Shakespeare's plays offer a timeless blend of comedy, tragedy, romance, and historical drama. While the language may initially seem challenging, the universal themes of love, betrayal, ambition, jealousy, and family conflict remain deeply relevant today. Productions range from traditional period settings to innovative modern interpretations, with performances lasting approximately 2-3 hours, often with an interval.
Many venues provide program notes to help audiences follow the plot and understand the historical context. First-time viewers might find comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream or Much Ado About Nothing more accessible, while those seeking emotional depth might prefer tragedies like Hamlet or Macbeth. The best thing about watching a play by Shakespeare in London is the sheer variety!
While it’s hard to pinpoint the Bard’s best work, some of his plays have been widely regarded as his finest creations. Some of them are
The definitive tragic love story, this tale of doomed young lovers from feuding families has become the template for countless romantic tragedies throughout literary history.
A sophisticated comedy about identity and lost love, featuring some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters. This play, which first premiered at Middle Temple Hall in London, rewrites and outclasses all his previous comedies.
This dark, supernatural tragedy follows a Scottish lord's murderous path to power and subsequent downfall. Short, thrilling and charged with the supernatural, it's Shakespeare's most accessible major tragedy.
The Globe Theatre, a 20-sided polygonal structure completed in 1599, became Shakespeare's primary venue. As a shareholder in both the theater and the company, Shakespeare grew increasingly prosperous. Approximately 15 of his plays debuted at The Globe, which tragically burned down in 1613 during a performance of "Henry VIII" when stage cannon fire ignited the thatched roof. (link to guided tour)
Read more about Shakespeare's Globe
While the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is based in Stratford-upon-Avon, it regularly brings productions to London, typically by partnering with other major London theaters. The company's London seasons usually include a mix of Shakespeare's most popular plays and lesser-performed works. Productions often transfer after successful runs in Stratford, bringing the highest quality Shakespearean performances to the capital.
For those interested in discovering Shakespeare in London beyond the theater, several guided walks explore the Bard's former haunts. These tours typically include visits to:
In late 1582, at just 18 years old, Shakespeare married the 26-year-old Anne Hathaway, who was already pregnant with their first child, Susanna. While Anne remained in Stratford raising their children, Shakespeare would soon set his sights on London to pursue his theatrical career.
Most of Shakespeare's originals were first performed in London and the genius playwright also spent many years living in the city. This is one of the reasons his works, in both adaptations and unaltered plays, may be found in London all throughout the year. Experiencing Shakespeare plays in London is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
You can book tickets for Shakespeare plays in London online to get great discounts and find the best seats.
You can see Shakespeare at Shakespeare's Globe, the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company (when in London), and various other London theaters.
Shakespeare lived and worked in London for about 20 years as an actor, playwright, and theater shareholder, performing with the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later King's Men).
Shakespeare wrote most of his approximately 37 plays during his two decades in London, with about 15 debuting at the Globe Theatre.
The best time is April-October for outdoor productions at Shakespeare's Globe, while indoor Shakespeare runs year-round at various London theaters.
While there is no general consensus about the Bard's best work, plays like Hamlet, Rome & Juliet, and Macbeth are widely regarded by many as his most popular works.
Shakespeare likely wrote Romeo and Juliet while working at The Theatre in Shoreditch, with the play estimated to have been written around 1591-95.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist.
Shakespeare didn't write what we would consider modern musicals, though his plays often incorporated songs and music.
You can get discounted tickets to latest shows online or by making your bookings at less popular times.
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