London Regional Theatre Guide

No trip to London is complete without a trip to the London Theatres, here you’ll find details on just some of the wide range of venues you can visit, as well as a few facts and tips. 

A history of London’s theatres

The bustling city of London we know and love now was home to its first permanent theatre in 1576 – and was appropriately named – “The Theatre”, built by James Burbage in Shoreditch. Shakespeare’s company of players regularly performed here. 

Since 1576, theatres have continued to be built and as a result, London now hosts around 230 permanent and professional theatres, many of which are in the West End area of the city. As well as the theatres, London is full of major attractions, restaurants and bars making it a must visit.

What are the longest running shows in London Theatre?

Due to London’s rich and extensive history in Theatre, some of the best known shows that are around today have been around for generations. Some of the longest running shows you can see in London Theatres today are: 

The Mousetrap – 1952 to Present

Les Misérables – 1985 to Present

The Phantom of the Opera – 1986 to Present

How do I travel to London’s theatres?

London is incredibly well connected and as a result you can travel to the theatres by Tube, Bus, Car, Bike or even boat. We recommend that you use Transport for London’s journey planner to find the best route. 

For Theatreland, which is London’s main theatre district, the nearest station is Charing Cross. For theatres around Covent Garden, Covent Garden tube is your closest. Always remember your Oyster card and you’ll be away!

How do I buy London Theatre tickets?

The best way to buy tickets at any London Theatre is online, and you can find all the best shows on at the moment on our regional pages.