Whether you’re watching Hairspray in a London theatre or enjoying The Mousetrap in the West End, there’s something truly magical about a night spent at the theatre. With numerous venues and shows announcing reopening, we’re dreaming of all the theatres we can’t wait to visit again including these six London theatres:
When talking about classic London theatres, the Adelphi will always have its name in the hat. The arty venue is situated on The Strand, just a few metres up from bustling Charing Cross and boasts a proud and long tradition. The theatre’s history could even challenge the plot of Hamlet, with the actor William Terriss mysteriously stabbed to death in 1897 leading to speculation that his ghost roams the halls to this day. Back to the Future: The Musical is set to make its way onto the hallowed stage in May 2021 – so make sure to pick up tickets!
(Photo By Philafrenzy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,Wikimedia)
Looking for a fresher face? Built in 1930 for Bertie Meyer, the Cambridge Theatre is one of the younger theatres in the West End. With its beautiful pillars and gorgeous statue figures in the circular entrance foyer, the striking interior design of the Cambridge Theatre is something to behold. The venue is currently home to Matilda the Musical – a Dahl delight that is perfectly suited to Cambridge Theatre’s stage.
Named to honour King George V, the Duke of York’s Theatre was opened all the way back in 1892 and has hosted the crème de la crème of theatre productions ever since. In its 129 year history, the theatre is showing no signs of slowing down – Duke of York’s will be showing the critically acclaimed National Theatre play The Ocean at the End of the Lane, adding another classic to its already sky-high list of stellar productions.
Best known for hosting new productions and classic revivals, the Harold Pinter Theatre’s namesake would be delighted with the direction the venue is heading. The venue has a long and proud history premiering productions from the best playwrights around, including Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge and Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The newest play in this lineage is Good – a brand new production directed by Olivier Award-winning Dominic Cooke and starring David Tennant. You won’t want to miss this one.
(Photo credit: Anne-Marie Forker Photography)
If you’re a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber (and who isn’t?), the London Palladium is the theatre for you. The venue was built in 1910 and survived intact throughout World War II, despite a bomb crashing through the roof and lodging itself unexploded on stage. London Palladium has gone from strength to strength ever since, hosting the Royal Variety Performance each year on top of musicals such as Cats and The Sound of Music. Looking to clear away the cobwebs of lockdown when things are back to normal? Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is returning in July 2021.
Andrew Lincoln in rehearsals for In Camera A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. (Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan)
It’s safe to say that the Old Vic doesn’t like playing by the rules. The legendary venue is the jewel in the crown of London theatre and sticks out with its innovative space that can transform into multiple staging formats. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the Old Vic isn’t afraid to go to the edge of what’s possible on stage. The production Local Hero will return when the old theatre’s doors are opened again and it’s a play you won’t want to miss. After 200 years of creative adventure, it isn’t time to call curtains on the Old Vic’s imagination just yet.
It’s been a tough year for theatre-lovers, but with lockdowns beginning to ease, we’re sure that venues will be back with a bang. Make sure to check out these top six London theatres to fall in love with theatre all over again or have a browse through our running list of London shows to look forward to this year.