Best Theatres in Piccadilly Circus
THEATRES IN LONDON
If you are a theatre buff like myself, then you should definitely consider paying Piccadilly and the West End of London a visit.
Piccadilly Circus, London
The West Est is an area of London that covers Oxford Street, Marble Arch, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Mayfair and Piccadilly. It is home to the London theatre district which, alongside New York Broadway, is one of the best-known theatre and art hubs in the world.
The Birts have been loving their plays since the 16th century, when the first public playhouse, ‘The Theatre’, opened in Shoreditch.
Most of the theatres in the West End do however date back to the Victorian or Edwardian era and, even if you are not planning on catching a show, are gorgeous to look at.
Most venues would run two performances a day, especially on weekends: a matinee (daytime) and a soiree (evening time). This makes it very easy to fit a show (or a few!) into your travel plans.
If your heart is set on a specific show, you may want to consider booking your seats in advance, however, if you are in a spontaneous mood, you will be able to find some cheap last-minute deals (more on this later).
Pro tip: restaurants in the theatre districts often offer a ‘theatre menu’ for a limited amount of time pre and post a show, which is usually great value and pretty tasty!
BEST THEATRES IN PICCADILLY
Piccadilly is in the heart of the West End and therefore a great starting point to discover more of the London theatre and entertainment scene.
These are some of my favourite theatres in Piccadilly Circus and its proximity.
CRITERION THEATRE.
Right in the centre of Piccadilly Circus, this charity-run theatre is currently showing 2:22 a Ghost Story. This goosebumps-inducing play is sure to keep you glued to your seat (except for a few jump-scares!) and stars Tom Felton as the male lead (Draco, is that you?)
Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus
PICCADILLY THEATRE
First opened in 1928, the Piccadilly Theatre is one of the largest in London and very conveniently located in Trocadero, a couple of minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus tube station. It is currently showing Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a jukebox musical with songs by Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Elton John.
Piccadilly Circus, Piccadilly Circus
ST MARTIN’S THEATRE
Located in between Soho and Covent Garden, St Martin’s Theatre has staged the theatre adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap since 1974. A murder mystery play, The Mousetrap holds the impressive record of being the longest-running show in the world and it is a personal favourite of yours truly (I might or might not have watched this show up to 4 times..). But I won’t tell you whodunit!
SONDHEIM THEATRE
Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, it opened its doors in 1907 and was reamed in 2019 after Stephen Sondheim. It is currently showing Les Miserables, a true classic and a solid choice if you love a good musical but are unsure where to start
LYCEUM THEATRE
The Lion King is another excellent choice if you are looking to catch an awe-inducing musical. Based on the classic Disney film, everything about this musical is absolutely stunning: music, choreography, costumes…you won’t want to miss this if you are in London! And the Lyceum Theatre is just as gorgeous, with its white columns, and located just a couple minute walk from Covent Garden tube station.
FORTUNE THEATRE
Since 1989 the Fortune Theatre, in Covent Garden, has staged the production of The Woman in Black, one of the longest-running plays in London. The Woman in Black is a supernatural horror story based on the novel by Susan Hill, and not one for the faint of heart, but perfect for the thrill-seeking ones.
PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE:
The Prince of Wales Theatre is very easy to reach, as it’s based just off Leicester Square and a few minute’s walk from Piccadilly Circus. Currently showing the irreverent award-winning musical The Book of Mormons.
Prince of Wales Theatre, Leicester Square
HOW TO SECURE A GOOD DEAL
If you have some time to plan your journey and itinerary, booking your theatre tickets online is a great option that will allow you to choose the show time that better suits your plans and the seats that better suit your budget.
Tickets usually vary quite considerably in price depending on the seats you choose. If you are looking to save some pennies you may want to pick a seat towards the back of the upper circle: they are still great seats, and you will be able to fully enjoy the show on a budget.
If you have a free afternoon or evening in London, you should look into bagging some last-minute deals. Head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last-minute discounted tickets, or check out websites such as Lastminute.com or todaytix.
You could also try your luck at the theatre box office on the day of the performance: venues sometimes try to fill unsold seats by discounting the ticket’s price! Just be aware that this is a riskier option, and you may not be able to see the show at all.
WHERE TO STAY
If you are looking for a super convenient and affordable place to stay after you enjoyed a night at the theatre, Zedwell is the perfect option for you.
Zedwell is based only a couple of minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus tube station and therefore within walking distance of all the West End theatres.
You will be able to relax in one of our soundproof and windowless cocoons and enjoy a regenerating night’s sleep after an exciting day out.