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London's West End - Theatre District
The 'West End' refers to the collection of approximately 40 professional theatres in the western area of London, many of which are late Victorian or Edwardian in construction and boast great character. West End theatre, along with Broadway in New York, is recognised as the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world and offers something for everyone to enjoy.
What to see...
London is where it all began. The first public theatre in London was built in 1576, and called, simply, The Theatre. It was used by Shakespeare's company, and the timber was then used to build his original Globe Theatre in 1599. The longest running (and most successful) productions in the world are also in London. The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie opened on 25 Nov 1952 and is still selling out. Les Misérables is the longest running musical, and opened in 1985.
...And your groups could be part of it!
There are so many ways for groups to get involved. Backstage tours are a great way to see what goes on "behind the scenes" - when you visit backstage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane you know that a theatre has stood on that spot since 1663 and that the existing building dates from 1812. For groups wanting to do workshops, there are many available in London's West End at places such as RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art). Since it opened in 1904, former students have been nominated for 58 Academy Awards and 54 Tony Awards.
London is great for theatre groups!
"For groups that have experienced Broadway, London is an easy step up to an international tour. If you have never experienced Broadway, then why not go to where it all began? London will offer everything a Broadway experience can offer and more. The incredible benefits of Shakespearean connections as well as nearby film attractions such as the Harry Potter Studio Tour, make London a perfect choice!"
Shannan Carter - Global Business Development Manager, Live Travel and Tours
Working with us
Live Travel and Tours is your ideal expert partner for arranging tours to London's West End. As well as being able to provide tickets to see the shows in all categories, we can arrange backstage tours, workshops with cast members and behind-the-scenes visits so that groups can really immerse themselves in the experience. Read on below for our easy toolkit of elements to help you organise a theatre tour to London:
Itinerary
Here is a 6-day sample itinerary featuring our suggestions for a truly amazing theatre tour to both London and Stratford-upon-Avon. Click to download.
Workshops & tours
As well as being in the audience, no theatre trip is complete without a workshop with West End performers, a backstage tour of a historic London theatre or even taking part in a technical programme. Click below to see some of our suggestions of what you might like to consider with your groups.
Quote
To get in touch with us to ask for a quote or for more information, just click below and we'll get back to you asap.