West End Theatres - London’s Art Capital
If you happen to be an art lover then this is one place to go for. The whole scenario is fabulous and the buildings which are of Victorian era gives the theatres in West end a distinct presence. “Theatreland” is a hub of theatres which is more than 40. Being a tourist attraction this place is always lively.
West End has seen a huge increase in number of tourist coming here as in 2002 the number easily passed the 12 million mark. West End has a prime location and it is sometimes defined by Regent Street to the west, Kingsway to the east, Oxford Street to the north and the Strand to the south. Many theatres like The Palace theatre have strong presence which gives you an idea about the past. Recently renovated, the globe is another masterpiece which is famous since Shakespeare’s time. There are many shows running hand in hand which gives you an option throughout the day.
Many shows have cult status as they are running for more than 20 years or so. The Queens theatre was the home to the Longest running musical show “Les Miserables” which ran for 8,949 shows and 21 years. However “The Mousetrap” and Agatha Christie play is the longest running play ever and it has been showing since 1952.
Some of the major West End Theatres in London are:
Apollo Theatre: The Apollo Theatre situated in Shaftesbury Avenue was opened in February, 1901, and has been consistently dedicated to musical pieces. The Apollo is one of the very few freehold theatres in London.
The Arts Theatre: The Arts Theatre is renowned for producing new, and often quite controversial, plays, and has had many successes over the years.
The Crieterion Theatre: The theatre was opened in 1874. The notable thing about the Criterion Theatre is that almost the entire building is underground and even the upper Circle can't be reached without going down stairs.
New London Theatre: The auditorium of New London Theatre has the capacity of accommodating 3000 people. The ground floor has the orchestra stalls and pit stalls and whole theatre is carpeted.
The Victoria Palace Theatre: The theatre has modern WC facilities, dressing rooms, and a bar on the ground floor and has the seating capacity of 1550 people.
West End has all it takes to be a hot spot and it is but there are some lacunae as well. Mostly privately owned these theatres are far behind modern theatres in providing facilities. Toilets and bars are often small than what we see in modern theatres.
Apart from watching plays and musical shows you can always opt for many restaurants and bars nearby which adds up to your memorable visit to London. There is no better time than now West End theatres are calling you just be there and let the music play.
One can also visit to some of the leading non-commercial theatres in London, such as the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic, the Globe Theatre, the Young Vic, the Almeida Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, and the Open Air Theatre, most of which are not located in "Theatreland", arguably enjoy greater artistic prestige. These theatres stage work of Shakespeare and other classic plays and premieres.
If you don't want to miss any show or play in West End theatres then stay in nearby London Hotels to get to the theatres easily and on time.
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