London is very famous for its incredible theatre offerings and its West End scene is just as popular as New York’s Broadway. Visitors to the capital will naturally go for the most famous theatres that are part of the tourist trail. They are guaranteed to see the best musicals and plays there, but travellers should try out some of the smaller venues that London has to offer. They are just as satisfying and may even offer actors who could become huge stars in the future. It’s very exciting to see a production in a smaller venue as the audience is often closer to the action and can enjoy the show in a very different environment.
A great example of an Off-West End venue is the Bush Theatre that is found in an old public library building. This amazing destination is located in Shepherd’s Bush and has a superb history of wonderful shows. In Richmond, there is the Orange Tree Theatre that recently had a massive hit with the show Pomona, and this has brought in a new audience who wants to discover the theatre. A venue that is already very popular is the Arcola Theatre that has two spaces that often has new or emerging theatre companies on offer. It annually has an opera festival and is just a top place to discover new talent and enjoy experimental shows.
Staying in London it’s important to book into a hotel at the heart of the city close to these theatres. The Park Grand Hotel in Lancaster Gate London is a lovely destination to stay with brilliant rooms that include many modern amenities such as a flatscreen television and Wi-Fi internet. Visitors should choose the club double room that has a king-size bed and en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and luxury toiletries. This is one of the best budget accommodations in London that allows travellers to get around the capital city easily.
The Gate Theatre in Notting Hill is found above the Prince Albert pub and has a superb history of magnificent shows. Open since 1979 its artistic directors have included Stephen Daldry and Carrie Cracknell. The Southwark Playhouse is a beautiful theatre that has been very popular among show fans since it opened in 1993. It used to be a workshop that has now been adapted into a theatre space and offers a range of productions including musicals and plays. Shoreditch Town Hall is housed in a beautiful Grade II building that is also an outstanding arts venue. This destination is well worth visiting and includes the two excellent spaces of the huge Assembly Hall and an interesting basement area called The Ditch.
The Tricycle Theatre is a wonderful venue in Kilburn, north London, which has hosted some huge productions in recent years. The show Red Velvet with actor Adrian Lester was one of the biggest, as well as The Father with Kenneth Cranham. There is also a cinema here at this exquisite venue based in a lovely part of the capital. The Park Theatre is also a fantastic place to venture to that opened in 2013 in Finsbury Park. This amazing venue has received great support from incredible actors including the late Alan Rickman and Ian McKellen.
