The famous West End is known around the world for hosting some of the best performances in the world of theatre. Millions of theatre fans travel to the iconic district every year to watch a show at one of the famous venues.
If you’re looking for hotels near West End, our Piccadilly Hotel London is situated right around the corner from the best theatres in the city. Whether you’re a fan of drama or you prefer comedy, there is always something for everyone on London’s stages. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together an in-depth guide to some of the best West End theatres.
Royal National Theatre
South Bank, London
Along with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House, this iconic theatre house is a publicly-funded venue that has become a pillar of the performing arts community in London.
Opened in 1976, the theatre is relatively new compared to its West End counterparts but it has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for theatre-goers. The design and layout of the Royal National Theatre, which sits alongside the River Thames, were based on the Old Vic Theatre. Staging some of the best performers and productions from around the world, this is a must-see for theatre fans heading to the Piccadilly Hotel London.
London Palladium
Argyll Street, London
Anyone familiar with the West End will most likely have heard of this iconic venue. Opened in 1910, the London Palladium is one of the city’s oldest performing arts venues and has become a hotspot for theatre and performance art.
The building was originally named Corinthian Bazaar and was a wooden structure that contained an aviary. Throughout the years, the Palladium has changed owners and served many purposes. It was once owned by the son of a famous tightrope walker and was used as a circus venue. Eventually, the theatre opened its doors to travelling productions and began to secure its place in the theatrical history books of London.
Lyceum Theatre
Wellington Street, London
If you’re looking to discover a real sense of culture during your travels through London, there’s no better place to make a pit stop than the iconic Lyceum Theatre. With a history that dates back to 1765, this performing arts venue is one of the city’s oldest and still remains one of the most renowned. Serving many purposes as a circus arena and even a waxwork, the Lyceum eventually became a place for theatrical arts, hosting some of the most iconic performances in London’s history. Not only is this one of the city’s oldest theatres, it is also one of the largest with a capacity of 2100.
Queen’s Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Opened in 1907, the Queen’s Theatre is a popular venue for theatre fans. Instantly recognised thanks to its iconic corner display, the venue regularly hosts sell-out shows from award-winning production companies. During the Second World War, much of the building was damaged and it was left unusable. Fortunately, it has since been rebuilt and now plays host to suhc iconic titles as Les Miserable from the seats of the main hall.
