figure out who killed Charles Haversham before the killer gets away!
What a fantastic review from the Google reviewer.
“Very intimate and cozy theatre in the heart of London. The play “The play that goes wrong…” was so funny I was almost crying with laughter. Contrary to other theatres in London, this is rather small and I think that is the key point that makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed watching the play. I recommend both the play and the theatre.”
Duchess Theatre
3-5 Catherine St
London WC2B 5LA
United Kingdom
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London Theatres: Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Frozen the Musical
Easily the oldest theatre on this list, Theatre Royal Drury Lane was first erected back in 1663 at the behest of King Charles II. The theatre has seen many new iterations come and go for a variety of reasons. The first coming a mere nine years after being decimated by fire. The theatres original builder, Thomas Killgrew would go on to rebuild the theatre in under two years and it would go on to have a much more substantial run lasting 117 years.
As if going up in flames wasn’t bad enough, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has seen a vast number of notable events take place within her halls. From Thomas Betterton, who according to Britannica was a leading actor during the restoration period in England and would go on to create around 120 new roles, as well as play the lead roles in the Shakespeare tragedies Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello.
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Theatre Royal Drury Lane would go on to face two rebuildings after she was demolished. The theatre was rebuilt in 1794 with a much more substantial seating capacity of 3,600. The theatre would then face one more fire in 1809. Now, the newly rebuilt theatre of 1812 has been going stronger than ever and has been producing shows such as Noël Coward’s Cavalcade, Glamorous Night (1935), Mary Martin in South Pacific (1951-53), and My Fair Lady (1958-63), starring the original Broadway cast of Julie Andrews, Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway. Finally, one of the biggest shows of the late 20th century to call Theatre Royal Drury Lane home was Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Miss Saigon (1989-99), which to this day still hold the record for being the longest running show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane with the total number of performances ending at 4,263.
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There’s such an incredible number of shows that have called Theatre Royal Drury Lane home. I bet you are wondering what incredible show is currently calling this legendary theatre home. Well, wonder no more as we find ourselves transported down to the fantastical Arendelle, the home to Anna and Elsa.
This special effects heavy stage show features all of your favorite songs from the hit animated Disney classic, alongside a slew of new songs from the legendary Grammy® and Academy Award-winning writers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. You might find yourself on Catherine St. in the heart of London with your heart frozen. If so, head on down to the theatre and let Elsa, Anna, and Olaf help you thaw it out. And, should you have any doubt that you wouldn’t fit in with the musical theatre crowd…you can just go right ahead and “Let It Go”, as our doors are always open and we welcome you with open arms!
This Google reviewer has warmed our hearts: “This was a favorite theatre of mine before the refit but now, wow is all I can say. It’s stunning. We had a wander round in the interval of Frozen and I don’t think there will be a bad seat in the entire house. Stunning building, beautiful artwork and filled with some of the finest performers in the West End. Certainly worth a visit.”
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine St
London WC2B 5JF
United Kingdom
