London's West End & Theatres Walking Tour
Supplied by: Vidi Guides
Whether you know nothing about theatre or watch a musical a week, this walking tour of the West End is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about London history and culture. From Shakespeare to the Mousetrap, Ghost Stories to Agatha Christie and Shaftesbury Avenue to Covent Garden, this incredible audio tour narrates the story of British Theatre and the origin of the “break a leg”.
Join actor Claudia and historian Ed on this adventure around London’s theatreland. Beginning and ending at two of London’s oldest theatres, we start the tour at Theatre Royal Drury Lane before heading past the Royal Opera House to Seven Dials. Heading past the Palace Theatre, we’ll then walk down Shaftesbury Avenue and learn about the famous Apollo, Gielgud and Sondheim theatres before visiting the Haymarket. Our interactive digital audio guide can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone!
What's included
- Digital audio guide, to be downloaded onto your smartphone before your visit
- On-screen pictures to enhance your experience
- Geo-localised map to keep you on the right track
- Headphones
Know before you go
Please download 'Vidi Guides' from the App Store of your mobile device and enter the code you receive after booking (from email address: [email protected]). Please remember to bring a pair of headphones with you
Highlights
- Walk through London's lively West End and learn all about the history of British theatre
- Get in on the popular anecdotes, theatre terms, and bizarre traditions of London’s theatre culture
- Discover the backstories of adaptations from beloved authors like J. K. Rowling and Agatha Christie
- Enjoy an immersive audio commentary as you explore the neighbourhood at your own pace
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!
Cancellation policy
Non refundable