For centuries, culture vultures have swooped in on Covent Garden. They obviously relished the area’s eclectic, ever-changing mix of opera, ballet, theatre and drama, from highbrow to mainstream, fringe and beyond; all tastes are catered for and all emotions are stirred. No other urban quarter in the world is home to two esteemed artistic companies – The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet – in addition to more than twenty thriving theatres in the vicinity.
📍Trafalgar Square
🗓 21st-22nd June
Presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, West End LIVE is returning to Trafalgar Square this June. Enjoy performances from London's most iconic West End musicals, from theatre's biggest stars.
Performing numbers from some of London's leading musicals and new must-see shows, West End LIVE is not one to miss this summer. The event is free, un-ticketed and managed on a first come, first served basis so make sure to leave plenty of time.
With performances from The Addams Family, Back to the Future The Musical, The Book of Mormon, Burlesque The Musical, Clueless, The Devil Wear Prada, SIX, Wicked and much more, discover the full line-up here.
The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history, playing to over 145 million people in 41 countries and 183 cities in 17 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the iconic title song.
Experience the wonder of Matilda The Musical in the West End, Roald Dahls's tale of an extraordinary child. Visit the Cambridge Theatre to see Tim Minchin's and the Royal Shakespeare Company's globally renowned stage show, featuring beloved songs Naughty, Quiet, Revolting Children and more.
Based on the beloved 1997 Disney film, Hercules is coming to the West End. Inspired by the animated film and based on the ancient myth, find yourself in a time of gods, mortals... and Hercules, who isn't quite either. Prepare for a column shaking, wise-cracking, underworld-rocking tale of adventure and self discovery as your night goes from Zero to Hero.
Visiting a West End show? Be sure to get your popcorn fix at Tavistock Street's grab and go, Godfrey's Popcorn. With a mix of classic handcrafted sweet and savoury flavours, plus their weekly specials - make sure you pop in.
Read our guide to the best Covent Garden restaurants for quick-service set menus ahead of your theatre experience. From Balthazar and Gaucho to SUSHISAMBA and Cora Pearl.
The words ‘Covent Garden’ have long been used as a synonym for British opera thanks to this beautiful and deeply historic venue which is home to two world-famous companies - The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet.
Originally built in 1858, the current Royal Opera House is the third incarnation of this high culture hub, and legends including Maria Callas, Margot Fonteyn, Luciano Pavarotti and Rudolf Nureyev have graced its stage.
A major reconstruction in the 1990s resulted in the creation of a series of beautiful, modern public spaces to complement the historic grandeur of Covent Garden’s main arena and further improvements are being planned.
Theatreland
Official London Theatre is home of the best theatre scene in the world. Whether you’re looking to visit one show in the capital this year or have a whole spreadsheet of London shows to see, Official London Theatre is where to book your tickets.
