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  • 25

    years

    Bringing best of british theatre

  • Official
    tickets

  • Pick
    your seats

Catherine St, WC2B 5JF

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

2,196 seats; Cloakroom; VIP Services; Bars

History of Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The history of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane spans over 350 years and 4 different buildings. The first was ordered by King Charles II and opened in 1663 (named the Theatre Royal, Bridges Street). It burnt down in 1672. The second theatre (now titled the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) was built in 1674. It hosted a vast number of productions during its 117-year run, including The Merchant of Venice (which introduced a naturalistic style of acting), The School for Scandal (1777, its world premiere), and Robinson Crusoe. The acting troupe of 1710 (Cibber, Wilks, and Doggett) found themselves the primary object of ridicule in Alexander Pope’s satirical epic the Dunciad. Plans to upgrade and expand the theatre led to its demolition in 1791. The new theatre, now with space for over 3,600 audience members, opened in 1794. The size of the venue allowed it to house spectacular set pieces, including real running water forming a stream and a lake. Despite housing the first ever iron safety curtain, the theatre burned down in 1809. The present Theatre Royal opened on 10 October 1812 with a production of Hamlet. Over the years it has presented the work of Ivor Norvello (1931-1939), Rodgers and Hammerstein (1946-1958), and a Monty Python reunion show. In the 21st Century, it has played host to a number of successful musicals, including The Producers, Oliver! and Shrek. It is believed to be one of Britain’s most haunted theatres, with 4 different spirits sighted by actors backstage.

Past performances

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2013 -)
Shrek the Musical (2011)
Oliver! (2008)
The Lord of the Rings (2007)
The Producers (2004)
Anything Goes (2003)
The Witches of Eastwick (2000)
Miss Saigon (1989)
42nd Street (1984)
Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (1980)

Past performances

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2013 -)
Shrek the Musical (2011)
Oliver! (2008)
The Lord of the Rings (2007)
The Producers (2004)
Anything Goes (2003)
The Witches of Eastwick (2000)
Miss Saigon (1989)
42nd Street (1984)
Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (1980)

Past performances

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2013 -)
Shrek the Musical (2011)
Oliver! (2008)
The Lord of the Rings (2007)
The Producers (2004)
Anything Goes (2003)
The Witches of Eastwick (2000)
Miss Saigon (1989)
42nd Street (1984)
Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (1980)

Venue address

Catherine St, WC2B 5JF

Venue address

Catherine St, WC2B 5JF

Venue address

Catherine St, WC2B 5JF

How to get there

Metro

Covent Garden, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

16, 38, 52, 73, 82, 42, 148

Parking:

NCP Drury Lane. On street parking at Russell Street. Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

How to get there

Metro

Covent Garden, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

16, 38, 52, 73, 82, 42, 148

Parking:

NCP Drury Lane. On street parking at Russell Street. Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

How to get there

Metro

Covent Garden, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

16, 38, 52, 73, 82, 42, 148

Parking:

NCP Drury Lane. On street parking at Russell Street. Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

Seating plan

Seating plan

Seating plan

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Box office

0844 871 8810

Box office

0844 871 8810

Box office

0844 871 8810

The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.

The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.