London. The capital of England and the United Kingdom. Home to almost 15 million residents with a history of nearly 2,000 years. It's an epicenter of theatre, culture, and arts, and one of my most favorite cities in the world. And similar to Broadway, London has iconic theatres that are an integral part of performing arts history. With over 40 theatres in the West End alone, there is a plethora of opportunities to see musicals, plays, and live performances across the city.
半岛体育 and the all-new are excited to take a look at some of our favorite London sights, in the hopes we can help you discover new and exciting experiences. With iconic landmarks, pubs, shopping, parks, and more, this city has unlimited offerings for audiences of all ages.
A wise friend once told me, 鈥淭he best way to learn about a city is to ask the people that live there.鈥� And true that is! I have asked five friends who've performed in the West End to share some of their favorite things to do and places to visit.
The actors kind enough to share their tips with me are: Marisha Wallace (Two-time Olivier Award nominated actress for Oklahoma! and Guys and Dolls, and soon to appear as 鈥淪heriff of Nottingham鈥� in London Palladium鈥檚 pantomime production of Robin Hood), Zachary James (Grammy Award-winning actor currently starring in the West End production of Hadestown through October 13), Caissie Levy: (Recent Olivier Award nominee for Next to Normal and will be seen in the upcoming New York City Center Encores! Production of Ragtime), Rob Madge (Olivier Award nominee for My Son鈥檚 a Queer (But What Can You Do?) and soon to be seen in London Palladium鈥檚 pantomime production of Robin Hood), and Jade Marvin (currently starring in the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber鈥檚 Starlight Express).
Read on below for their take on some of London's greatest offerings!
1. Take in A Live Show
Marisha Wallace: "There is so much to see and it鈥檚 not all on one street! was in London Bridge at the Bridge Theatre miles away from the central part of town, but still part of West End. So, make sure you do research. Also, the ticket prices are way more affordable than Broadway, so you can even see the same shows for less."
2. See the Sights
Zachary James: "I always take visitors on a walk starting at Trafalgar Square, entering the (which has free admission like most of London鈥檚 museums) and the neighboring (a stunning church from the 1700s), then across the bridge to Waterloo, walking along South Bank to the iconic Tower Bridge with stops at the and . Back in Central London, your other must-see places include with a browse through of (one of London鈥檚 famous department stores) and, of course, , best paired with a picnic in the iconic .
Wallace: "Explore . It鈥檚 cute and quaint and gives you that Mary Poppins market feel. Especially at Christmas time, it is magic. Also, it is right next to the Drury Lane Theatre and all the shows on the Strand at the Savoy and the Adelphi. I used to love walking through there when I did Dreamgirls鈥攔eally incredible food and shopping. If you go, visit Neal鈥檚 Yard鈥攕uper Instagramable and the best pizza."
Rob Madge: ": I hold such special memories as a child hiding away in the theatre section here. I鈥檇 nestle myself in amongst the books, like Matilda (but with nicer parents). There are countless scripts, scores and librettos and I鈥檇 spend hours soaking it all in. This place is one of the reasons I fell in love with writing, theatre, specifically."
Jade Marvin: ": The art installations are always so pretty. I grab a coffee and sit if I need to kill some time; it鈥檚 a really good meeting place too!"
3. Dine Like Royalty
Wallace: "Get a pistachio croissant and coffee or an espresso martini at 鈥攎y favorite caf茅 in Leicester Square. I go here all the time. A little Italian caf茅 that is so good and hidden in the middle of everything. It鈥檚 right across from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and a quick hop to the shows. Also, head to the rooftop bar. Stunning views and the drinks are pretty reasonable. Perfect for pre-show drinks."
Caissie Levy: "The one thing I so recommend: in Leicester Square all the way! Best oysters and martinis in town, and the best vibe post-show!"
James: "London has some of the best Indian food on the planet. My top recommendation is in Soho. Their contemporary take on Indian cuisine takes familiar flavors of South Asia to exciting new heights. I recommend asking the very welcoming staff for their favorite dishes. If it鈥檚 cocktails you crave, pre- or post-show, look no further than . Their creative cocktail menu pays homage to the history of the neighborhood and the celebs who hung out there with drinks like 鈥淎 Pair of Silk Stockings,鈥� in honor of Virginia Woolf; 鈥淭aboo,鈥� inspired by the shenanigans of Oscar Wilde; and 鈥淐hina Girl,鈥� a nod to David Bowie. If you go, tell them Zach sent you!
Marvin: "鈥擨 love this place for its happy hour cocktail teapots! A great (and cheap for the starving actor) place to catch up, debrief and get the latest gossip! Also, at Charing Cross Road鈥攈eading up into this cafe after wandering around the floors smelling that new book smell and settling in with a hot chocolate and my Kindle is my favorite way to spend a few hours after an audition."
4. Enjoy the Nightlife
Wallace: "If you want to get your groove on after a show, head down to . You will find drag queens, and 鈥淲est End Wendy鈥檚鈥� having a drink and a dance. Monday nights are incredible! They usually have drag shows and singers at the Kinky Cabaret. I used to go there and sing for fun. You never know who you will see. It鈥檚 like if New York鈥檚 iconic Marie鈥檚 Crisis and Industry had a baby."
James: "For off-the-beaten-path theatre, check out , with late night offerings of comedy and cabaret, a favorite stage of many drag performers. And if you gag for drag, is the place for you where you can catch some authentically gritty London drag acts and sing your heart out at karaoke to a very appreciative crowd. If cabaret is your thing, travel back in time at , tucked in the lower level of the former Regent Palace Hotel, once the largest hotel in Europe."
Madge: ": This is one of the West End鈥檚 most warm, welcoming theatre bars. I鈥檝e spent many a karaoke night here. One of my favourite memories is when the entire Navy popped in鈥t was a late Sunday night, they were stationed nearby, and the Phoenix was the only bar open. I doubt the military would have usually opted for a camp old theatre bar, but we had them tap dancing to Anything Goes in no time. (We really did. The minute they all descended the staircase in their sailor-esque uniforms I screamed, 鈥淗I SUTTON FOSTER!鈥�).
Interested in a trip to London? Using 半岛体育's to find the right hotel for your stay. Powered by , the booking engine allows you to discover the best hotels in both cities, with added benefits like hotel credits, free breakfasts, rewards points, and more. Check out the fantastic hotels across London available to book and make your experience in London that much more enjoyable!
