London's West End & Theatres Walking Tour

Overview

Start the tour outside London’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Learn why Oliver Cromwell hated theatre and how Charles II retaking the throne would spark the English Restoration. In the light of the new monarchy, two theatre companies were established and licensed to perform: the Duke’s Company and the King’s Company, hence the name Theatre Royal.

Learn about ghosts, both real and fictional, and why theatres have such a strong culture of superstition. Then, head on past the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden market as we learn about theatre’s unique relationship with opera. Hear the story behind theatres being set on fire and, if you have time, head inside the Opera House to have a look at some of its scaled down models.

Wander up to Seven Dials as we visit the Cambridge Theatre and more about the theatre's quirky traditions. Then, head on over to St. Martin’s Lane and hear the story of Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, the longest running production in history.

Visit the Palace Theatre, now home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This was once the Palace Theatre of Varieties which held performances like sketch comedies, music, magic shows and acrobatics. This marked a new era for theatre as variety performances saw massive success. This culture still remains relevant as the Royal Variety Performance is held every year in front of Her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Albert Hall.

Head down Shaftesbury Avenue and visit some of the West End’s most famous theatres: the Apollo Theatre, the Gielgud Theatre and the Sondheim Theatre. Learn about some of this district’s most famous faces and infamous events, from roaming cats visiting Michael Gambon and Peter Bowles to the curse of the Scottish Play… Macbeth!

Finish the tour down at the Haymarket and visit Her Majesty’s Opera House, synonymous with “Phantom of the Opera” and learn where the phrase “break a leg” might come from.

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your London Theatres tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!