Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Greek amphitheatre with its open stage; the more traditional Lyttelton; and the Cot-
tesloe, with its flexible stage and seating. The National presents the finest in world
theatre, from classic drama to award-winning new plays, including comedies, musi-
cals, and shows for young people. A choice of at least six plays is offered at any one
time. Box-office hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm.
South Bank, SE1.
&
020/7452-3000.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk. Tube: Waterloo, Embankment, or Charing Cross.
Old Vic
The Old Vic has stood on its site near Waterloo Station for more than
190 years, and since 2004 has been under the stewardship of actor Kevin Spacey. His
tenure and aim to “inject new life” into London theatre has generally been regarded
as a success. Spacey's star power has enabled him to attract Hollywood names such
as Richard Dreyfuss and Jeff Goldblum, alongside powerhouse directors of the cali-
ber of Trevor Nunn. Productions range from modern classics through to Shakespear-
ean tragedies and modern farces. In 2010 the Old Vic also opened a new performance
space in tunnels that run beneath Waterloo Station, with productions and musical
events staged specifically to make the most of the atmospheric subterranean space.
103 The Cut, SE1.
&
020/7928-2651.
www.oldvictheatre.co.uk. Tube: Waterloo.
Shakespeare's Globe
In May 1997, the new Globe Theatre—a replica of the
Elizabethan original, thatched roof and all—staged its first slate of plays (
Henry V
and
A Winter's Tale
) yards away from the site of the 16th-century theatre where the Bard
originally staged his works.
Productions vary in style and setting; not all are performed in Elizabethan costume.
In keeping with the historic setting, no lighting is focused just on the stage, but
floodlighting is used during evening performances to replicate daylight in the theatre
(Elizabethan performances took place in the afternoon). Theatregoers sit on wooden
benches of yore—in thatch-roofed galleries—but these days you can rent a cushion
to make yourself more comfortable. About 500 “groundlings” can stand in the uncov-
ered yard around the stage, just as they did when the Bard was here.
Due to the Globe's open-air nature there is a limited winter schedule, so check the
website beforehand to see what's on; in any season the schedule can be affected by
weather.
New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1.
&
020/7902-1400
. www.shakespeares-globe.org. Tube:
Mansion House or Southwark.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Drury Lane is one of London's oldest and most presti-
gious theatres, crammed with tradition—not all of it respectable. Nearly every star of
London theatre has taken the stage here at some time. It has a wide-open repertoire but
leans toward musicals, especially long-running hits. Guided tours (£11.50 adults, £9
children and seniors) of the backstage area and front of house are given Monday, Tues-
day, Thursday, and Friday at 2:15 and 4:15pm, plus 10:15 and 11:45am Wednesday and
Saturday. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm.
Catherine St.,
WC2.
&
0844/412-2955.
www.reallyuseful.com. Tickets £15-£45. Tube: Covent Garden.
FRINGE THEATRE
Some of the best theatre in London is performed on the “fringe”—at the dozens of
venues devoted to alternative plays, revivals, contemporary drama, and musicals.
These shows are usually more adventurous than established West End productions,
and they're cheaper. Most offer discounted seats (often as much as 50% off) to stu-
dents and seniors. Fringe theatres are scattered around London, so check listings in
Time Out
or websites such as
Kulturefalsh.net
or
LeCool.com
, both of which
cover leftfield theatre.
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