Our guide to the best London theatres. London is the home to some of the most iconic theatres in the world. There are plenty of options among the West End’s impressive list of venues for those looking for a night out on the town.
Whether it is classical shows from Broadway or musical extravaganzas from some of music’s biggest names, visitors will find something that suits their tastes. In particular, London boasts over 40 professional theatres, with approximately 27 currently open.
Therefore, theatre-goers have several famous playhouses and concert halls to choose from when planning their nights out on the town.
This guide highlights the 20 most iconic London Theatres to take in a show.
1. Aldwych Theatre
The Aldwych Theatre was established in the year 1905. This theatre is owned and operated by a person named Sir Roderick Jones. However, during a war emergency, this building was devoted to being a ‘temporary’ hospital for injured soldiers.
This theatre has been used as an art-house cinema, concert hall, and occasionally for stage plays, including opera performances and many former productions of Shakespearean plays. Some notable examples are “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “Hamlet.” Further, it is home to modern-day classics such as “The Mousetrap” and “The Woman in Black.”
2. Donmar Warehouse
It is one of the iconic London theatres known for its classical productions. It was founded by John Dexter and Donmar McKellar in 1977. It is home to numerous successful productions, including “The Weir” and “Frost/Nixon.”
It is also known for new playwrights, such as Conor McPherson and David Hare. Donmar Warehouse is currently led by artistic director Josie Rourke. The productions of this theatre are known to be unconventional and modernized adaptations of classic plays or novels.
Some examples are “Hamlet” with Jude Law, “Look Back in Anger” by John Osborne, “Hedda Gabler” starring Sheridan Smith, “Othello” starring Adrian Lester, and Laura Carmichael, and Bill Nighy in Arthur Miller’s “The Man Who Had All the Luck.”
3. Garrick Theatre
The Garrick Theatre is located on Charing Cross Road in Westminster, London. It was designed by W.S. Gilbert and opened on 14 December 1881 with the pastoral comedy of Shakespeare, “As You Like It.” The Garrick has been home to many famous actors and actresses, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Richard Burton, and Judi Dench.
The Garrick is principally known for its classical drama and comedy productions. Some of the most famous plays staged at the Garrick include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice. In addition to its theatrical productions, the Garrick is also a popular location for musical concerts and other works.
4. Gielgud Theatre
The Gielgud Theatre is a prestigious London theatre with a rich history dating to the early 1900s. It was first built in 1906 as the Hicks Theatre. It was renamed the Globe Theatre in 1911 and then the Gielgud Theatre in 1994 in honor of John Gielgud.
The theatre is located on the south side of Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End theatre district.
The Gielgud Theatre is a popular tourist attraction in London and hosts world-class performances. Most importantly, it is known for its high-quality classic plays and musical productions. The theatre has been home to many famous actors and actresses, including John Gielgud, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen.
5. Harold Pinter Theatre
The Harold Pinter Theatre is a London theatre known for its work in the contemporary theatre genre. The theatre was opened in 1963 and was originally called the Royal Court Theatre Downstairs. It was renamed in 1980 after British playwright Harold Pinter, one of the theatre’s co-founders.
It has staged award-winning plays and musicals since its opening. In 1966, the theatre won several awards for its John Osborne’s “Inadmissible Evidence” production. That play was staged at the theatre between 1965 to 1967, and it involved an anti-Establishment satire of British institutions, including police brutality.
6. Lyceum Theatre
It is a theatre in the City of Westminster. The building, originally called the Royal English Opera House, was designed by Thomas Verity and built-in 1818. It has operated as a theatre for every decade since 1930–1940. Today the theatre is owned by Delfont-Mackintosh Theatres.
The Lyceum Theatre is best known for its musical theatre productions. The theatre has been the home of The Lion King since 1999. Other musicals produced at the theatre include The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, and Wicked. It also hosts plays, dance shows, and other live performances.
The theatre is the London home of Cirque du Soleil’s production of Varekai. Further, it hosted the Royal Variety Performance in 2001 and 2008.
7. Prince of Wales Theatre
The theatre was first opened in 1884 and has become a popular destination for tourists and Londoners alike. It is particularly well-known for its musical productions, staged there for over a century.
Some of the most successful musicals in London theatre history have debuted at Prince of Wales Theatre, including The Boy Friend, Oliver!, and My Fair Lady.
The theatre has recently produced hit shows such as Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You. In addition to its musical offerings, this theatre also hosts various other events, such as dance productions and plays.
8. Savoy Theatre
The Savoy Theatre in London is known for its variety of works, ranging from musicals to plays. It opened in 1881 with Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” production. The theatre has been host to many famous performers, including Laurence Olivier, Peter O’Toole, and Judi Dench.
Today, it is home to the popular West End musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” Richard D’Oyly Carte originally built it as a venue for his new opera company, the Savoy Opera Company. Frank Matcham designed this theatre and featured a retractable roof opened up to natural light.