The stage is set for a memorable trip to London’s West End.
Cyrano. Harry Potter. The Merchant of Venice. Michael Jackson.
They’re all taking the stages of London’s theater district by storm and you’ll need a ticket to see them. Here’s everything you need to know about the West End of London, including which shows are playing, where you can get tickets, and what to do in London’s West End if you don’t like the theater.
West End in London at night. Image Credit: Getty Images, fotoVoyager
Why is West End London famous?
The West End of London is famous for its theaters and has been since the 1660s. Thespians have entertained A-listers, the average theatergoer, and even the monarchy like King Charles II and Queen Elizabeth II. This world-renowned theater district has more than a stage; shops and restaurants draw a crowd, as do attractions like the London Transport Museum and The National Gallery.
What is considered the West End in London?
The West End in London doesn’t have super strict boundary lines. The “proper” West End is west of the City of London encompassing what’s also called Theatreland, which is bordered by The Strand, Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Kingsway. Some people stretch those boundaries to the west to include “West End” theaters that are in Marylebone, Mayfair, and Fitzrovia.
What's the difference between the East End and West End of London?
The superficial surface difference between the East End and the West End of London is that the West End is wealthier and the East End is working class. London’s East End has historically been an area of less means yet what it lacks in cash it makes up in culture. What once was a sketchy part of Victorian London — Jack the Ripper used to loaf around these parts — is now a multicultural area with hip nightclubs, mom-and-pop restaurants, and indie markets.
Shaftesbury Avenue at dusk in London. Image Credit: Getty Images, shomos uddin
Is the West End in London like Broadway?
Yes, the West End in London is like Broadway in New York City. Both are renowned theater districts; shows that debut in the West End often make their way to the Big Apple’s theater hub, and vice versa. The West End is older than Broadway and tickets are often cheaper in the UK.
What are the most famous theaters in London’s West End?
London’s West End has theaters basking in the limelight for dozens of reasons. Among the most famous is Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which is the oldest West End theater still in operation. The Lyceum Theatre gets its fame and flowers for many reasons, including as the home of The Lion King, as does the Palace Theatre for its run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
What’s the smallest and largest theater in London’s West End?
The Arts Theatre is the smallest theater in London’s West End, housing an intimate audience count of 350. Many theaters are bigger, with some seating well-over 2,000. The two largest theaters in London’s West End are the London Coliseum, which seats 2,359, and the Apollo Victoria Theatre, which fits just shy of 2,300 spectators.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Photograph © Jon Cartwright
What’s playing in London’s West End theaters?
London’s West End stages everything from classic stage plays and modern musicals to comedies, operas, and more. Here’s a glimpse of what’s playing in London’s West End theaters:
- The Book of Mormon at Prince of Wales Theatre
- Disney’s The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre
- Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre
- Macbeth at Polka Theatre
- Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre
- Mrs. Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre
- The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre
- A Raisin in the Sun at Lyric Hammersmith
- Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre
- Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre
Some of the longest running shows in London’s West End are also among the most popular. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has played at St. Martin’s Theatre since 1974. Les Misérables is running strong at Sondheim Theatre, which also has the honor of being the longest-running musical in the West End since it out-endured Cats at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
How to get tickets to London’s West End theaters shows
You can get tickets to London’s West End theater shows through the Official London Theatre website. Purchase tickets in advance there or try to snag cheaper seats through TodayTix. Some theaters, like The National Theatre, offer discounted day-of standby tickets at the box office.
🚆 Trainline Tip: Keep an eye out for “restricted view” seats…which might not be as restricted as they sound. Seatplan is a good site to see what the actual view from the seat is; restricted view tickets are often cheaper so you can snag a great deal if you don’t mind tilting your head a bit.
Is it better to book West End tickets in advance or last minute?
Folks, booking last-minute tickets to a West End show is a gamble. London’s West End shows are popular and it’s better to book in advance to get the seats you want. You can wait until the last minute, but keep in mind that shows may be sold out and the “good” seats may be gone.
Victoria Palace Theatre in London. Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price
How do I travel into London’s West End?
Getting to London’s West End is easy by rail. Charing Cross is the main railway station for the West End, while London Underground stations in the West End include Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Temple, and Charing Cross, which serve the Bakerloo (Brown), Northern (Black), Central (Red), Circle (Yellow), and District Lines (Green).
🚆 Trainline Tip: London’s best luxury hotels like The Ritz and The Savoy are within walking distance of the West End theaters.
Is there a dress code for London West End shows?
No, there is no formal dress code for London West End shows. Keep it casual if that’s what keeps you comfortable. Jeans and a t-shirt? Totally fine. A nice sundress or a polo with slacks? Equally okay. You can get dressed nines if you so desire and fit right in, too.
What else is there to do in London’s West End?
London’s West End is more than the front of house for its theaters. You can spend days in the West End without settling in for a show. Swap a matinée show for afternoon tea at The Ivy or Sanderson. Visit the Butterfly Trail at Outernet, the National Portrait Gallery, or the Somerset House and Courtauld Gallery.
You could also combine a tour of London’s West End theaters with a scavenger hunt of sorts when you visit these filming locations for See How They Run. When you buy tickets to a London West End show, make sure you snag seats for the train. Download the Trainline app to purchase rail tickets through the UK at the lowest prices available.
Apollo Theatre and Lyric Theater in West End, London. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Busà Photography
