New York has Broadway and London has the West End – home to the finest in British and European theatre. There are countless theatres in and around London, so whether you’re on a day trip and will be landing in Kings Cross or staying overnight in one of the hotels in Hyde Park, you’re never far from an iconic show performed by some of the most talented artists on the planet.
Want to experience the very best of London theatre? If so, here are five of the top theatre hotspots in the city that you absolutely need to visit.
The Barbican
The Barbican is so much more than a theatre – it’s a dynamic entertainment experience comprising a library, three cinemas, two live theatres, two art galleries, a concert hall, and a myriad of shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone at this iconic Central London theatre.
The Royal Opera House
Covent Street is conveniently located just a short distance from the Park Avenue J Hotel London Hyde Park and is one of London’s most famous theatre hotspots. It’s home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera, and the ROH Orchestra, so you’re guaranteed to see the show of a lifetime, no matter what you choose to see. From Swan Lake to Rigoletto, you watch some of the best dancers and singers in the world put on a breath-taking performance.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Embrace the warm summer evenings and venture from the Park Avenue J Hotel London to Regent’s Park to take in the limited open-air theatre season. Watch a range of shows, including stand-up comedy and classic Shakespearean plays, all under the canopy of the Regent’s Park foliage.
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is one of London’s longest-standing theatres, and it recently launched an at-home service whereby you can indulge in stunning performances without leaving your house. Despite this, you can’t beat the feeling of watching the likes of Hamlet live in one of London’s premier entertainment venues. If you’re close to the South Bank and enjoy the classics and new plays alike, The National Theatre should be on your list.
Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells is a theatre with a truly unique history. Many know it for its famed reputation as one of the leading dance organisations on Earth, hosting some of the best performers in the world and being revered the globe over, but what makes this theatre unique is the fact it was never intended to be that way.
Richard Sadler discovered a mineral spring underneath the music house on his property and started inviting visitors to explore the ‘healing powers’ of the water. Eventually, the water dried up, but the iconic entertainment Sadler put on has persisted ever since and has culminated in Sadler’s Wells, the birthplace of The Royal Ballet and the English National Opera. For these reasons, this Islington theatre should be on your bucket list when you visit London and stay at the Park Avenue Hyde Park.
