The 10 Best Theatres in London (for Every Taste)

If you’re an avid theatre lover, then London is the place for you!

With its renowned and vibrant theatre scene, the city offers a variety of venues known for their high-quality shows, from musicals to classical theatres.

No matter what your cup of tea is when it comes to shows, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for in London… as long as you know where to search, right?

And since London is our home here at Stasher, we created the following list with the best theatres in London to make your life a little easier!

Let’s get started.

Theatre #1: Royal Opera House

Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House is a hub of artistic excellence, attracting world-renowned performers and showcasing both classic and contemporary interpretations of opera and ballet. 

With its rich history dating back to the 18th century, it remains a cultural icon, offering you an immersive experience in the realm of high art.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Opera/Music/Ballet/Dance

Working hours: 12:00 – after the evening performances

Reviews: 4.8/5

Location: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, United Kingdom

Best way to get there: Via Covent Garden Station (0.1miles, 2min walking)

In a nutshell, if you’re visiting London then the Royal Opera House is a must for you to visit.

However, if you’re traveling and are on the go, keep in mind that carrying your luggage while wanting to visit the theatre won’t be a piece of cake, which is why you ideally have to store it somewhere safe.

Enter: Stasher

You can store your bags in over 4.300 locations in 900 cities worldwide, from a few hours to a few days, in just 2 minutes!

Have a look at how easy it is to store your bags:

Easy, right?

So if you want to keep your luggage somewhere safe while visiting the Royal Opera House, you can do that in Covent Garden!

Theatre #2: The National Theatre

Positioned on London’s South Bank, The National Theatre is not just a venue for performances but a cultural institution dedicated to fostering creativity and nurturing emerging talent. 

Its commitment to accessibility is evident in its diverse programming and initiatives aimed at engaging audiences of all backgrounds, ensuring that the theatre remains a vibrant and inclusive art form.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Classical Plays/Contemporary Drama/Musicals

Working hours: 10:00 – 23:00 (Sundays closed)

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom

Best way to get there: Waterloo Station (0.3miles, 7min walking)

Don’t forget that you can store your bags near Waterloo Station before visiting The National Theatre!

Theatre #3: Shakespeare’s Globe

As a faithful recreation of Shakespeare’s original playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe provides a glimpse into the past while offering new life into timeless classics. 

The Globe Theatre’s outdoor layout and dedication to showing plays as they were done in Shakespeare’s time make it a special place to watch shows. 

It lets you feel like you’re really back in that time, watching Shakespeare’s plays just like people did back then!

Fascinating, right?

Website: Here

Types of performances: Classical Plays of William Shakespeare

Reviews: 4.6/5

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT

Best way to get there: Via London Bridge Station (0.4miles, 9min walking)

Let’s continue to the next theatre on our list.

Theatre #4: The Royal Albert Hall

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Royal Albert Hall serves as a cultural melting pot, hosting an eclectic mix of events ranging from classical concerts to rock gigs and even film screenings. 

Its iconic dome and superb acoustics make it a favorite among performers and audiences alike, ensuring that every visit is a memorable and immersive experience.

From musicals to concert orchestras, The Royal Albert Hall is bound to offer you an unforgettable experience!

Website: Here

Types of performances: Concerts and other musical performances/Operas/Live events

Reviews: 4.8/5

Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP

Best way to get there: Via Knightsbridge Station (0.9miles, 20mins walking)

Theatre #5: West End Theatres

The West End Theatres are like the exciting center of London’s theater world. 

They’re known for their fancy and glamorous shows, including famous musicals and plays with renowned actors. 

If you love going to these old theaters to see amazing performances that tell great stories, then they’re a must-visit no matter when you visit London!

Some of the most iconic theatres in London’s West End include:

  • Sondheim Theatre
  • St Martin’s Theatre
  • Adelphi Theatre
  • Cambridge Theatre
  • Arts Theatre

And many, many more.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Musicals/Dramas/Comedies

Working hours: Vary depending on venue

Reviews: Vary depending on venue

Location: 

Best way to get there: Via Covent Garden Station or Piccadilly Circus Station.

Let’s continue.

Theatre #6: The Old Vic

With a legacy spanning over two centuries, The Old Vic remains a bastion of artistic innovation and creativity. 

Its intimate setting and reputation for showcasing groundbreaking performances have cemented its status as a cultural landmark, drawing audiences seeking thought-provoking theatre that pushes the boundaries of convention.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Classic Plays/Contemporary Theatre/Special Events

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB

Best way to get there: Via Southwark Station (0.2miles, 5min walking)

Theatre #7: Royal Court Theatre

Renowned for its commitment to new writing and provocative storytelling, The Royal Court Theatre has long been a crucible for groundbreaking works that challenge societal norms and spark dialogue. 

Its intimate studio spaces and emphasis on fostering emerging talent make it a breeding ground for cutting-edge theatre that reflects the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary society.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Experimental Theatre/Intimate Dramas/Comedic productions

Reviews: 4.6/5

Location: 50-51 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS

Best way to get there: Via Sloane Square Station (75ft, 1min walking)

Theatre #8: Barbican

Boasting a diverse array of artistic offerings, the Barbican Centre is a cultural hub where theatre, music, dance, and visual arts converge to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences. 

Its expansive facilities and commitment to accessibility make it a vibrant destination for cultural exploration and discovery in the heart of the city.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Contemporary Theatre/Classic Revivals/Avant-Garde Theatre

Reviews: 4.6/5

Location: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

Best way to get there: Via Barbican Train Station (0.3miles, 7min walking)

Let’s continue to our next London theatre, shall we?

Theatre #9: Donmar Warehouse

Despite its modest size, The Donmar Warehouse punches above its weight with its bold programming and intimate atmosphere. 

Its reputation for producing high-quality, thought-provoking theatre has earned it a loyal following among discerning theatergoers, who appreciate its focus on artistic excellence and storytelling prowess.

Website: Here

Types of performances: Classic Plays/Musicals/Contemporary Drama

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: 41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX

Best way to get there: Via Covent Garden Station (0.1miles, 3min walking)

Theatre #10: Unicorn Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre is a London theatre for children and young people.

It is dedicated to producing high-quality, innovative, and engaging theatrical experiences specifically designed for young audiences. 

The theatre’s mission is to inspire and empower young people through the magic of live performance, fostering creativity, imagination, and a lifelong love of theatre!

Website: Here

Types of performances: Children’s Theatre/Family Shows/Puppetry

Reviews: 4.6/5

Location: 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ

Best way to get there: Via London Bridge Station (0.3miles, 6min walking)

Let’s wrap things up with some final words.

Wrapping Up

All in all, London is a vivid city filled with numerous museums, theatres, landmarks and venues.

As long as you know where to search, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for for your next adventure!

And if you’re traveling to the city or simply passing through, having a safe place to store your bags to explore it luggage-free is essential.

That’s why you can head over to Stasher and store your bags in over 900 cities worldwide, in just 2 minutes!