A First-Timer's Guide to London's Theatreland

London's Theatreland is one of the world's largest theatre districts, home to around 40 venues concentrated in a compact area of the West End. If you are visiting for the first time, it can feel like a lot to take in. This guide covers the practicalities so you can focus on enjoying the show.

Where Is Theatreland?

Theatreland does not have exact boundaries, but the core of it sits roughly between Shaftesbury Avenue to the north, The Strand to the south, Charing Cross Road to the east and Haymarket to the west. The heaviest concentration of theatres runs along Shaftesbury Avenue, St Martin's Lane and the streets around Covent Garden and Leicester Square.

The area is served by several tube stations. Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines) is the most central. Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Tottenham Court Road and Holborn are all within easy walking distance of multiple theatres.

If you are coming from outside London, the nearest mainline stations are Charing Cross and Waterloo (both a short walk or one tube stop from most theatres), plus Victoria and Paddington with quick Underground connections.

How to Choose and Book a Show

There are usually 30 to 40 shows running at any given time, ranging from long-running musicals to short-run plays, comedies, thrillers and family shows. Browse the current lineup on BritishTheatre.com to see what is on.

Read our guide to choosing the right West End show if you are not sure where to start.

Book in advance where possible, especially for popular shows and weekend performances. You can book through tickadoo for a straightforward booking experience.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Most West End evening performances start at 7:30pm, though some begin at 7pm or 7:45pm. Check your tickets carefully. Matinees are usually at 2:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday, depending on the show.

Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before curtain. This gives you time to find your seat, visit the bar or use the facilities. Latecomers are generally not admitted until a suitable break in the performance, and some shows (particularly those with no interval) may not admit latecomers at all.

Most theatres have security checks at the entrance, usually a quick bag check. Do not bring large bags or suitcases if you can avoid it; many venues have limited or no cloakroom facilities.

What to Wear

There is no dress code in the West End. You will see everything from suits and cocktail dresses to jeans and trainers. The general rule is to wear whatever makes you comfortable for sitting for two to three hours.

That said, many people enjoy dressing up a little for the occasion, especially for evening performances. It is entirely optional.

Eating Before and After the Show

The West End is surrounded by restaurants, and pre-theatre dining is a well-established tradition. Many restaurants in the Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and Chinatown areas offer pre-theatre menus designed to get you fed and out the door by 7pm.

If you prefer to eat after the show, most performances finish between 9:30pm and 10:15pm. Soho and Chinatown have plenty of options that stay open late.

For a quicker option, there are takeaway and fast-food places throughout the area if you just need something before you go in.

Theatre Etiquette: The Basics

If you have not been to the theatre before, a few simple rules will keep you on the right side of your fellow audience members.

Turn your phone off, not just to silent. The screen glow from a phone in a dark auditorium is distracting and visible from further away than you think. Do not take photos or record video during the performance; this is not allowed.

Unwrap any sweets or snacks before the show starts. The rustle of a wrapper during a quiet scene is one of the most common theatre complaints.

Stay in your seat during the performance. If you need to leave, wait for the interval.

Singing along is not appropriate unless the cast specifically invites it, which some shows do during curtain calls.

Making a Day of It

A trip to Theatreland fits naturally into a wider London day out. The area is within walking distance of Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, the British Museum, the South Bank (over Waterloo Bridge), Chinatown and the shops of Regent Street and Oxford Street.

Read our guides to combining theatre with London attractions and budget tips for London theatre for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do West End shows start? Most evening performances start at 7:30pm, though some start at 7pm or 7:45pm. Check your tickets for the exact time. Matinees are usually at 2:30pm.

Is there a dress code for the West End? No. Wear whatever is comfortable. Some people dress up, some dress casually; both are fine.

How early should I arrive at the theatre? At least 15 to 20 minutes before the performance starts. This gives you time to find your seat and settle in.

Can I take photos during the show? No. Photography and video recording are not permitted during performances in most West End theatres.

Where should I eat before a West End show? The streets around Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and Chinatown all have pre-theatre dining options at various price points. Many restaurants offer specific pre-theatre menus.