The show must go on, and it definitely will at these London theatres!
After many months of no live theatre, weeks of online performances, and days of despair, theatres are slowly making a comeback. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. On August 1, theatres were given the green light to reopen, but many productions are yet to return to the West End – and some have already confirmed their postponement to 2021. Fortunately, there are a handful of London theatres that are already open and are providing us with the performances that we all want and deserve. Here’s where you can see live theatre in London right now, along with a few London theatres that are reopening in the next few weeks!
SEE ALSO: Whoopi Goldberg And Jennifer Saunders Will Star In ‘Sister Act’ In The West End Next Summer
London Theatres Open Right Now
1. Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre was one of the first theatres to open its doors post lockdown. It reopened with the world premiere of Sleepless: A Musical Romance, which is based on the romcom classic ‘Sleepless In Seattle’. The show is already running to some warm reviews, but it’ll end on September 27, so don’t waste any time if you want to see this enchanting performance. You may also recognise a face or two, with Kimberley Walsh and Jay McGuinness starring in the production. After Sleepless, comedian Jimmy Carr will keep audiences laughing with a handful of shows, before a new run of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night takes over from November 18.
3 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0SP. Nearest station is Wembley Park. More info here.
2. Bridge Theatre, London Bridge
The Bridge Theatre has also recently opened with a number of safety measures to keep patrons safe. Their autumn season consists of exclusively one-person performances, all of which will leave you speechless. To kick off the season is Beat The Devil, which has the tagline ‘A Covid Monologue’ – very on brand for 2020 if you ask me. It will be followed by a range of critically-acclaimed pieces including Talking Heads, An Evening With An Immigrant, Quarter Life Crisis, and Nine Lives (read all about them here). You have until October 31 to catch these incredible performances, and if I were you, I’d book sooner rather than later.
3 Potters Fields Park, London Bridge, SE1 2SG. Nearest stations are London Bridge and Tower Hill. More info here.
3. The Garden Theatre @ Eagle London, Vauxhall
The Garden Theatre (so-named because you’ll find it in the beer garden of LGBTQ+ venue The Eagle) has been open for a few weeks now and has been a godsend for those with a theatre-shaped hole in their hearts. This venue is nearing the end of its run of the musical romp Fanny and Stella, but Pippin will be taking over from September 8. Originally a Broadway show, Pippin captures the fantasy, fun and feel good factor of a musical performance: ‘There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meanings of glory, love and war in Stephens Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece.” And if that doesn’t sound like a great time, I don’t know what does.
349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5QY. Nearest station is Vauxhall. More info here.
Outdoor London Theatres Open Now
4. Regents Park Open Air Theatre
Your prayers have been answered because the infamous Jesus Chris Superstar: The Concert is back! The Regents Park Open Air Theatre is now open with social distancing, limited capacity and a concert that will blow your mind. This production was inspired by the 1970s rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and is loosely based on the last week of Jesus’ life. The theatre is anticipating a sellout of their much-loved production, and is offering those who don’t book in time the chance to enjoy the performance on a big-screen outside. Amen to that!
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU. Nearest stations are Regent’s Park and Baker Street. More info here.
5. The Turbine Theatre @ Coaling Jetty, Battersea
The Turbine Theatre, tucked next to Battersea Power Station, is one of London’s newest threates – and they’ve found a very creative way to stage performances post-lockdown. Moving to an outdoor space next to the venue (known as the Coaling Jetty) has allowed them to host a limited season of ‘The Turbine Theatre on the Jetty’. The season has already begun and is currently booking a variety of shows until September 19. Among them is a new production of Hair featuring some of the West End’s finest, Showstopper!, Catfish In Concert and The Barricade Boys. Tickets for each show are selling fast, so don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a performance with a backdrop of the River Thames.
Battersea Power Station Pier, SW8 4NR. Nearest station is Battersea Park (National Rail). More info here.
6. C-O-N-T-A-C-T, Multiple Locations
If you’re seeking a completely new and innovative way to experience theatre, C-O-N-T-A-C-T is the show for you. Previously a hit in Paris, C-O-N-T-A-C-T now journeys to the streets and parks of London, mixing immersive theatre and sensorial soundscapes to create a brand new theatrical show. It’s perfect for the socially-distanced times that we’re in, and begins with a woman sitting on a bench lost in though – from there, you’ll be able to walk the path shoulder-to-shoulder with the performers and watch the action unfold before your eyes. There are four starting locations across London to choose from, and shows run until October 10.
Four starting locations – find them all and more info here.
London Theatres Opening Soon
7. National Theatre, South Bank (opening October)
The National Theatre has really been a saving grace during lockdown. They provided us with theatrical performances to enjoy from the comfort of our own homes and free of charge! From next month though, we’ll be able to go back to the theatre that we all know and love for indoor productions. The first show will Death Of England: Delroy, a one-man play, which will be a sequel to the previously performed Death Of England. It’ll star Oliver Award-winner and crowd favourite, Giles Terera (previously Aaron Burr in Hamilton), and will commence in late October, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX. Nearest station is Waterloo. More info here.
8. Gatsby’s Mansion, Mayfair (opening October 1)
Britain’s longest running immersive experience will be back on October 1! Re-imagined and re-set to meet Covid-19 guidelines, The Great Gatsby immersive experience will transport you to the Roaring Twenties. You can expect champagne, drama and the perfect host – Jay Gatsby himself. This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale will not disappoint, it is Jazz-age hedonism at its finest. Just don’t forget to dress to impress – it is the party of the century after all!
56 Davies Street, Mayfair, W1K 5JF. Nearest station is Bond Street. More info here.
9. The Vaults, Waterloo (opening October 15)
Welcome to Hell on Earth, also known as immersive theatre romp Dante’s In Furlough. This production will transform Waterloo Vaults into the hedonistic depths of Hell. From October 15, you can join your demonic guide on your way to the Devil’s wedding, but you’ll need to consistently lie, sin, and cheat to prove yourself worthy of admittance. You will have 90 minutes to venture through this underground venue and you have been warned, this show is not for the faint hearted…
Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station is Waterloo. Find your tickets here.
10. St. Martins Theatre, Seven Dials (opening October 23)
The Mousetrap is returning to St Martin’s Theatre on October 23, and will be the first long-running London show to reopen its doors in the West End (hopefully it’ll be the first of many). The show is a thrilling murder mystery by Agatha Christie and it has all the plot twists you could ever dream of. And with nine shows a week, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to solve the mystery. Did you honestly think the pandemic could stop London’s longest-running show?
West Street, West End, WC2H 9NZ. Nearest station is Leicester Square. More info here.
We’ll keep you updated with more news about the return of London theatres, so keep checking this page!