How do I reach the Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

The theatre is in the heart of Covent Garden and can be reached by bus, train, tube, cycle, ferry or on foot.

What are the different types of shows and productions that are staged at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Theatre Royal Drury Lane has staged several productions including musicals, ballet, plays, and operas. A few notable ones include Disney’s Frozen the Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Shrek the Musical, among others.

Is there wheelchair access to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Yes, the Theatre has been designed to be extremely friendly and accessible to the differently abled. Three of the four floors, and all washrooms are wheelchair accessible.

How do I book my tickets for a show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

You can book your tickets to shows playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane online at <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="dJx9FwoC" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="683430b261379cead4a0568c" text="London Theatre Tickets" uid="www.london-theater-tickets.com" lang="en" />. You will get the best deals and discounts and all the information you need at your fingertips.

How much are the tickets to the shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

The price of the tickets depends on the show that you choose to watch and the timing of the same at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Are there dining options around the theatre?

Yes. There are quite a few dining options available near Theatre Royal Drury Lane such as Violas, Balthazar and more.

What are some of the attractions to see near Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

There are quite a few attractions near Theatre Royal Drury Lane that you can explore before you go for a show. Some of these include the Royal Opera House, The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition, and Drury Lane Gardens.

What are the types of seating offered at the theatre?

There are four seating sections available - Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony. Stalls offer the best views of the stage while the elevated sections offer top-down views of the stage, as well as panoramic views of the auditorium.

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Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF, UK

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a short stroll from Covent Garden tube station on the Piccadilly Line, with entrances facing Catherine Street. Leicester Square, Soho and the River Thames are all within a short walk from the theatre.

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane has a seating capacity of 1993.
Section wise seating capacities are: 737 stall seats, 477 Royal Circle seats, 408 Grand Circle seats and 371 Balcony seats.
The theatre also has two royal boxes - the King’s side and the Prince’s side.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Seating Plan >

The first version of the theatre was built in 1663 by Thomas Killigrew, but was destroyed nine years later in a fire. The second theatre that was built in its place was in 1674 and had a longer life span, over 117 years. Due to the age of the building, it was demolished and rebuilt by Sheridan in 1794.

However, history repeated itself when the theatre again burned down 15 years later. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane we see today was built by Benjamin Wyatt in 1812, and is still going strong, with the support of some major refurbishments through the years. During WW2, the theatre was also hit by a gas bomb that caused some damage, but luckily didn’t explode. However, the theatre remained closed and re-opened post-war in 1946. Currently, Drury Lane is owned and operated by Andrew Lloyd Webber's LW Theatres.

In 1992, a major renovation of the theatre was undertaken, after which the auditorium was divided into the four levels we see today – Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.
In 2019, the theatre remained closed for months due to an extensive renovation sanctioned by the Westminster Council, resulting in better auditorium access, washroom facilities, and installation of differently abled access.
One of the key missions of the renovation was also to reinstate the foyers and cantilevered staircases designed by the building's original architect.
After the renovation, the entrance to the theatre is directly from the street rather than from the basement.
One notable structure that remained untouched through the renovations was the big bell that was likely installed as a prop from a performance of Gone With The Wind. The tradition continues of ringing the bell after every final performance at the theatre.

The early 90s saw shows such as Glamorous Night, Careless Rapture, Crest of the Wave and The Dancing Years. Some of the productions staged during WW2 times were the notable Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, 42nd Street and Miss Saigon, which was the theatre's longest-running show. Camelot, Hello, Dolly! And Scarlett were huge hits in the mid-90s. Some of the controversial plays performed at the theatre were The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Pirates of Penzance and 42nd Street in the late 90s. The notable plays of the 21st century include The Lord of the Rings, Disney’s Frozen the Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Shrek the Musical.

Know Before You Go

Bus: You can hop onto the following bus routes that will drop you off at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane- (Aldwych) 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 171, 172, 188, RV1, X68. If you’re looking for night buses, the following routes apply: (Aldwych) 6, 23, 188, N11, N13, N26, N47, N68, N87, N89, N155, N171, N551
Tube: The nearest station to the Theatre is the Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly line). After exiting from the Covent Garden station, go right on Long Acre and take another right into Bow Street. After 100 meters, you’ll find the theatre on your left on Russell Street/Catherine Street.
Train: The closest train stations are Waterloo station and Charing Cross, which are about 15 minutes away from the theatre.
Ferry: The closest ferry stop is Embankment Pier.
Cycle: The nearest bicycle docking stations are at Tavistock Street, Wellington Street and Kingsway.
Parking: You can park at the car park at Drury Lane, Parker Street which is 5 minutes away from the venue. You could also park at the Chinatown car park, where parking prices start at £22 for up to 3 hours, and £29.50 for 4 hours. You will also have to pay a Congestion Charge Zone for Central London which costs £11.50 between 7 AM and 6 PM, and is free outside this window.

Lifts: Passenger lifts are operational, with access to all four levels.
Washrooms: Washrooms on every floor except the Balcony.
Gift Shop: Gift Shop for souvenir purchases at the end of the foyer.
Bar: The Cecil Beaton Bar for full bar refreshments including teas and coffee. The Grand Saloon Bar is known to serve high tea during the day while the Rotunda has a champagne bar which is available at show times.

Step-free Access: There is step-free access to the foyer via the entrance on Russell Street.
Wheelchair Access: The passenger lift has wheelchair access to all floors except the Balcony.
Hand Rails and Ramps: All floors except the Balcony have step-free access, with handrails and ramps.
Trained Hosts: Access hosts at the venue to assist visually impaired customers
Special Access Performances: Certain performances are only for the differently abled, including audio-described and captioned performances.
Accessible Washrooms: Accessible washrooms on every floor except the Balcony
Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are welcome in the theatre.

Medical Allowances: Medication, medical equipment, food or drink to manage a medical condition are allowed inside the theatre.
No Cloakroom: Since cloakroom facilities are not available at the theatre, it is advisable to carry limited jackets that can be stored easily under the seat.
Breaks: Most theatre performances take place between Monday - Saturday, with Sunday as a break day.
Age Restrictions: Children under the age of 4 are not permitted entry into the theatre. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
All-Day Dining: While the auditorium opens 30 minutes before the show, the Drury Lane theatre has various all-day dining options within the venue that are open as early as 9.30 AM.
Booster Seats: Booster seats for children are only available at the Stalls and Royal Circle levels, not at the Grand Circle and Balcony levels.
Unisex Toilets: In addition to gendered washrooms, adapted unisex toilets are adjacent to the Russell Street accessible entrance.

The Garden at the Lane: This outdoor seating restaurant is present within the theatre, and is known for its coffee, wine, cocktails and seasonal bites.
Directions to The Garden at the Lane
Violas: A stone’s throw away from the theatre, this restaurant is known for its delectable and aesthetically pleasing brunch and dinner menu, along with some fantastic wine pairings.
Directions to Violas
Sarastro: A Mediterranean restaurant that is adorned by opera-themed decor. The restaurant is specially known for its Turkish cuisine.
Directions to Sarastro
Balthazar: Head to this classic French restaurant to grab a bite of some artisan breads, patisseries and Parisian cuisine.
Directions to Balthazar
Christophers: This American restaurant is known for its classic steaks and grill. It is also famous for its martini cocktail bar.
Directions to Christophers

Shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane has a seating capacity of 1993.
Section wise seating capacities are: 737 stall seats, 477 Royal Circle seats, 408 Grand Circle seats and 371 Balcony seats.
The theatre also has two royal boxes - the King’s side and the Prince’s side.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Seating Plan >

In 1992, a major renovation of the theatre was undertaken, after which the auditorium was divided into the four levels we see today – Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.
In 2019, the theatre remained closed for months due to an extensive renovation sanctioned by the Westminster Council, resulting in better auditorium access, washroom facilities, and installation of differently abled access.
One of the key missions of the renovation was also to reinstate the foyers and cantilevered staircases designed by the building's original architect.
After the renovation, the entrance to the theatre is directly from the street rather than from the basement.
One notable structure that remained untouched through the renovations was the big bell that was likely installed as a prop from a performance of Gone With The Wind. The tradition continues of ringing the bell after every final performance at the theatre.

Know Before You Go

Bus: You can hop onto the following bus routes that will drop you off at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane- (Aldwych) 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 171, 172, 188, RV1, X68. If you’re looking for night buses, the following routes apply: (Aldwych) 6, 23, 188, N11, N13, N26, N47, N68, N87, N89, N155, N171, N551
Tube: The nearest station to the Theatre is the Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly line). After exiting from the Covent Garden station, go right on Long Acre and take another right into Bow Street. After 100 meters, you’ll find the theatre on your left on Russell Street/Catherine Street.
Train: The closest train stations are Waterloo station and Charing Cross, which are about 15 minutes away from the theatre.
Ferry: The closest ferry stop is Embankment Pier.
Cycle: The nearest bicycle docking stations are at Tavistock Street, Wellington Street and Kingsway.
Parking: You can park at the car park at Drury Lane, Parker Street which is 5 minutes away from the venue. You could also park at the Chinatown car park, where parking prices start at £22 for up to 3 hours, and £29.50 for 4 hours. You will also have to pay a Congestion Charge Zone for Central London which costs £11.50 between 7 AM and 6 PM, and is free outside this window.

Lifts: Passenger lifts are operational, with access to all four levels.
Washrooms: Washrooms on every floor except the Balcony.
Gift Shop: Gift Shop for souvenir purchases at the end of the foyer.
Bar: The Cecil Beaton Bar for full bar refreshments including teas and coffee. The Grand Saloon Bar is known to serve high tea during the day while the Rotunda has a champagne bar which is available at show times.

Step-free Access: There is step-free access to the foyer via the entrance on Russell Street.
Wheelchair Access: The passenger lift has wheelchair access to all floors except the Balcony.
Hand Rails and Ramps: All floors except the Balcony have step-free access, with handrails and ramps.
Trained Hosts: Access hosts at the venue to assist visually impaired customers
Special Access Performances: Certain performances are only for the differently abled, including audio-described and captioned performances.
Accessible Washrooms: Accessible washrooms on every floor except the Balcony
Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are welcome in the theatre.

Medical Allowances: Medication, medical equipment, food or drink to manage a medical condition are allowed inside the theatre.
No Cloakroom: Since cloakroom facilities are not available at the theatre, it is advisable to carry limited jackets that can be stored easily under the seat.
Breaks: Most theatre performances take place between Monday - Saturday, with Sunday as a break day.
Age Restrictions: Children under the age of 4 are not permitted entry into the theatre. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
All-Day Dining: While the auditorium opens 30 minutes before the show, the Drury Lane theatre has various all-day dining options within the venue that are open as early as 9.30 AM.
Booster Seats: Booster seats for children are only available at the Stalls and Royal Circle levels, not at the Grand Circle and Balcony levels.
Unisex Toilets: In addition to gendered washrooms, adapted unisex toilets are adjacent to the Russell Street accessible entrance.

The Garden at the Lane: This outdoor seating restaurant is present within the theatre, and is known for its coffee, wine, cocktails and seasonal bites.
Directions to The Garden at the Lane
Violas: A stone’s throw away from the theatre, this restaurant is known for its delectable and aesthetically pleasing brunch and dinner menu, along with some fantastic wine pairings.
Directions to Violas
Sarastro: A Mediterranean restaurant that is adorned by opera-themed decor. The restaurant is specially known for its Turkish cuisine.
Directions to Sarastro
Balthazar: Head to this classic French restaurant to grab a bite of some artisan breads, patisseries and Parisian cuisine.
Directions to Balthazar
Christophers: This American restaurant is known for its classic steaks and grill. It is also famous for its martini cocktail bar.
Directions to Christophers

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Frequently Asked Questions About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Know Before You Go

Shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Know Before You Go

Accessibility & Facilities

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Accessibility & Facilities

Shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Frequently Asked Questions About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Where is Theatre Royal Drury Lane located?

How do I reach the Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

What are the different types of shows and productions that are staged at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Is there wheelchair access to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

How do I book my tickets for a show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

How much are the tickets to the shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Are there dining options around the theatre?

What are some of the attractions to see near Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

What are the types of seating offered at the theatre?

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Know Before You Go

Shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

About Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Know Before You Go

Accessibility & Facilities

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Accessibility & Facilities

Shows at Theatre Royal Drury Lane