All West End & London Theatre Venues

Ambassadors Theatre

Now Playing: Rose
Upcoming: Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial

Bought by the Ambassador Theatre Group in 1913, the Ambassador’s theatre is one of the smaller theatres of the West end with a seating of 444 people. One of the most famous productions of Ambassador’s Theatre was Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap which ran here from 1952 to 1974. 

Opening Date: 5 June 1913

Seating Capacity: 444

Address: West St, London WC2H 9ND

Apollo Victoria Theatre

Now Playing: Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre was opened in 1930 as a cinema and variety theatre but it soon made a name for itself by showcasing some of the best musical theatres. This was the venue where Sound Of Music started being showcased, and now it is a popular site for the musical, Wicked.

Opening Date: 15 October 1930

Seating Capacity: 2,328

Address: 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1LG

Arts Theatre

Now Playing: The Choir of Man, Austentatious

The Arts Theatre was opened as a performance space for unlicensed play. This venue was opened for shows that were thought to be commercially not viable. The seating area is quite close to where the action is happening so the audience will have an unobstructed view. 

Opening Date: 1927

Seating Capacity: 350

Address: 6-7 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JB

Cambridge Theatre

Now Playing: Matilda the Musical

Cambridge Theatre is one of the five theatres to open in London in 1930. It has one of the best interiors among the West End theatres. The seating consists of three levels- Stalls, Royal Circle, and Grand Circle.

Opening Date: 4 September 1930

Seating Capacity: 1,231

Address: Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU

Criterion Theatre

Now Playing: Bleak Expectations

The criterion theatre was originally built to be a concert hall and it is the only West End Theatre that is built completely underground. The theatre has undergone a lot of change from when it was made owing to several renovations. The auditorium has three seating levels – Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.

Opening Date: 21 March 1874

Seating Capacity: 588

Address: 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1V 9LB

Charing Cross Theatre

Now Playing: Glory Ride

Upcoming: Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick, Rebbeca

There has always been a theatre under the Charing Cross station's arches, but this theatre was constructed only in 2011. This theatre has undergone three name changes and is now called Charring Cross because of its cosy productions.

Opening Date: 1936

Seating Capacity: 265

Address: The Arches, Villiers St, London WC2N 6NL

Dominion Theatre

Upcoming: Grease, Elf!

The Dominion Theatre opened just before the Wall Street Crash resulting in the first couple of productions not doing well. So in the 1950s, the Dominion was turned into a cinema theatre and it was not till the 1980s that the theatre returned to being a live performance house again.

Opening Date: October 1929

Seating Capacity: 2,069

Address: 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ

Duchess Theatre

Now Playing: The Play That Goes Wrong

One of the smallest proscenium-based theatres in the West End, The Duchess Theatre had a rocky beginning but later garnered a name with long-standing productions like Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit and the musical Oh! Calcutta! in 1974. It is currently home to an Award-winning Mischief Theatre comedy- The Play That Goes Wrong.

Opening Date: 25 November 1929

Seating Capacity: 479

Address: 3-5 Catherine St, London WC2B 5LA

Duke of Yorks Theatre

Now Playing: Shirley Valentine

The Duke Of Yorks Theatre opened with the name “The Trafalgar Square Theatre”. It underwent a name change 3 years later in honour of King George V. The Ambassador Theatre Group bought the theatre in 1992 and since then it has become the London headquarters for the Theatre group.

Opening Date: 10 September 1892

Seating Capacity: 640

Address: St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4BG

Eventim Apollo

Upcoming: Penn & Teller

Eventim Apollo was formerly known as Hammersmith Apollo, This West End venue is one of the biggest Live entertainment destinations in London. Home to comedians, cabarets, and musicals, the stage adaptation of the Sister Act, a hit blockbuster is currently the most popular at Eventim Apollo. 

Opening Date: 28 March 1932

Seating Capacity: 3,000

Address: 45 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9Q

Fortune Theatre

The Fortune Theatre was the first theatre built in London after World War I, during the 1920s. One of the most notable shows that have played in this Theatre is The Woman in Black which debuted in June 1989 and is still an ongoing production. This is the second longest-running play in the West End.

Opening Date: 8 November 1924

Seating Capacity: 432

Address: Russell St, London WC2B 5HH

Garrick Theatre

Now Playing: Bonnie & Clyde
Upcoming: Great Expectations, The Crown Jewels, Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors

Named after the actor David Garrick, the Garrick Theatre is a medium-sized theatre with three levels of seating. The Theatre has been running a plethora of musicals in recent times like 'A Little Night Music and The WInter’s Tale' by Kenneth Branagh. 

Opening Date: 24 April 1889

Seating Capacity: 732

Address: 2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH

Gielgud Theatre

Now Playing: To Kill A Mockingbird
Upcoming: The Crucible

The Gielgud Theatre was built in pair with the Queen’s Theatre though it was the first to open its doors to the audience. The theatre sports impressive gold leaf work and a beautiful circular staircase in the foyer that leads to the oval gallery. The West End premiere of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' will open in Gielgud Theatre in 2022. 

Opening Date: 27 December 1906

Seating Capacity: 986

Address: Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6AR

Gillian Lynne Theatre

Now Playing: The Lehman Trilogy
Upcoming: Crazy For You

The Gillian Lynne Theatre was named the New London Theatre before renaming it after the legendary West End choreographer. This theatre has run a few favourite musical names like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'Cats' and it will be home to the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Cinderella'.

Opening Date: 2 January 1973

Seating Capacity: 1,024

Address: 166 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PW

Harold Pinter Theatre

Now Playing: A Little Life

Known famously as The Comedy Theatre, this Theatre was where the New Watergate Club was formed which played a huge part in overturning the stage censorship enforced by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. 

Opening Date: 15 October 1881

Seating Capacity: 796

Address: Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN

London Coliseum

Now Playing: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
Upcoming: We Will Rock You, The Mongol Khan

The London Coliseum opened as one of the largest West End theatres in London, with over 2,300 seats. When the Theatre opened initially it was used in a variety of shoes, even chariot races but in recent times this theatre has housed operas as well as musicals.

Opening Date: 1904

Seating Capacity: 2,359

Address: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES

London County Hall

Now Playing: Witness For The Prosecution

The London County Hall was inaugurated by King George V and Queen Mary on 17 July 1922. In the initial days, the London County Hall served as the headquarters of the local government for London but it is now home to the production Witness for the Prosecution which is staged in a real-life courtroom.

Opening Date: 1922

Seating Capacity: 210

Address: Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB

London Palladium

Upcoming: Dawn French Is A Huge Twat, The Wizard of Oz

The London Palladium is one of the most iconic theatres in London and has seen the Andrew Lloyd Webber-produced musical revivals of 'The Sound of Music' in 2006 and 'The Wizard of Oz' in 2010. 

Opening Date: 26 December 1910

Seating Capacity: 2,286

Address: 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

Lyceum Theatre

Now Playing: The Lion King

With a rich history that stems back to the 1800s, The Lyceum Theatre opened as the Theatre Royal Lyceum which focused on showcasing English operas. In recent times, the current production 'The Lion King' has made a lasting mark and has been running for over two decades.

Opening Date: 14 July 1834

Seating Capacity: 2,100

Address: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7R

Lyric Theatre

Upcoming: Aspects of Love

The Lyric Theatre is the oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Home to various types of theatre, including opera and comedy, in recent times it has been running mainly plays and musicals.  With massive success with the arrival of 'Thriller Live' which played for a decade, 'Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical' will soon take its place at the Lyric Theatre in 2021. 

Opening Date: 17 December 1888

Seating Capacity: 967

Address: 29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES

Noël Coward Theatre

Now Playing: The Great British Bake Off Musical
Upcoming: Patriots

The Theatre underwent two name changes before being named in memory of the famous playwright Noel Coward who left a resounding mark in the 1920s theatre culture. This theatre was the host of the premiere of Lionel Bart’s world-famous musical 'Oliver'! 

Opening Date: 12 March 1903

Seating Capacity: 872

Address: 85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP

Novello Theatre

Now Playing: Mamma Mia!

The Novello Theatre built as a pair with the Aldwych Theatre has played host to several successful productions. This theatre is had a resounding success with comedies like the black comedy 'Arsenic and Old Lace', which enjoyed a run of 1337 performances.

Opening Date: 22 May 1905

Seating Capacity: 1,105

Address: Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD

Old Vic Theatre

Upcoming: Groundhog Day, Pygmalion

Originally named the Royal Coburg Theatre, The Old Vic has been home to many successful musicals and comedies and has nurtured many starting plays into full house hits. 

Opening Date: 1818

Seating Capacity: 1,067

Address: The Cut, London SE1 8NB

Palace Theatre

Now Playing: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Palace Theatre bought by the Nimax Theatres saw the world premiere production of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' and plays host to a host of different performances ranging from stand-up to musicals. 

Opening Date: 1891

Seating Capacity: 1,400

Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY

Peacock Theatre

Now Playing: Bat Out Of Hell Singalong, The Rocky Horror Show, Everybody's Talking About Jamie

The Peacock Theatre was opened to play London plays but it was then repurposed as a cinema hall and as a television studio from 1980 to 1986 where they shot 'This Is Your Life.

Opening Date: 13 November 1911

Seating Capacity: 999

Address: Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT

Phoenix Theatre

Now Playing: A Streetcar Named Desire

Upcoming: Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image the Musical 

The Phoenix Theatre currently owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group retains much of its original design of intricate gold engravings, decorated ceilings, plush red seats, and sculpted wooden doors. It is also home to the West End premiere of 'Come From Away', which won five Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. 

Opening Date: 24 September 1930

Seating Capacity: 1,012

Address: Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JP

Piccadilly Theatre

Now Playing: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Piccadilly Theatre has a façade of a simple building but it has majestic interiors with rich shades of pink, golds and green.

Opening Date: 27 April 1928

Seating Capacity: 1,232

Address: 16 Denman St, London W1D 7DY

Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre formerly known as the Royal Avenue Theatre has played host to both flops as well as big hits and has had eminent celebrities in its productions like Emilia Clarke and Lindsay Lohan.

Opening Date: 11 March 1882

Seating Capacity: 786

Address: Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE

Prince Edward Theatre

Upcoming: Ain't Too Proud

Prince Edward Theatre is known to be a house for musicals and was refurbished to have greater acoustics and the size of stage. One of the biggest successes of this hall has been 'Mamma Mia' which premiered here in 1999 and is still running today. 

Opening Date: 3 April 1930

Seating Capacity: 1,716

Address: Old Compton St, London W1D 4HS

Prince of Wales Theatre

Now Playing: The Book of Mormon

The Prince of Wales Theatre has played host to the premiere of 'The Great Dictator', Charlie Chaplin’s film that was banned across most of Europe. It has since then been refurbished to fit 1,100 seats and the stage has also been made larger to accommodate bigger productions. 

Opening Date: 1884

Seating Capacity: 1,160

Address: Coventry St, London W1D 6AS

Royal Court Theatre

With two spaces The Theatre Downstairs or the Main House and the Theatre Upstairs, The Royal Court Theatre was also used as a cinema from 1935 to 1940. It was reopened as a theatre and underwent a refurbishing with the interiors being completely rebuilt, except for the façade and the auditorium.

Opening Date: 1870

Seating Capacity: 465

Address: Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS

Savoy Theatre

Now Playing: Pretty Woman: The Musical

Upcoming: A Little Life

The Savoy Theatre has undergone a lot of revamping since its opening in 1929  but after a fire that burnt the fine interiors of this majestic theatre, it was restored back to the original 1929 designs. 

Opening Date: 10 October 1881

Seating Capacity: 1,158

Address: Savoy Ct, London WC2R 0ET

Shaftesbury Theatre

Upcoming: Mrs. Doubtfire

The Shaftesbury Theatre has since seen a long line of phenomenal musical productions performed on its stage, the first being 'West Side Story'. This season is featuring the West End premiere of '& Juliet'. 

Opening Date: 26 December 1911

Seating Capacity: 1,400

Address: 210 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8DP

Sondheim Theatre

Now Playing: Les Misérables

The Sondheim Theatre suffered major damage in World War II and it took twenty years to repair the damage caused. The theatre has seen performances from several celebrities like Fred Astaire and, recently, Nick Jonas in the long-running musical 'Les Misérables'.

Opening Date: 8 October 1907

Seating Capacity: 1,074

Address: 51 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6BA

St Martins Theatre

Now Playing: The Mousetrap

The St Martins Theatre has produced several hit plays throughout its time and is now the current tenant of 'The Mousetrap', which came from the next-door Ambassador Theatre to the larger St Martin’s to continue its legendary run.

Opening Date: 23 November 1916

Seating Capacity: 550

Address: West St, London WC2H 9NZ

Theatre Royal Haymarket

The Theatre Royal Haymarket is an ornate, grand building near West End which has been a pioneer theatre too for having the first-ever matinee performance in West End. Now it is a common practice across the capital.
Opening Date: 4 July 1821

Seating Capacity: 893

Address: 18 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HT

Trafalgar Theatre

Now Playing: Jersey Boys

The Trafalgar Theatre is a brand new West End theatre that opened in the summer of 2021. This  Grade II playhouse features a new single auditorium and two seating levels: the stalls and dress circle. 
Opening Date: 29 September 1930

Seating Capacity: 380

Address: 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

Vaudeville Theatre

Now Playing: Six

The Vaudeville Theatre is located close to the Adelphi Theatre and the Savoy Theatre and is currently home to a British comedy troupe called Mischief Theatre who have premiered new works including 'Magic Goes Wrong, Groan Ups' and brought the return of 'Mischief Movie Night'.

Opening Date: 16 April 1870

Seating Capacity: 690

Address: 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH

Wyndham's Theatre

Now Playing: Oklahoma!

The Wyndham’s Theatre was the dream project of Charles Wyndham who also managed the Criterion Theatre. The theatre has seen many notable celebrities on the stage like Helen McCrory, Ruby Wax, and even Madonna.

Opening Date: 16 November 1899

Seating Capacity: 759

Address: Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA

Almeida Theatre

Opened in 1980, the Almeida Theatre, hosting many successful plays, gets its name from the street on which it is located - Upper Street.

Opening Date: 1833

Seating Capacity: 325

Address: Almeida St, London N1 1TA

Arcola Theatre

At Arcola Theatre, you can expect to find a mix of established and emerging artists, with its daring and high-quality productions.

Opening Date: 2000

Seating Capacity: 300

Address: 24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

Barbican Centre

Upcoming: A Strange Loop, My Neighbour Totoro

The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts venue in Europe, hosting a delightful blend of classical and contemporary concerts, productions, film screenings, and more.

Opening Date: 3 March 1982

Seating Capacity: 1162

Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio

Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio, owned by University College London, hosts a variety of music, drama, comedy, and dance shows throughout the year.

Opening Date: 1968

Seating Capacity: 535

Address: 15 Gordon St, London WC1H 0AH

Bush Theatre

Now Playing: August in England

Bush Theatre is a world-famous haven for new plays. The venue aims to nurture and produce the best new playwrights from all backgrounds.

Opening Date: 1972

Seating Capacity: 180

Address: 7 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 8LJ

Cadogen Hall

Home to the music ensemble - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cadogen Hall is a gorgeous rustic concert hall used for many purposes, located on Sloane Terrace.

Opening Date: 1907

Seating Capacity: 953

Address: 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

Donmar Warehouse

Opened in 1977, Donmar Warehouse is a non-profit theatre with a diverse artistic policy including new writing and contemporary retellings of European classics.

Opening Date: 18 July 1977

Seating Capacity: 251

Address: 41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX

Drury Lane, Theatre Royal

Now Playing: Frozen The Musical

The Theatre Royal, commonly known as Drury Lane, is one of the oldest theatre sites in London dating back to 1663, and still in use today.

Opening Date: 10 October 1812

Seating Capacity: 2,196

Address: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF

Greenwich Theatre

One of London’s oldest Off-West End theatres showcasing drama, musicals, pantomimes, family shows, and new emerging works, throughout the year.

Opening Date: 1969

Seating Capacity: 421

Address: Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES

Hackney Empire

Built in 1901 as a music Hall, Hackney Empire was recently renovated into an elegant theatre and performance venue, showcasing art in all forms.

Opening Date: 1901

Seating Capacity: 1,275

Address: 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ

Hampstead Theatre

Upcoming: Biscuits for Breakfast, Blackout Songs

Specializing in producing new writing, Hampstead Theatre has become one of London’s most vibrant theatres, producing plays that have traveled across the country and beyond.

Opening Date: 2003

Seating Capacity: 405

Address: Eton Ave, London NW3 3EU

Kiln Theatre

Now Playing: Retrograde
Upcoming: Es and Flo, Modest

Winner of the ‘Best London Theatre’ at the Stage Awards in 2021, Kiln Theatre first opened in 1980, showcasing a diverse range of plays.

Opening Date: 1980

Seating Capacity: 292

Address: 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR

Menier Theatre

Now Playing: Marjorie Prime

Menier Chocolate Factory is a dynamic Off-West End theatre, hosting a variety of shows including plays, musicals, live music, and stand-up comedy.

Opening Date: 2004

Seating Capacity: 150

Address: 53 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU

National Theatre

Royal National Theatre (NT) is one of the UK's three public-funded theatre venues alongside Royal Opera House and Royal Shakespeare Company showcasing many great productions.

Opening Date: 1962

Seating Capacity: 1127

Address: Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX

The Other Palace

Now Playing: Heathers The Musical

Initially known as St. James Theatre, the venue opened in 2012 with a production of Bully Boy, now acquired by the Really Useful Theatres Group.

Opening Date: 18 September 2012

Seating Capacity: 432

Address: 12 Palace St, London SW1E 5JA

Park Theatre

Now Playing: Animals
Upcoming: The Shape of Things

Following a long search for a venue, The Park Theatre was finally established in 2010 and opened in 2013, housing an array of shows.

Opening Date: 2013

Seating Capacity: OAT: 200 Studio: 90

Address: Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

Polka Theatre

Polka Theatre is the UK’s leading theatre for children between 0 to 12 years, producing inspirational theatre and nurturing young talent.

Opening Date: 20 November 1979

Seating Capacity: 300

Address: 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB

Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Regents Park Open Air Theatre is an important landmark in London and an award-winning theatre providing an outdoor theatre experience like no other.

Opening Date: 1932

Seating Capacity: 1,200

Address: The Regent's Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU

Rose Theatre Kingston

Now Playing: Richard III
Upcoming: Wuthering Heights, Peter Pan

The Rose Theatre Kingston officially opened in 2008, with a production of Uncle Vanya. The theatre is based on the layout of the Elizabethan Rose Theatre in London.

Opening Date: 2008

Seating Capacity: 822

Address: 24-26 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL

The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is a performing arts venue, formerly a railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, where artists and emerging talent create inspiring productions.

Opening Date: 1847

Seating Capacity: 1,700

Address: Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH

Royal Court Jerwood Theatre

Often known as Court Theatre, Royal Court is a non-profit venue known to be the writers’ hub, giving new talent a space to excel.

Opening Date: 1870

Seating Capacity: 465

Address: Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS

Royal Festival Hall

Royal Festival Hall is one of the world’s leading performance venues, dating back to 1951, where viewers can catch world-famous and emerging artists.

Opening Date: 1951

Seating Capacity: 2,700

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is a legendary performance space and cultural venue where you can find the best opera and ballet productions.

Opening Date: 7 December 1732

Seating Capacity: 2,256

Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD

Soho Theatre

Enjoy the best of emerging theatre productions, stand-up comedy, and cabaret at one of the most vibrant corners of London at Soho Theatre.

Opening Date: 2000

Seating Capacity: 140

Address: 21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE

Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is a complex of three main performance venues, showcasing over 2,000 performances of drama, music, and dance every year.

Opening Date: 1 May 1951

Seating Capacity: 2,500

Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Dating back to 1884, Theatre Royal Stratford East is an award-winning theatre space home to the famous company associated with Joan Littlewood, Theatre Workshop.

Opening Date: 17 December 1884

Seating Capacity: 460

Address: Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Now Playing: Newsies

Located in the heart of Webley Park is an exciting performance space - Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, offering an array of plays, musicals, and more.

Opening Date: 2019

Seating Capacity: 2000

Address: 3 Fulton Rd, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0SP

Troubadour White City Theatre

White City Theatre, the former BBC Media Village is a West End Theatre consisting of two flexible spaces used for multiple shows and performances.

Opening Date: 2019

Seating Capacity: 1000

Address: 201 Wood Ln, London W12 7TU

Unicorn Theatre

Unicorn Theatre is a unique performance space dedicated to audiences aged 2 to 21, where young talent showcases inspiring and invigorating work.

Opening Date: 2005

Seating Capacity: 290

Address: 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ

The Vaults Theatre

The Vaults Theatre is a modern performance space for immersive theatre and alternative arts, set to provide entertainment to people from different walks of life.

Opening Date: 2014

Seating Capacity: 200

Address: Eye landmark, Leake Street via, York Rd, London SE1 7NN

Victoria Palace Theatre

Victoria Palace Theatre is a renowned West End theatre, home of the multiple award-winning musical since 2017- Hamilton: An American Musical.

Opening Date: 6 November 1911

Seating Capacity: 1,550

Address: 79 Victoria St, London SW1E 5EA

Young Vic Theatre

Young Vic Theatre is the younger sister of Old Vic Theatre, dedicated to nurturing young and emerging talent in the field of theatre.

Opening Date: 1970

Seating Capacity: 550

Address: 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ