It’s not hard to see why ticket sales are still strong today. National Theatre at Home launched on YouTube on April 2, and since, every Thursday (7pm BST/2pm EST) has seen a new play released – free to watch for one week – … Recommended for ages seven and above. In John Leguizamo's Road to Broadway, viewers go behind-the-scenes of Leguizamo's Tony-nominated one-man show, Latin History for Morons. We promote London and attract businesses, events, congresses, students and visitors to the capital. They also have a variety of dance-related documentaries available. It truly lives up to its name as well, having hosted every monarch since Charles II. In 2018 the show marked another phenomenal milestone of 27,500 performances. The show matches Victor Hugo’s heart-wrenching tale of the French Revolution with unforgettable music by Claude-Michel Schönberg. Take a look below for our pick of some of the very best family-friendly shows. There are a few offerings of feature films inspired by Broadway shows including Jersey Boys, Burlesque, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Hairspray. The Mousetrap has been continuously showing in the West End since 1952, smashing the record for the longest running show in British history in 1957 and making it impossible for anyone to beat ever since. For those looking for something more traditional, there's also: Sound of Music, An American in Paris: The Musical, Kinky Boots, and Much Ado About Nothing. Theatre sizes range from around 500 seats to the London Palladium’s impressive 2286 seats. A performance venue has existed on the same site since 1663, though previous Theatre Royal buildings were either demolished for refurbishment or ruined by fire. Today, the institution is owned by the king of musicals himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber. London: Home of the best theatre scene in the world. Which is the oldest theatre in London’s West End? However, some of these theatres are small, independent venues which don’t host big musical productions typically associated with the term ‘West End theatre’. Some can be streamed free of charge, others are free for a limited time, while more are available for a membership fee. A different audience, a different reaction from an actor, a new detail you didn’t discover first time round and, if you plan on returning to London at a later date, perhaps even a different cast entirely. West End shows attract more than 15 million tourists and Londoners through their doors every year. The shows are free but donations are gladly accepted. Their Audible Theatre tab lists their selection of performances, live stagings, and new voices. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz and how one came to be called "good" and the other, "wicked". Tune into world-class concerts, plays and performances with our Virtually London guide, while London theatres are temporarily closed due to coronavirus. Children under the age of five are not permitted. 7493460. This family show is practically perfect in every way! © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. 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. Each production will be free and screened live every Thursday at noon PT and will be available on-demand for seven days. Many shows are aimed at all ages, such as Wicked and Tim Minchin’s Matilda, offering a memorable experience that the whole family can enjoy, while the introduction of shows like The Book of Mormon have proved the popularity for side-splitting adult humour on stage. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the little girl with an extraordinary imagination. The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in Covent Garden is not just the oldest theatre in the West End, but the whole of London. As well as holding the record for the longest running West End musical, and second longest running musical in the world, it is decorated with multiple Olivier Awards including taking home the Audience Award for Most Popular Show in both 2012 and 2014. Why? Add to Watchlist. This U.K. company features a large collection of ballet, opera, contemporary dance, and theater from prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Teatro Real.