What is the West End, London's theatre district?

West End is a part of London particularly known for its theatres, which host some of the world's most popular musicals. It should be noted that the West End has no clearly defined geographical boundaries, as it is a term used by Londoners to refer to an area encompassing several specific neighbourhoods.

How can I book tickets for a musical in London?

The easiest way to book tickets for a musical or show is through the London Musicals website. With English-language advice and customer service, and genuine transparency on ticket prices (which is rare), it is probably the best online booking site.

Location and attractions

London's West End includes various neighbourhoods known as "districts". The Westminster district, home to Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace, lends the area its prestigious aura. However, the other districts are just as lively: Covent Garden, St James's, Bloomsbury, Soho and Mayfair, to name a few. This part of London is home to financial buildings, museums, galleries and numerous shops.

Famous places in the West End include the Oxford Circus shopping district, Covent Garden with its market, and Leicester Square. Tourist attractions include Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner, the National Gallery and certain streets that are very popular with shopping enthusiasts, such as St Christopher's Place.

The West End theatres

But if the West End is so well known, it is above all for its numerous theatres. Along with Broadway in New York, it is one of the best places in the world to see musicals, with around forty theatres to choose from. These venues present stories to suit all tastes, reflecting all genres from comedy to tragedy and including family shows and classical or contemporary plays. Take a look at the street signs and you will see the word 'Theatreland', which highlights the importance of theatres in this neighbourhood!

Some of these theatres have a rich history, while others are famous for the plays performed there. Here is a non-exhaustive overview:

• The Apollo Victoria Theatre has been staging Wicked since 2006. Formerly a variety theatre and cinema, it is now home to the popular musical.
• Her Majesty's Theatre has been home to the romantic musical The Phantom of the Opera since 1986.
• The Lyceum Theatre is famous for having hosted actors John Irving and Ellen Terry, as well as Bram Stoker, who was its financial director. It has been showing The Lion King since 1999.
• The St Martin's Theatre has been hosting Agatha Christie's crime play The Mousetrap since 1974.
• The Palace Theatre opened as the Royal English Opera House, which was an opera house rather than a theatre. It then became a variety theatre before hosting various musicals, including the famous Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables. Today, it stages both parts of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
• The Queen's Theatre has seen Fred Astaire, Marlene Dietrich and Stephen Fry grace its stage and has been showing Les Misérables since 2004.
• The Palace Theatre, formerly a concert hall, has presented numerous plays, as well as the hugely popular Billy Elliot the Musical. It is currently enjoying the success of the musical Hamilton.

As you stroll through the West End, you will soon realise that an illuminated theatre façade, decorated with the colours and posters of the shows currently playing, awaits you around every corner! So keep your eyes peeled as you wander through one of London's most enchanting neighbourhoods!