Planning a night out in the heart of the city? Central London is packed with world-class theatres that offer something for everyone – big musicals, intimate plays, historic opera houses, and lively comedy venues.
We’ve pulled together a guide to the best theatres in Central London, organised by theme. Whether you’re taking the kids to their first show, searching for a classic musical, or curious about contemporary productions, this list will help you find a venue that’s suitable, accessible, and memorable.
Taking kids to the theatre is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Central London with family. These venues offer shows packed with colour, music, and characters that children know and love, while still keeping adults entertained.
Most are close to restaurants and nearby useful amenities, so it’s easy to plan a full day around the experience – from a matinee performance to exploring nearby landmarks.
★ Address: 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
★ Typical product: Musicals
★ On-going show: The Lion King — Disney’s long-running adaptation with music by Elton John and Tim Rice
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 2,100
★ Ticket range: £35–£150 depending on seating and date
★ Accessibility: Step-free access via a side entrance, wheelchair spaces available, captioned and signed performances scheduled regularly.
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★ Address: 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG
★ Typical product: Musicals
★ On-going show: Wicked — a reimagining of the Oz story that’s captivated audiences since 2006
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 2,328
★ Ticket range: £32–£155
★ Accessibility: Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and Sennheiser infrared hearing systems.
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★ Address: Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
★ Typical product: Musicals
★ On-going show: Matilda the Musical — Roald Dahl’s beloved story brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 1,231
★ Ticket range: £27.50 – £135 (Up to four children go half price with every full paying adult).
★ Accessibility: Step-free access to stalls, wheelchair spaces, captioned and audio-described performances.
For many visitors, the West End is synonymous with dazzling musicals. These theatres are home to productions that run for years, sometimes decades, and they’re central to any playhouse theatre guide worth its salt.
Expect big names, lavish staging, and unforgettable performances in some of London’s most famous venues.
★ Address: 268–269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter:0.25 mile, -minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Musicals, concerts, large-scale shows
★ On-going show: The Devil Wears Prada, A Fairytale for Christmas (hosted only on 23 November 2023).
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 2,069
★ Ticket range: £25–£140
★ Accessibility:
– Step-free access from street to auditorium, wheelchair seating in stalls, induction loop for hearing aid users.
– Access performances are available: Captioned, Audio described, BSL Interpreted.
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★ Address: Old Compton Street, London W1D 4HS
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.4 mile, 12-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Musicals
★ On-going show: Mary Poppins returned for recent seasons, with Disney blockbusters rotating
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 1,716
★ Ticket range: £35–£150
★ Accessibility: Step-free entry to auditorium, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, headsets for audio enhancement.
Some theatres are more than entertainment spaces – they’re living pieces of history. Visiting these landmarks offers a glimpse into London’s cultural legacy while enjoying world-class performances.
They’re ideal for a memorable night out, especially if you’re searching for romantic activities or simply want a deeper connection to the city’s performing arts heritage. And because these theatres sit within easy reach of Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, they’re also convenient if you’re looking for things to do near Goodge Street.
★ Address: Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.9 mile, 18-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Opera, ballet, concerts
★ On-going show:
– Tosca (11 September – 7 October 2025): Opera
– Like Water for Chocolate (1 – 24 October 2025): Ballet
– The Magic Flute (10 October – 3 November 2025): Opera
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 2,256
★ Ticket range: £10–£200+ depending on seat and production
★ Accessibility: Step-free access, lifts to all levels, wheelchair spaces, infra-red hearing system, accessible performances scheduled.
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★ Address: Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 1 mile, 19-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Musicals, large-scale plays
★ On–going show: Disney’s Hercules the Musical (Disney’s production with lavish staging and family appeal)
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 2,196
★ Ticket range: £29.50 – £162 (ticket is a bit more expensive at night)
★ Accessibility: Level access via Russell Street, wheelchair spaces in stalls, accessible toilets, captioned and signed shows available.
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Not all stages in Central London are about big musicals or grand opera. Some thrive on innovation, offering bold new writing, stand-up comedy, and socially engaged productions.
These theatres are valued not just as performance spaces but as cultural hubs – each venue is smaller, more personal, and often more inclusive, making them popular with audiences who want something fresh and different.
★ Address: 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.2 mile, 6-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: New writing, stand-up comedy, cabaret
★ On-going show: Regular programme of new plays and acclaimed comedians; upcoming highlights include Edinburgh Fringe transfers.
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 140–400 across three spaces (Main House, Studio, Upstairs)
★ Ticket range: £8 – £32, with concessions available.
★ Address: 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 3 miles, 10-minute drive.
★ Typical product: Contemporary plays, experimental productions, international collaborations
★ On-going show: Rotating programme of bold new theatre:
– Punch West End 22 Sep – 29 Nov 2025
– Museum of Austerity 5 Dec 2025 – 16 Jan 2026
– Broken Glass 21 Feb – 18 April 2026
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 420 in the Main House, with flexible studio spaces
★ Ticket range: £10–£45 (with discounts for under-25s and local residents)
★ Accessibility: Level access to all spaces, wheelchair seating, accessible toilets, captioned and audio-described performances.
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Not every theatre trip needs to be grand or serious — sometimes you just want a good laugh or a light-hearted night out. Central London has several venues that specialise in comedy, satire, and feel-good productions. These theatres are especially suitable if you’re looking for an easygoing evening with friends, a date, or even a first introduction to live performance.
★ Address: 85 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AP
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.7 miles, 18-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Comedies, plays, occasional musicals
★ On-going show:
– The Importance of Being Earnest 18 September 2025 – 10 January 2026
– Note: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is at least 18 years old.
– Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted.
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 872
★ Ticket range: £25–£130
★ Accessibility: Level access to the auditorium, wheelchair spaces in stalls, accessible toilets, infra-red hearing systems
★ Address: 218–223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.7 miles, 18-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Comedies, long-running farces
★ On-going show: Titaníque (09 Sep 2025 – 04 Jan 2026)
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 588
★ Ticket range: £15–£80
★ Accessibility: Street-level entry via Jermyn Street, wheelchair spaces in stalls, accessible toilets.
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★ Address: 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH
★ Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.7 miles, 18-minute leisure walk.
★ Typical product: Comedy plays, cabaret, lighter musicals
★ On-going show: Recent seasons include Six the Musical Winner of two 2022 Tony Awards!
★ Seating capacity: Approx. 690
★ Ticket range: £20–£100
★ Accessibility: Level access through side entrance, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, captioned shows available
After exploring the great stages of Central London, Fitzrovia is a rewarding place to wind down. The neighbourhood blends its artistic past with a lively present, offering independent galleries, and public art like the Mural on Mortimer. Its central location near Oxford Circus makes it easy to add to any theatre trip, whether you’re arriving early for dinner or staying late for drinks.
