The Complete London Theatre List: Must-See Performances

Now that live drama and theatre performances are back in business, are you wondering what to book first? Our complete London theatre list is here to help. Get supporting our actors and theatre companies whilst immersing yourself in some much-missed culture!

From the latest unforgettable shows to award-winning musicals, you can book budget-friendly tickets to London theatre shows here. Don’t miss out! After all, no visit to London is complete without seeing a show.

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The Complete London Theatre List

Be it a Shakespeare play at the National Theatre or the ballet at the Royal Opera House, there’s an incredible performance for everyone to enjoy. Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best theatre venues in the capital (and the world, for that matter).

1. The National Theatre

Location Upper Ground, Southbank, London SE1 9PX

The National Theatre was founded by Laurence Olivier in 1963. Today, the theatre shows an eclectic mix of modern and classic plays across their three auditoriums: the Olivier Theatre, Lyttleton Theatre and Dorfman Theatre. Do not miss their 16–25 scheme, which allows you to unlock £10 and £5 tickets!

View what’s on at the National Theatre here.

2. The Globe Theatre

Location 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT

The Globe is not just one of the most breathtaking theatrical spaces in London, but also a cultural landmark. There are two performance venues inside the theatre — one inside (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse) and one out (Globe Theatre). They perform every play in the Shakespeare canon, many of them in surprising and innovative retellings, so there’s no chance of being bored.

Fun Fact: The Globe is actually a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed. It burnt down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII.

View what’s on at the Globe Theatre here.

3. Barbican Theatre

Location Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

The brutalist 1980s Barbican Theatre seats around 1100 people, so has a wonderfully intimate feel. And what’s more, you’ll never be more than 20 metres from the stage! You can join the Young Barbican scheme to get discounted for 14–25 year olds, where tickets start from just £5. As well as an exciting international programme of shows, the theatre is the base of the London Symphony Orchestra.

View what’s on at the Barbican theatre here.

4. Bridge Theatre

Location 3 Potters Fields Park, London SE1 2SG

The Bridge Theatre is located by Tower Bridge and only opened in 2017, so it is relatively new to the London theatre scene. (It is the first wholly new theatre of scale to be added to London’s commercial theatre sector in 80 years). It mostly features new plays but also offers the occasional classic, too.

Discover what’s on at Bridge Theatre here.

5. The Old Vic

Location The Cut, London SE1 8NB

The Old Vic is an independent not-for-profit theatre right by Waterloo Station. This historic building was damaged in 1940 during air raids and it became a Grade II listed building in 1951 after it reopened. Their productions are ‘diverse, adventurous, new, epic, exciting’.

Fun Fact: The Old Vic was the first home of the National Theatre.

Find out what’s on at The Old Vic here.

6. Harold Pinter Theatre

Location Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN

Previously known as the Royal Comedy Theatre, the Harold Pinter Theatre is located just off Leicester Square. It stages hugely successful shows starring A-list names, including the likes of David Tennant, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Wishaw.

Find out what’s on at the Harold Pinter Theatre here.

7. The Royal Opera House

Location Bow St, London WC2E 9DD

The iconic Royal Opera House is a performing arts venue in Covent Garden. It is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The Royal Opera, under the direction of Antonio Pappano, is one of the world’s leading opera companies. As well as traditional opera, the company commissions new works by today’s leading opera composers, such as Harrison Birtwistle, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Thomas Adès.

Learn more about what’s on at the Royal Opera House here.

8. The Young Vic

Location 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ

The Young Vic stages an array of innovative and international performances that target a younger audience. You’ll see both global stars and emerging artists on stage here! As a result, the theatre boasts some of the most diverse and engaged audiences in London.

Find out what’s on at the Young Vic here.