Going behind the curtain can be an eye-opening experience. The sheer scale of West End theatres such as Drury Lane, the National or the Royal Opera House is hugely impressive and a backstage tour is a great opportunity to see the hidden world of costume departments, scene-building and technical magic.
1
Shakespeare’s Globe
A tour of the theatre and exhibition entry to the recreation of Shakespeare’s theatre.
21 New Globe Walk, London , SE1 9DT (Map)
More info – Shakespeares’s Globe tours
2
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
One of the grandest theatres in the world, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has recently undergone a multi-million pound restoration to take it back to its former 1812 glory. With a giant backstage area, and lots of hidden corners and entertaining stories, this is a great theatre tour.
Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF (Map)
More info – Theatre Royal Drury Lane tours
3
Barbican Theatre
The Barbican’s popular backstage tours are back! Learn how the architects incorporated the theatre into the Barbican Centre’s design, peek into the stage wings, Green Room, orchestra pit and more – including the impressive fly tower.
Barbican Centre, London, EC2Y 8DS (Map)
Barbican Theatre – Backstage Tours >
4
Royal Opera House
A fascinating peek into the workings of one of the world’s great theatres.
Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD (Map)
5
National Theatre
Insight into the backstage life of the UK’s national theatre complex.
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX (Map)
National Theatre – tours
6
Royal Albert Hall
Go backstage at one of the UK’s most historic buildings. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, this vast concert hall is steeped in history.
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP (Map)
7
London Palladium
For the first time in five years the iconic, epic London Palladium – one of the West End’s most famous theatre, is running backstage tours again. Tickets include tea or coffee and a cake after the tour.
8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF (Map)
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West End Shows
