“London theatre is different: it is a commercial theatre that brings the whole of society into one place. And Shakespeare grasped, better than anyone else, what it means to engage the entire audience.” Neil MacGregor
London is the apt place if you are a theatre lover. From popular musicals to West End shows and excellent plays, London offers a theatrical treat. Check out some of the most popular theatre halls in London. Here you go!
Almeida Theatre
Address: Almeida St, London N1 1TA, United Kingdom
A West End theatre, the Aldwych Theatre is situated in Aldwych in the City of Westminster. With a seating capacity of 1200 people, Almeida is a large auditorium. From 1925 to 1933, Almeida Theatre housed farces by Ben Travers which have come to known as ‘The Aldwych Farces’. Titles like Rookery Nook, A Cuckoo in the Nest, Thark, Plunder and A Cup of Kindness are included. Ralph Lynn, Roberston Hare and Winifred Shotter were the members of the company.
In the year 1960, Aldwych was taken over by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Victoria Palace Theatre
Address: Victoria St, London SW1E 5EA, United Kingdom
A West End Theatre in Victoria Street, Victoria Palace Theatre is located in the City of Westminster and has 1500 people of capacity.
Some of the notable productions are The Chelsea Follies, Young England, Me and My Girl, Variety, The Crazy Gang, Cilla at the Palace, Windy City, The Little Foxes, High Society and Jolson and Billy Elliot the Musical at present.
The closest tube to Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria.
Royal Opera House
Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, United Kingdom
Nestled on the northeastern flank of Covent Garden piazza lies the gorgeous Royal Opera House! Classically designed, the theatre hosts plays, musicals and comedies. Also called as the Theatre Royal, the Royal Opera House has also served as a playhouse for years in the beginning.
The main auditorium is a Grade I listed building.
The Old Vie
Address: The Cut, London SE1 8NB, United Kingdom
Situated south-east of Waterloo Station in London, Old Vic lies on the corner of Waterloo Road and The Cut. The theatre was established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre. In 1880, it was taken over by Emma Cons. It was then Old Vic was called as the Royal Victoria Hall.
Kevin Spacey, the American actor took the charge in 2003 and revived it totally. He was succeeded by Matthew Warchus (Matilda the musical and the film Pride fame) in 2015.
The theatre has a capacity of approximately 1100 people.
Prince of Wales Theatre
Address: Coventry St, London W1D 6AS, United Kingdom
The Prince of Wales Theatre is located in West End theatre in Coventry Street close to Leicester Square. Prince of Wales Theatre was built many times. It was established in the year 1884, rebuilt in 1937 and then comprehensively renovated in 2004. The present owner, Sir Cameron Mackintosh got the place renovated in 2004.
Some others that we didn’t include here are Gielgud Theatre, London Palladium, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Wilton’s Music Hall and Electric Cinema.
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