Exploring The History Of London’s West End & Must-See Shows
If you are organising a coach hire for a trip to London this autumn, it would not be complete without a visit to a famous West End theatre show. This cultural district of London has a well-deserved reputation for having some of the best musicals and plays in the world, and there’s always something that will appeal to all tastes.
Here’s a look at how this rich and vibrant scene evolved, and some of the best long-running shows to catch this autumn.
The early years
In the 16th and the first half of the 17th century, London had a thriving dramatic arts scene, largely thanks to a certain William Shakespeare. The only time the theatres shut for prolonged periods were during the plague outbreaks of the 16th century, for obvious reasons.
However, that all changed when the Civil War broke out in September 1642, and the Puritan-led Parliament ordered the closure of all theatres. This is partly because many of the actors were recruited into the war effort, but also due to the moral objections of the Puritans, who certainly believed that life was to be endured rather than enjoyed.
However, there were some illegal performances going on, and some performers even lobbied Parliament to overturn the ban. Sadly, the pleas fell on deaf ears and in 1643, the legendary Globe Theatre was demolished. A few clandestine performances still continued, but the playhouses continued to be pulled down or fell derelict.
The ban was finally lifted by King Charles II in 1660, who was an enthusiastic supporter of the dramatic arts. Two new theatres with royal patents were opened: Drury Lane and Covent Garden. Women were accepted as playwrights and performers for the first time, opening the door for talents such as Aphra Behn and Nell Gwynn.
Other theatres began to open, and the West End as we know and love it today began to take shape. By the mid-1800s, the district was a thriving cultural hub with supporting amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The iconic theatres of the West End
Many of the grand theatres of this era are still popular and word-famous entertainment venues today. Just a few of these iconic buildings include the following:
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Drury Lane was one of the first theatres to open in 1663 after the ban was overturned, and has hosted some of the most culturally significant productions and performances in history. The theatre today is an all-round event destination, with a host of bars and restaurants. You can book a tour of the theatre before catching your favourite show.
The Lyceum
The Lyceum opened in 1765, and is the current home of one of the most long-running musicals of all time, The Lion King, which has been running since 1999. The venue has four bars where you can buy drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
The Savoy Theatre
The Savoy opened in 1881, and is a stalwart of the West End, famed for its hosting of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. When it opened, it was opulently decorated and was the first public building in the world to be lit by incandescent electric lights.
The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre was originally built as an opera house, and opened as the Royal English Opera House in 1891. The debut production was Arthur Sullivan’s Ivanhoe. Later on, the venue was converted into a musical hall and renamed the Palace Theatre of Varieties.
It has not looked back since, with long-running productions including The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Les Miserables. For several decades, the theatre has been owned by Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, but is now owned and operated by Nimax Theatres.
The theatre has been carefully restored to its original condition in many areas, including the grand auditorium and the trademark terracotta exterior.
The Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi was founded in 1806 by father and daughter John and Jane Scott as the Sans Pareil, which translates to ‘without compare.’ Jane Scott wrote a variety of musical entertainments and dramas that were performed at the theatre, and it also showcased adaptations of Charles Dickens stories.
It reopened as the Adelphi in 1819, and the original building was demolished and rebuilt in 1858. It has hosted many famous shows over the years, including My Fair Lady and Evita.
Must-see shows
Mean Girls, The Savoy Theatre
This autumn, the funny and sassy Mean Girls has officially opened its doors at the Savoy. It’s a stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s much-loved 2004 movie, and follows the story of a new girl at school who goes to battle with the cliquey queen bees. The musical has transferred from Broadway and opened to rave reviews, so if you’re a fan this is a golden opportunity!
The Palladium pantomime
If you love a bit of light-hearted fun, then you’ll want to go for the Robin Hood pantomime at the London Palladium. It stars quick-witted national treasure Julian Clary as Robin Hood, with Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Nigel Havers as Friar Tuck. A colourful night of double entendres and quick gags awaits!
The Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
This legendary piece of musical theatre has been enchanting audiences for over thirty years, and shows no sign of losing its magical charm.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you grew up immersed in the Potterverse, then this is an unmissable show at the Palace Theatre, based on an original story by JK Rowling. It’s the winner of a record nine Olivier Awards, and clocks in at over five hours. Make sure you have plenty of time and plan some refreshments for the interval.
