Guide to the best theatres in London

Launched in 1818, The Old Vic is an internationally renowned theatre of extreme significance to the tradition and heritage of performing arts. Numerous theatrical companies that are still active today were started at this independent not-for-profit theatre, not to mention the many stars who began their careers here, for example Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Michael Gambon.

With a history stretching back four centuries, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the oldest theatre in the city. Over the last 100 years, it became famous for putting on spectacular productions, hosting acclaimed shows such as My Fair Lady with Julie Andrews, Sweeney Todd and Miss Saigon. Today, it regularly features mainstream favourites like The Lord of the Rings, The Witches of Eastwick or Frozen. In addition, it hosts a diverse range of talks, stand-up comedy, live music and other such events.

The globally renowned National Theatre aims to make world-class theatre for everyone, boasting impressive international reach with the help of its performance broadcasts and digital archive. The Grade II listed building encompasses three theatres, the largest of which is styled after the ancient Greek theatre in Epidaurus and has a capacity of 1,160. You can catch both classic plays and new works by rising and established talents alike here.

A globally renowned theatre, the Young Vic places an emphasis on developing rising talent, especially actors, authors and producers from under-represented backgrounds. Established in 1970, it has a main auditorium with a platform stage and seats for approximately 420 people, as well as two smaller studios that place the actors in close proximity to the audience. The programme includes both new writings and creative takes on classic plays.

The ornate London Coliseum has a capacity of 2,359 and features a grand auditorium with a triple revolving stage. It was originally designed as a luxurious variety theatre, but today it is used primarily for opera. It is also the London base of operations for the English National Ballet.

The brutalist bastion that is the Barbican Centre encompasses two theatre spaces, hosting international theatre, dance and performance productions. The main theatre venue has a capacity of 1,156 and was built by and for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Though the latter is no longer permanently at home at the Barbican, its productions are a regular part of the programme.

As synonymous with British theatre as William Shakespeare himself, Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the historic Globe Theatre. It features a regular programme of performances, including plays for children. As you'd expect, there's an emphasis on works by Shakespeare. The venue is also home to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, staging a more diverse range of productions.

The Royal Opera House is home to the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet companies, who put on regular performances in this stately classic theatre. The main auditorium at this Covent Garden venue is Grade I listed and has a seated capacity of 2,256, spread across stalls, boxes and balconies.

A globally renowned dance organisation, Sadler’s Wells is located in a state-of-the-art venue in Angel. The building includes a 1,500-capacity theatre and a 180-capacity studio, as well as other spaces for hire, and hosts a diverse range of dance performances. The programme includes everything from ballet and musicals to Bollywood productions, tango, contemporary dance and much more.

With two theatres based between Borough and Elephant & Castle, Southwark Playhouse strives to inspire the next generation of theatre creators, supporting them at the start of their careers. Consequently, emerging talent, thrilling new productions, and future theatre stars can often be caught here.

The beautiful Grade II listed Hackney Empire dates back to 1901 and boasts an eclectic variety theatre programme. You can catch a diverse array of performances at this beloved landmark, from theatre plays and opera to stand-up comedy, live music and the famed pantomimes.

One of the largest theatres in London, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre puts on shows 18 weeks a year. The fan-shaped auditorium is surrounded by verdant park flora and hosts all kinds of performances, from Shakespeare’s classics to musicals and plays adapted for children. Many of the theatre’s productions go on to tour around the globe.

A classic West End establishment, the beautiful Apollo Theatre is a restored Edwardian theatre with a lavish auditorium, purpose-built for musical entertainment. It has hosted renowned shows such as Jerusalem with Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook, and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

The Unicorn Theatre is the leading theatre in the country for young audiences, specialising in creative and exciting productions and participatory experiences for children. It champions inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, regularly collaborating with schools and communities from all over the UK.

Located in an old paint factory in Hackney, the Off West End Arcola Theatre has a 197-capacity auditorium with original industrial features and an open stage. The Arcola puts on thrilling original works as well as new productions of classic plays, and boasts one of East London’s most extensive arts engagement programmes.

The Adelphi Theatre is a Grade II listed venue with an Art Deco interior and a capacity of 1,500 seats. A well-known West End theatre, it focuses on musicals and comedy productions and has featured famous productions such as Chicago, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Back to the Future: The Musical.

An opulent theatre in the West End, Her Majesty's Theatre is particularly well-suited for musical productions due to the width of its stage. Consequently, shows such as Chu Chin Chow and The Phantom of the Opera have set record runs here – the latter has played for more than three decades here.

The Harold Pinter Theatre dates back to the 19th century, when it became known for its comedy production. Its repertoire today encompasses a wide range of productions, from musical comedies to dramas and experimental theatre. In the grand main auditorium, you can have food and drinks delivered to your seat.

This Edwardian-era landmark in the West End has featured Agatha Christie’s famed murder mystery The Mousetrap continuously since 1974, setting a world record in the process, and shows no signs of stopping.

The Savoy Theatre, launched in 1881, can seat an audience of 1,158 and was built for showcasing operas. In later years, it hosted premieres of works by acclaimed authors such as Oscar Wilde and Noël Coward. The venue is now known for its hit musical productions such as Dreamgirls, 9 to 5: The Musical and Pretty Woman.

The Prince of Wales Theatre was restored and refurbished at the beginning of the millennium, though its history stretches back 140 years. This West End staple is renowned for hosting successful hit musicals such as Aspects of Love, Mamma Mia! and The Book of Mormon.

Part of the redevelopment around Tottenham Court Road, @sohoplace is the West End’s first newly built theatre in 50 years. It’s a state-of-the-art venue with a flexible, curved auditorium that can be transformed into various configurations and has a seated a capacity of approximately 600 people across the stalls and balconies. The ground floor of @sohoplace also includes a public restaurant and bar.

Located in North Finchley, Artsdepot is a renowned hub for theatre and the arts. Opened in 2004, this award-winning theatre has firm roots in the community. There's lots happening here including a broad range of performances, exhibitions, and community group meetings. Plenty of family-friendly activities are on and there's also a café and bar.

Bloomsbury Theatre & Studio opened in 1968 and is part of University College London. A wide array of performances take place here covering theatre, comedy, dance, music, and discussions. Acts such as Stomp, Gregory Porter, and Jo Brand have performed here. The theatre also puts on some relaxed performances for audience members with additional needs.

In suburban North London there's Chickenshed, an inclusive local theatre. This purpose-built space is in a leafy green area and puts on productions aimed at adults and children, in addition to workshops and outreach initiatives. As well as theatre shows, there are music performances, film screenings, and a community choir that meets regularly. 

Islington's Almeida Theatre has a tiny capacity of 325 but is still a big name on the theatre scene. This place is renowned for championing up-and-coming British creatives. The theatre is housed in a 19th century building that was refurbished in 2003. With an unusual curved back wall, it lends a sense of intimacy to performances.

Located in Highgate, Jacksons Lane is an inclusive community theatre. This vibrant cultural centre specialises in contemporary circus performances but stages shows covering various genres. The theatre also runs a bustling programme of events and activities including fitness classes, acting classes, and its own community theatre company.

West London is home to Bush Theatre, a theatre that specialises in new productions from up-and-coming playwrights. This world-renowned venue stages shows from diverse voices and also runs community activities like its own inclusive theatre company. There's also a bar and terrace here for refreshments before or after a show.

The London Palladium is a famous theatre and live music venue in the heart of the West End. With a capacity of over 2,000 seats, the venue has hosted acts as diverse as Julian Clary and Ella Fitzgerald. The space stages a varied programme of comedy, theatre, and music acts, including a traditional pantomime at Christmas.

Located just behind Finsbury Park station, Park Theatre specialises in original dramas, musicals, and experimental theatre productions. This modern venue also runs a number of theatre courses aimed at different groups, including young people and people living with dementia. There's a bar and restaurant serving pizza on-site too.

In West London you'll find Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, a non-profit performing arts venue that produces original contemporary shows. The programme here is diverse, including projects and shows aimed at kids. The theatre also has a café and bar, plus it runs a variety of clubs and classes that encourage creativity.