London Theatres
SeatPlan features 70 London theatres with what’s on listings and best seat recommendations. Choose your seats on interactive seating plans and see the view using real seat view photos from other audience members.
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Theatres in London
London is one of the world’s leading destinations for live performance, with a rich cultural history and a vibrant and diverse theatre scene. From historic playhouses in the West End to innovative Off-West End venues and cosy fringe theatres, the capital has played a defining role in British and international theatre for centuries.
Today, theatres in London showcase everything from huge blockbuster musicals and drama to opera, dance, comedy and off-the-wall new writing. Enjoy long-running favourites and major productions at West End shows, or explore new writing and emerging voices at Off-West End shows. You can experience the grandeur of a Victorian theatre, take a seat in a tiny studio, or see what’s on offer at a state-of-the-art performance space.
Whether you’re exploring London’s theatrical history, discovering a new venue, or looking for tips on the best views of the stage, browse our guide to the London theatre scene and find the perfect place for your next visit. For more advice on choosing where to sit, read our guide to London theatre seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many theatres are there in London?
The latest official figures estimate that there are 241 permanent theatres in the city, and even more temporary and pop-up spaces. This number is always changing as new London theatres open. The count includes the biggest West End venues all the way down to small community and pub theatres that seat just a few dozen people.
What are the most famous London theatres?
Some famous theatres and performance spaces in London include Shakespeare’s Globe, which is a faithful recreation of the original Globe Theatre on Bankside. This venue is one of the most unique in the capital, offering open-air experiences of Shakespeare’s plays.
Other well-known theatres in London include the National Theatre, which is renowned for both its unique Brutalist design and its reputation for producing world-class British theatre.
The best known West End venues include Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Palladium, while one of the most iconic concert halls in the entire city is Royal Albert Hall, famous for hosting The Proms, Cirque du Soleil and the Royal Variety Performance.
What is the difference between West End and Off-West End theatre?
West End theatres are defined as a group of 39 venues in central London which programme big-budget and commercial shows. They are located around the main tourist and entertainment district near Covent Garden, Shaftesbury Avenue, the Strand and St Martin’s Lane. Explore our guide to theatres in the West End for a full list of venues, their history, and ratings from real theatregoers.
Off-West End theatres are a much broader category, covering venues that aren’t part of the official West End group. They are located across London, including the same area as West End theatres, and range from major independent and subsidised producing theatres like the Old Vic to smaller fringe and pub theatres. Read our guide to some of the most prominent Off-West End theatres in London for a closer look, including audience ratings.
Some Off-West End theatres like the Old Vic and Donmar Warehouse have a good reputation for transferring work to West End venues - so if you book to see a show Off-West End, you might be able to brag that you saw it first!