London’s main Theatre land is the area bounded by Piccadilly Circus to the west, Trafalgar Square to the south, Tottenham Court to the north and Covent Garden to the east. Within this all forms of theatre and performing arts take place, cheek by jowl with each other it is possible to watch a musical, see a Shakespeare play and a comedy.
Many of London’s theatres were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and are a feast for the eyes. In the heart of Soho The Royal House with its Greek facade offers world class Opera and dance. other West End theatres such as the beautiful Lyceum Theatre offer large scale musicals for all the family.
Set on the left bank of the river Thames, but near the centre, theatres such as the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre offer contemporary plays and classics. The National Theatre is set within a large arts complex known as the South Bank which houses the British Film Institute, Haywood Gallery and the Royal Festival Hall. The South Bank area also has an arts hub and an area for restaurants, bookshops and cafes as well as a great view of the river Thames.
Because of the scale of London there are other theatres around the capital including the Lyric in Hammersmith which has retained its 19th century interior and promotes modern work and classics. The Almedia Theatre in North London has an international reputation for performing new work to a very high standard. Off the beaten track, but in an interesting part of London, Wiltons in E1 retains its decor and plasterwork.
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