Book-buying may have migrated online but there are still a number of fine bookshops in London that feature large theatre and performance sections. Find five of our favourite choices in this special Theatre Bookshop list.
1
National Theatre Bookshop
Enormous range of theatre books including play scripts
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX (Map)
2
The Calder Bookshop & Theatre
John Calder’s bookshop close to the Old Vic Theatre
51 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF (Map)
3
Foyles
Extensive stage and screen section at Foyles’ flagship store
107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT
4
The Royal Court
Sadly Samuel French’s Theatre Bookshop at the Royal Court is no more. However, the Sloane Square venue is still a great place to go to read playtexts and books courtesy of their Theatre Reference Library in collaboration with Concord Theatricals, which is open from 12pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (and on Saturdays when there is a performance in the theatre.) Customers can visit to read the books and playtexts, although borrowing is not allowed. Also, the Royal Court does still sell playtexts for productions that have played in its theatre.
Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS (Map)
5
Judd Books
A shout-out for this impressive, long-running discount and second-hand bookshop in Bloomsbury, which includes a sizeable theatre and plays section.
82 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AG
More Visiting London
Back to the Future Tickets with Afternoon Tea at the Cumberland Hotel
Blue Plaques: Theatre People in London
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Car Hire Advice in London
West End Shows
Avenue Q
Judi Dench Theatre (formerly Shaftesbury Theatre)
Beetlejuice
Prince Edward Theatre
Cabaret
Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club)
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
Empress Museum
Hadestown
Lyric Theatre
Hamilton
Victoria Palace Theatre