10 best theatres in London in 2024

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the Royal Ballet and Opera is a major performing arts venue, attracting culture enthusiasts. It is home to the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the Orchestra. Enjoy a wide range of world-class shows, from timeless masterpieces like Carmen, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, to modern twists on the classics. Or embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of this historic gem, exploring the opulence of the auditorium to uncover the secrets of this grand theatre.

Step back in time at the Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare's plays were first performed. The Globe stages shows between April and October, with cheap theatre standing tickets from just £5. The programme features classics like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, as well as new productions. Theatre enthusiasts can take a tour of the Shakespeare Globe and explore 400 years of fascinating history. The Bankside site also includes the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, an intimate candlelit theatre based on the indoor playhouses of Jacobean London.

An extremely influential London theatre, the Young Vic has an international reputation for staging some of the most diverse and innovative theatre plays. Intended as a playground to create a new kind of experimental theatre, the Young Vic hosts experimental works alongside groundbreaking shows. Here, you can find global stars working alongside emerging artists to create vibrant pieces that often attract a younger audience and push the boundaries of traditional theatre.

Sadler's Wells theatre in Islington is one of the world's leading dance venues, captivating audiences with a kaleidoscope of mesmerising performances and bringing renowned international and British dance shows to London. This London theatre explores and stages dance in all its forms, with many international dance companies making it a hub for showcasing their exciting programmes. Enjoy all forms of dance, including contemporary, circus, ballet, Bollywood, tap, tango, flamenco and much more. Sadler's Wells offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences to explore and enjoy.

Standing alongside the Thames on the London's South Bank, the National Theatre houses three auditoriums: the Olivier Theatre, Lyttleton Theatre and Dorfman Theatre. Experience a variety of exceptional performances from timeless Shakespeare classics and international classic drama, to cutting-edge new plays and captivating musicals. Known as the epicentre of the London theatre scene, many of the city's must-see productions are staged at the National Theatre. The theatre also offers visitors captivating behind-the-scenes tours, giving you a glimpse into the magic of theatre production.

The brutalist 1980s Barbican Centre is a leading art and conference centre located in the heart of the City of London, pushing artistic boundaries by showcasing art in all its forms. The Barbican has a multitude of activities under its roof with a concert hall, two theatres, three cinemas, two art galleries, a library, restaurants, shops and a conservatory. The venue is home to the London Symphony Orchestra, is the London base of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and presents an exciting international programme of shows, talks and festivals.

The home of the English National Opera, the London Coliseum is a lavish theatre and one of the largest in the West End with a grand total of 2,359 seats. This landmark theatre in London has hosted timeless classics such as My Fair Lady, the hilarious Hairspray and electrifying performances like We Will Rock You. The resident company of the London Coliseum, the English National Ballet, continues to enchant audiences with its mesmerising performances including The Nutcracker, a magical Christmas tradition. 

Soak up the magical atmosphere of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Every summer, the award-winning open-air theatre offers a captivating programme of Shakespearean classics, exhilarating comedy, compelling drama, and delightful family-friendly theatre shows performed between the lush trees of Regent's Park. This theatre has a reputation for staging some of the best musicals in London, ensuring every visit is a truly memorable theatrical experience.

The Old Vic is an iconic theatre in Waterloo boasting 200 years of creative storytelling and captivating generations of London theatregoers. Originally a music hall and home to vaudeville acts, it later become the first home of the National Theatre. The venue has welcomed many of the world’s best theatre performers from Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and John Gielgud, to Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Peter O’Toole, not to forget Michael Gambon.

The Unicorn Theatre in London Bridge is the UK's leading theatre dedicated to producing inspiring shows for young audiences. Let little ones enjoy an exciting programme of high-quality theatre shows in London, aimed at introducing children and young people to the magic of theatre. The theatre's innovative programming includes adaptations of classic stories, original works, and collaborations with emerging and established artists.