London
Theatres in London are generally separated into two groups; theatres in London’s West End, known as ‘theatre land’, and those outside the West End. Shows mainly include drama, comedy and musicals. Though opera, ballet and dance can be seen at more specialised theatres.
There are many UK websites dedicated to Theatres in London, but hotbedfest.co.uk is a good place to start. The West End district generally receives mainstream theatre productions, and is popular with visiting tourists. The district is often compared with Broadway, in New York. Some West End shows run for years; The Mousetrap has been showing at St Martin’s Theatre for more than 50 years.
However, some of the most important theatres featured on hotbedfest.co.uk are outside the West End. The Royal National Theatre is located on London’s South Bank and hosts classic dramas and Shakespeare plays. Fans of Shakespeare can also see where the Royal Shakespeare Company are playing; the Barbican Theatre often receives their plays.
Opera is hosted by just a few theatres in London, mainly the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum. In fact, the London Coliseum houses the English National Opera. Dance enthusiasts should see what’s on at Sadler’s Wells; the major dance theatre in London. Sadler’s Wells has also been known to host opera on occasion.
Those who are interested in Fringe Theatre should check out what’s on at local pubs and clubs. Seeing a performance at a small venue is a great way to spot up and coming talent, as well as enjoying something a little different. London is a multicultural city, and Fringe Theatre in London often features performances from ethnic minorities.