Invested

We are visiting London for the first time and would enjoy an evening at the theater. If you had to choose a venue where would you go? Before the performance where would you dine? We will be in London April 6-10. Also, a best walking tour guide you could recommend.

KyraS

Bear in mind that I tend to enjoy straight theatre more than musical theatre.

I'd start by seeing what's on at the Globe (both the outdoor theatre and the indoor Wanamaker) and the National (all stages).

Then, in no particular order, I'd check what's on at the Almeida, Young Vic, Barbican, Old Vic, Trafalgar Studios, Royal Court, Southwark Playhouse, Tricycle, the Donmar Warehouse, and Wilton's Music Hall. There are more venues than that, of course.

You can also Google "London theatre" for some websites with listings.

If there is something you particularly want to see, book in advance. If you just want to take potluck, there is the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. I would only buy tickets directly from the theatre (website or box office), or TKTS. Don't use any of the dodgy resellers around Leicester Square.

Hope you find something you enjoy.

mjs

I do not choose what to see by venue but by performance. Where to dine depends on where the theatre is. Does not the play or the musical or performers make any difference to you?

KyraS

Yes, as mjs said I'd choose the performance first, and then think about where to eat.

For walking tours, see the excellent London Walks company.

janisj

There are MANY theatres in London, and thousands of restaurants -- many of which do pre-theatre menus.

No one can answer your question really - any single night you would have a choice of 40 or 50+ plays, shows, concerts -- and that doesn't even count the off-West End venues.

This is one of several good sites to see what's running

https://www.londontheatre.co.uk

michelhuebeli

"I do not choose what to see by venue but by performance. "

The Globe is one of those iconic venues where it's common for visitors to choose the venue first and then - unless the production is just totally going against one's grain - a performance is picked. Nothing wrong with that - just like going to the Musikverein in Vienna after seeing many a NYE concert broadcast from there, no matter what the concert program will be, or to La Scala in Milan, no matter what's on at the time of one's visit.

In April the Globe only has performances at the Wanamaker. www.shakespearesglobe.com/wondernoir

dpgates

We saw a bit of theatre when were were in London last April. I thoroughly recommend anything you can see in the Wanamaker Theatre at the Globe (we saw Pericles). Shakespeare by candlelight in a theatre constructed as in his time. It was an outstanding experience! I believe tickets book up rather quickly as we booked well ahead of our trip and still wound up with some of the last spots (standing!) in the house.

Southam

http://theatremonkey.com/ has useful advice on the theatres (including seat selection) as well as what's playing in them.
http://www.timeout.com/london covers the theatre scene as well as dining, etc.
Once you have chosen where you are going, look it up on Google Maps which will show you some of the eating and drinking possibilities in the vicinity, although it does not rate quality. ViaMichelin connects its maps to its famous restaurant ratings.

flanneruk

For the overwhelming majority of visitors to London, a visit to the Globe or the Wanamaker is the very opposite of a "must"

Even if you're in the distinct minority interested in seeing outstanding productions of high-quality mainstream drama or Shakespeare, the National Theatre, or any commercial theatre showing productions originally created by the National Theatre or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, are likely to be far more to your taste. As is almost anything at the other major not-for profit venues listed by KyraS.

The Globe and the Wanamaker, to my mind, are in roughly the same category as watching performances of the great classical Athenian playwrights in the original Attic, while sitting on the original stone benches: laudable, historically interesting, bloody uncomfortable, good for character building but not a particularly promising introduction to one of the world's great cultural institutions.

And all the places listed are rarely any use at all if you want to see a spectacular musical, an opulent opera, a jolly 19th century operetta or a truly challenging depiction of real life in the seedier parts of 21st century London.

All available in scores of other locations.

Though the NT's staging

KyraS

I did warn the OP that I was more interested in plays than musical theatre, but apologies to the OP if that is what they wanted and I didn't give them recommendations. I operate on the assumption that anyone can find out that Lion King and Jersey Boys and Disney something are playing in London, and buy tickets for those if that is what they want, but of course it's not wise to make assumptions.

I was definitely remiss in not mentioning the excellent Theatre Monkey website.

I also assume that if someone is interested in opera, ballet, jazz, choral music, comedy, burlesque, classical music, a lecture, modern dance, or whatever, that they have the sense to either mention it, or Google it. But again, OP, if there is something particular you're after and you can't find the information, please speak up.

The website of Time Out London, while not perfect, does at least give an idea of the range of performances available in London--which is staggering.

There is no one theatre website for London that stands out for me. Janis, I will have a look at one you recommend. I tend to just search individual theatre's websites, and am on the email list for several.

I suppose I must be the distinct minority who enjoys the Globe and the Wanamaker. I agree that the seats at the Globe are wretchedly uncomfortable, which is why I stand (that, and the irresistible price). I understand that is not an option for everyone. The Wanamaker is just as bad or worse in terms of comfort, and Flanner is correct that this should be pointed out to anyone who might attend. If you do get seats at the Globe, rent the cushions! I will share my painkillers with you.

It's also fair to say that the current season at the Globe has gotten an interesting reception. (I'm hoping to be able to see one of Ms Rice's productions for myself this summer, so I know what all the fuss is about, before her departure.) So before booking anything at the Globe, definitely look into the production so you know what you'll be seeing. Don't assume it will be what you are expecting.

For anyone who is not aware, the National Theatre does a series of cinema broadcasts, not unlike the Met Opera broadcasts. These are available in cinemas worldwide, including the States. It's worth a look on their website to see if anything is available near you. While not the same as attending in person, they are generally well produced. I happen to live in a location with a dearth of theatre and I'd rather watch the NT broadcasts than nothing. http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Invested

This is wonderful information to use for planning our theater/opera visit. We enjoy all types of venues for a "night out" on the town. We appreciate all the great information and look forward to all that London has to offer. Thank You!