Comedies, dramas, plays or musicals – London's Theatreland has it all, and we know all the best places to go!
Lyceum Theatre
Located just off the Strand, this historic theatre has stood in its current form for nearly 200 years. Once the home of the English Opera House, it has also played host to Bob Marley and Iggy Pop, and more recently, musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar and the long-running The Lion King.
The Lyceum is a short walk from either Covent Garden or Temple Tube stations, and is wheelchair-accessible – but it's advisable to book disabled seats early. The theatre has a total of four licensed bars, a shop selling snacks, and a cloakroom where you can also check suitcases and pushchairs. Just round the corner you’ll find a number of reliable restaurants and bars, such as Strada, Café Rouge and Be At One.
Lyceum Theatre
Wellington Street
WC2E 7RQ
Prince of Wales Theatre
Following an extensive refurbishment in 2004, this theatre was officially opened by the Prince of Wales himself for a special performance of the hit musical Mamma Mia!.
It's an extremely short walk from Piccadilly Circus Tube station, and only a few minutes more from Leicester Square. Alternatively, buses 14, 19 and 38 all pass nearby.
Inside, you'll find two licensed bars – The American Bar in the Dress Circle and the Delfont Room in the Stalls. The Stalls are wheelchair-accessible, with a lift to take you to the Delfont Room.
Outside, there are plenty of places to eat at reasonable prices, with TGI Friday's, Yo! Sushi and the Angus Steakhouse just minutes away.
Prince of Wales Theatre
Coventry Street
W1D 6AS
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
For more than 350 years, the Theatre Royal has put on some of the most famous performances in history. It was the first place that the public heard both the National Anthem and Rule Britannia, and it's been visited by every monarch since the Restoration. In recent times, the theatre has been the home of family-friendly performances Oliver!, Shrek The Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The closest Tube stations are Covent Garden and Holborn, and there are plenty of child-friendly restaurants nearby, such as Byron Burgers and Pizza Express.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street
WC2B 5JF
London Palladium
With a capacity of nearly 2,300, the Palladium is one of the biggest venues in Theatreland. It's also seen some of the biggest stars in history, such as Frank Sinatra and Harry Houdini. Since then, it's hosted a number of hit shows, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cats.
The theatre is just around the corner from Oxford Circus station, which means you're in a perfect position for a bit of shopping, a bite to eat or a quick drink. Look out for Garfunkel's, Ponti's Italian Kitchen and Dirty Martini nearby.
The theatre is wheelchair-accessible by ramp and lift, but there are only four wheelchair spaces inside, so you need to book early.
London Palladium
Argyll Street
W1F 7TF
St Martin's Theatre
Since 1974, the St Martin's Theatre has been showing performances of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the longest continuously-running show in the world – one that's seen over 25,000 performances at St Martin's alone.
Located on West Street, it's close to Leicester Square station, and conveniently near to some top-notch restaurants, including Dishoom and Jamie's Italian.
The theatre is wheelchair-accessible, but there are only two spaces, and all of the bars are accessed by stairs.
St Martin's Theatre
West Street
WC2H 9NZ
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Venture a bit south and you’ll find the Apollo Victoria Theatre isn't steeped in quite as much history as its West End siblings. But that doesn't mean it hasn't seen its fair share of famous shows: The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever, and the record-breaking Wicked.
Inside, you'll find bars on both levels, with wheelchair access on the Circle level. It's easy enough to find – right across the road from Victoria station – and well placed for places to eat and drink. Look for Olivo and Wagamama.
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Wilton Road
SW1V 1LG
Dominion Theatre
With a long history of huge rock performances – including Duran Duran, U2, Thin Lizzie and Bon Jovi – it's only fitting that the Dominion Theatre would host a 12-year run of the Queen musical We Will Rock You. Since then, it's undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, taking it back to its former glory (and it is glorious).
At the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street – and almost directly in front of Tottenham Court Road Tube station – you can't miss it. There are four bars, an exclusive Champagne Bar for those who book a hospitality package, and the Stalls are accessible via a lift.
Nearby, you'll find plenty of restaurants for an after-show meal, such as VQ and Cabana – or wander into Soho and watch the world go by from your table at the longstanding Café Boheme. And, of course, if you feel like doing some shopping, you'll find just about every brand imaginable along Oxford Street.
Dominion Theatre
Tottenham Court Road
W1T 7AQ
Drinks, dinner and a show can be exhausting, so make sure you're collapsing in comfort at the end of it. Take your pick of our central London hotels.
