A typical ‘Theatre Event’ effortlessly combines sumptuous food, fine wine, fantastic entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with the stars of stage and screen. Theatre Events are a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the spectacular talents of London’s West End shows. London has rich variety of theatre to be enjoyed, whether it’s a popular West End musical, a fabulous classic open-air performance of a Shakespeare play or the latest hot ticket to a new contemporary drama, you can’t fail to be impressed by a theatre event in London.
The very best theatre events begin early with a light pre-theatre dinner at a high quality bistro in Theatreland. Traditionally a pre-theatre dinner takes place at a top class Italian restaurant where you can take pleasure in excellent service, your favourite Italian wines and a wonderful range of anti-pasto, pasta dishes, calzone or pizzas. Don’t forget to taste their delicious gelato or tiramisu, or just pep yourself up with a coffee. The waiters know that you’ll be heading to the theatre, so service will be speedy!
These days, a contemporary theatre event doesn’t necessarily need to kick off with a pre-theatre dinner at an Italian restaurant. If your taste buds crave Japanese, Chinese and Korean food, there’s a wonderful selection of these restaurants close to the best theatres in London. For those who’ve never enjoyed sushi, don’t be put off by the idea of raw fish, sushi literally means ‘with rice’, so there’s a range of non-fish dishes for all tastes.
Don’t overdo it on the pre-show eating though, or you may find yourself falling asleep during the show!
If you’d prefer a post-show dinner, why not meet up in an upmarket cocktail bar to enjoy some champagne and canapés instead, before moving on for an evening of entertainment.
Choosing the right show to see is never easy. How do we know what will be any good or what we will enjoy? An organised theatre event can take the hassle out of getting tickets to a top show with rave reviews, or assist you to see something that’s more to your own unique tastes. Whether it’s the latest stunning West End musical, or something more thought provoking at the Donmar Warehouse or the Southwark Playhouse, an evening at the theatre is a stirring and enlightening stress-buster that one can enjoy on any evening of the week.
The West End is very well known for the tremendous quality of its musicals. Millions of people visit London each year to see the top quality performances in London’s Theatreland. Why not get the best tickets for musical hits like the evocative battle between Good and Evil in Wicked, the deliciously naughty part-puppet/part-human performer hilarity that is Avenue Q, the long running box office smash Les Miserables, or be one of the first to catch the massive smash hit coming from America, Spring Awakening when it opens later in the year.
Don’t even think about any other seats than front and centre in the stalls. The best seats in the house are the place to see all the magic and inspiration of an uplifting musical. As you’re handed your programme, you’ll settle in for an evening of terrific entertainment. Have your drinks pre-ordered for you at the bar, avoid the queues and enjoy a quieter drink in a members-only section of the bar.
The Royal National Theatre (RNT) located on the South Bank of London’s River Thames is a superb place to enjoy the cream of British acting talent. Despite the RNT’s aesthetically displeasing architecture, the work inside is award winning and the envy of the world. Not just the home of ‘serious’ new theatre, the RNT often stages musicals, family and children’s shows and reinterpreted classics. In the summer, the RNT often has events outside the theatre, including live music performance.
On a warm summer’s evening, there’s nothing quite like the thrilling feeling of joining the bustling crowd at the stunning open-air Shakespeare’s Globe at London’s Bankside in Southwark. Enjoy the open-air experience of a traditionally staged play, directed by Mark Rylance, one of Britain’s greatest classical actors.
There are over forty theatres currently producing first-class professional productions in and around Theatre Land. Your choice of stirring new or established long-running productions awaits you. This means you can be as adventurous or conservative as you like, and still benefit from a thought-provoking and engaging event at the theatre. Whether it’s comedy, drama or musicals, you’ll easily find something that takes your fancy for your evening of theatre in London.
At some plays you can enjoy a post-show discussion with the cast and director of the show. This gives you the opportunity to listen to the fascinating details of how a professional show is put together. Enjoy these free captivating post-show chats with a drink and your chance to talk to the stars of the show and ask your own questions.
When the curtain finally comes down, rather than drift away, why not look for a place to have a drink and chat about the show with like-minded people? With a little savvy, head for the bar where the stars of the show gather each night after their performance. Rub shoulders with the actors and listen in on some celebrity gossip whilst enjoying a relaxing drink in comfortable surroundings.
For those who’d rather discuss the merits of the production over a quality post-theatre meal, why not head to one of the thirty or so top restaurants that are located around Covent Garden and Theatreland. Enjoy a bottle (or two) of first-rate wine with new friends and indulge yourself in a mouth-watering dessert.
Relax and unwind by taking a private car or cab home to thoroughly benefit from a truly relaxing and stimulating event at the theatre.
