By Mitch Rice
Theatre has been a part of London life for centuries. It is one of the things that make the city so vibrant and exciting. There are all sorts of different theatres to choose from, whether you want to see a world-famous musical or play, or something more experimental.
The West End
All across the city, theatres are putting on shows to entertain Londoners and visitors alike. But, the main action takes place in the West End when it comes to theatre. This is where you’ll find some of the most famous theatres and shows in the world.
When we mention the West End, most people automatically think of musicals. And it’s true that there are some incredible musicals on offer. Shows like Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera have been wowing audiences for years.
Theatres Big and Small
But the West End is about so much more than musicals. There are also plays, operas, ballets, and more. And as well as being home to some of the best theatres in the world, the West End is also where you’ll find the largest ones. The English National Opera’s London Coliseum seats an incredible 2,359 people, while the London Palladium holds a whopping 2,286 seats.
If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, don’t worry – there are plenty of smaller theatres to choose from too. For a start, there’s the Arts Theatre, which has a capacity of just 350 seats. Then there’s the Fortune Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre, which have a capacity of 440 and 450, respectively.
After the Show
Of course, once the play is over, there are plenty of other things to do in the West End. There are countless bars, restaurants, and clubs to keep you entertained into the early hours. First and foremost among these is the bustling Hippodrome Casino, right in the middle of it all. This colossal venue features bars, restaurants, live music venues and, of course, casinos. Gaming is spread over five floors, with three different casinos to choose from.
These are the Grand Casino, Lola’s Casino and The Gods Casino. The Grand Casino is the largest of the three, and features an incredible 360-degree view of the magnificent auditorium, including the original theatre’s Minstrels Gallery 60ft above. Lola’s Casino has a more intimate feel, with a 12 metre high-definition screen to view your play. And The Gods Casino is adjacent to the Rooftop Terrace and is the only place in Central London where you can find a Dice Table.
In these three casinos, you can enjoy all sorts of different games, from slots and electronic games to world-class table gaming. For example, there are a vast number of roulette tables to choose from, although the choice is not as big as on some of the online roulette sites out there.
And if gambling isn’t your thing, don’t worry; the Hippodrome is still the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two. There are eight bars to choose from, including the spectacular Rooftop Terrace, which offers unrivalled views of the West End.
Then there’s the excellent Lower Gods Bar, which has a wonderful selection of drinks and is adjacent to the Lower Gods gaming terrace, to name just a couple.
So, whatever you’re looking for, the West End is sure to have it. There’s something for everyone, from world-famous musicals to smaller, more intimate plays. And with so many bars, restaurants, and clubs to enjoy after the show, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
