With over 100 to choose from, London is literally teeming with theatres and it's hard not to stumble upon one. You'll discover the often tumultuous past of London's most famous theatres as you take a wander around the streets.
The Royal Opera House was opened in 1732 in Covent Garden and is home to the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera. Originally called the Covent Garden Theatre, it is one of only two that were allowed to present 'legitimate' theatre. It suffered from a terrible fire in 1808 which gutted the original before a new theatre was built. However this also burnt down in 1856. In 1892, a third and final theatre was built and renamed The Royal Opera House before a 210 million refit in 1996.
The Palladium is home to the pantomime, so expect to hear lots of cries of "It's behind you!" The theatre stands on Argyll Street and is nestled neatly between some of London's most famous streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. Its history can be traced back to 1870, when a hall known as The Corinthian Bazaar was built on the site of the Duke of Argyll's residence.
Built around 200m from the site of the original on the Southbank is the modern reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe, which we know today. It finally opened in 1997 after taking over 20 years to be built and was recreated to reflect as much of the original Globe as possible. It's an absolute must to visit when staying in cheap hotels in the city this summer for a theatre experience unlike any other.
The Royal Albert Hall was built to fulfil the vision of Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert of a 'central hall' that would be used to promote the Arts and Science. If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful facade, it really is a must-visit. Prince Albert requested that it be built at the heart of the South Kensington estate and be surrounded by museums and galleries.
The Royal Opera House was opened in 1732 in Covent Garden and is home to the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera. Originally called the Covent Garden Theatre, it is one of only two that were allowed to present 'legitimate' theatre. It suffered from a terrible fire in 1808 which gutted the original before a new theatre was built. However this also burnt down in 1856. In 1892, a third and final theatre was built and renamed The Royal Opera House before a 210 million refit in 1996.
The Palladium is home to the pantomime, so expect to hear lots of cries of "It's behind you!" The theatre stands on Argyll Street and is nestled neatly between some of London's most famous streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. Its history can be traced back to 1870, when a hall known as The Corinthian Bazaar was built on the site of the Duke of Argyll's residence.
Built around 200m from the site of the original on the Southbank is the modern reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe, which we know today. It finally opened in 1997 after taking over 20 years to be built and was recreated to reflect as much of the original Globe as possible. It's an absolute must to visit when staying in cheap hotels in the city this summer for a theatre experience unlike any other.
The Royal Albert Hall was built to fulfil the vision of Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert of a 'central hall' that would be used to promote the Arts and Science. If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful facade, it really is a must-visit. Prince Albert requested that it be built at the heart of the South Kensington estate and be surrounded by museums and galleries.
About the Author:
Steve Alexander is a London-based travel writer. Click here for a guide to the capital with information on theatre, shopping and eating in London.
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