Oh no she didn’t!
Once upon a time, London opened its doors to countless theatres and invited visitors from all over to join the adventure.
Mara Wilson as Matilda in the 1996 movie, which inspired the West End musical alongside the original Roald Dahl book. Tristar Pictures/Everett Collection
London is colossal. It’s impossible to explore every single corner, even if you live there. But, one attraction tourists should always make time for is the theatre district. A plethora of theatre performances to choose from, London’s West End is a mystical day out for couples, families, and solo travellers. Theatres are also enchanted with dark secrets and beguiling history…welcome to the ultimate backstage pass for the historical exploration of some of London’s most iconic theatres.
Savoy Theatre, Strand
The real triple threat.
You can’t get more central. Located walking distance from Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and enough tube stations to get you pretty much anywhere else, the Savoy is a famous one. Covent Garden in particular is notably iconic for its luxury stores and supreme restaurants, while being home to a range of other tourist attractions, such as The Royal Opera House. The Savoy is one of London’s most prestigious theatres, and the green room has comforted a lot of famous faces, including Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard); David Hasselhoff (9 to 5 The Musical), Sarah Jessica Parker, and Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), to name a few.
Dramatic pause.
This theatre is also a historical minefield. The Savoy first opened in October 1981, after being (costume) designed by C. I. Phipps and decorated by Collinson and Locke. This theatre’s introduction was sparked by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, who aimed for the perfect set for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The opening performance was their opera, Patience. Sound check! As well as being breathtaking to look at, the Savoy is infamous for being the home of some of London’s best West End musicals.
The current showing is Mean Girls - get in, loser, we’re going to the theatre!
Cambridge Theatre, Seven Dials
Mrs D, Mrs I, Mrs…
Also located near Covent Garden - the spotlight for attraction - the Cambridge Theatre is known for its intimacy due to a smaller capacity (1200 seats) than other theatres. It is also one of the younger West End theatres, first opening in 1930. A more modern and stylish theatre, the Cambridge hosts some of London’s most unmissable performances, such as Matilda (going strong since 2011), and Peter Pan in previous years. The overall aesthetics of the Cambridge Theatre remain youthful and attractive, galvanising the West End scene. Forever young…literally. This theatre is easily accessible, a 4-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station, accessed via the Piccadilly line.
Covent Garden is jammed with restaurants to quench your hunger and thirst, and rest your feet from a busy day of parading London. A personal favourite restaurant is the family-run Italian restaurant Pasta Brown. Inside tip: they don’t take bookings or reservations, so arrive early to avoid queuing outside in the cold! That also leaves plenty of time for you to enjoy spaghetti bolognese with a friend before heading off to the Cambridge Theatre for an unforgettable evening of song and dance.
This theatre has been upgraded numerous times over the years to keep the chic attire - firstly in 1950. The second upgrade was completed in 1986 (more of a rejuvenation following a failed attempt to transform the theatre into a permanent home for a magic show…whoops!) The first production here was Andre Charlot’s Masquerade, and since has offered backstage amenities to a collection of famous faces, including Audrey Hepburn (Sauce Tartare, 1949), and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Currently, Matilda does all her reading in the Cambridge Theatre, and has been performing non-stop since 2011. That’s a lot of shows and a lot of chocolate cake. I want to be Matilda when I grow up.
Apollo Victoria Theatre, Victoria
Ready to cast a spell? The Apollo Victoria has been home to Wicked the Musical (not starring Ariana) since 2006.
Victoria Station is directly opposite this theatre, making transport super easy. It is surrounded by London’s most stunning attractions, like Buckingham Palace. Westminster - home to Big Ben - is also nearby, making for a grand day out. This theatre is owned and run by ATG and has been a part of this since 2009, so all backstage info and tickets can be found via their website.
Apollo Victoria is known for its breathtaking and distinctive interior; described as ‘a fairy cavern under the sea or a mermaid’s dream of Heaven’ by Gaumont British News. Historically, the design of Apollo Victoria was challenging as it is situated between two busy roads, making arriving at the box office difficult and perhaps dangerous. This theatre was originally a cinema, planned by Ernest Walmsley Lewis in 1930. After multiple auditions, callbacks, and non-stop entertainment, the Apollo Victoria was reopened as a theatre in 1981! Here, you can choose from 2328 seats (not quite the biggest theatre in London, but wow), making it one of London’s most atmospheric and immersive theatres.
Cut. London’s theatre district is mountainous, it would take travelling to a land far, far away to be able to explore all of it…but it’s not impossible. Grab a few cast members and head to London for a day of magic and enticement. Don’t forget to be back from the bar before the interval ends!
