Theatre Royal Drury Lane Tours

Please note: Theatre Royal Drury Lane is currently closed for renovation. The reopening is scheduled for fall 2020.
Dating to the 17th century, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of London’s oldest theaters. It's hosted performances ranging from Shakespeare to Monty Python for more than 350 years. Today, the venue is a West End institution, known for hosting musical productions by greats such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Ivor Novello, and Noël Coward.
The Basics
The best way to experience the theater is with a show. Book in advance to secure seats, opting for a matinee or evening performance to suit your schedule. Alternatively, explore behind the scenes with a guide for access to restricted spaces and deeper insight into the site’s architectural history. Many themed city tours include visits to this historic location—whether you’re a horror hunter or disco diva, you have options.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a must for theater lovers.
- The venue has wheelchair-accessible seating in the stalls, adapted bathrooms, and a level-access entrance on Russell Street.
- The theater is one of the West End’s most popular, so it’s a good idea to book ahead to guarantee tickets, though last-minute deals are sometimes available.
How to Get There
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a short walk from Covent Garden and Holborn underground stations, and about 10 minutes from Charing Cross mainline station on foot. Several local buses stop along the Strand. Evening or weekend theatergoers can benefit from Q-Park's Theatreland Parking Scheme, which offers discounted parking to theater ticket holders.
When to Get There
Visitors with kids or busy evenings can take advantage of matinee shows, while worn-out sightseers can unwind after a busy day with an evening performance.
ENSA Headquarters and a Lucky Escape
During World War II, Theatre Royal Drury Lane served as headquarters for the Entertainments National Service Association. ENSA was set up to entertain the armed forces during the war. Performances were prepared at the theater, and then broadcast or toured across Allied territories. Despite fear of bombing, the stars and staff worked tirelessly on the shows. One night, a bomb did fall, though no one died. Part of the bomb is displayed at the theater.
Address: Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF, England
Admission: Varies
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Theatre Royal Drury Lane
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West End Musicals Silent Disco Tour
Love musicals? This interactive walking tour won’t just whisk you away to some of the West End’s top theaters—it will also come with a soundtrack. Meet your guide in Central London, and grab a headset. During your 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) walk, you’ll discover the West End’s key landmarks, will learn insider stories and facts from your guide, and will listen to different show tunes along the way—singing and dancing are warmly encouraged.
…More
From
$33.17
From
$33.17
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

London's Grime & Punishment Tour
Journey to London’s secret underworld on a walking tour that focuses on the capital’s macabre past. Perfect for visitors seeking an alternative sightseeing experience, this tour reveals London’s gruesome history and gives you an intimate glimpse into the city as you explore areas such as Seven Dials. Drury Lane, ad Covent Garden on foot.
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From
$22.11
From
$22.11

Bad boys of Britain
• Learn which king had six wives
• Hear Stories about a 19th-century fashionista who gambled all his money
• Discover why George IV asked for brandy on his wedding night
• Hear for what Oskar Wilde was imprisoned
• Discover what is similar between Mick Jagger and Charles II? (illegitimate children)
• How many mistresses had Charles II?
…More
From
$85.29
From
$85.29

London Lights: Discover how culture has shaped the city on an audio tour
Take the lead in a tour of London's historical cultural influences through time with the helping hand of me, blogger Shaun Nolan!
"Light the Lights" takes you on a self-guided audio tour from the Embankment, up Charing Cross Road, into Covent Garden, along the Strand and back to Leicester Square. As you walk, I'll tell you everything you need to know about the history of the beautiful buildings you see and the amazing people who have walked the same pavements as you.
London has forever been shaped by the culture that has influenced it. Famous creatives like Charles Dickens and Henry Irving have spent a lot of their lives in the city, being influenced by the environment and atmosphere. And it's not just a writer's playground - modern designers, intelligent innovators and important names have also helped to shape the city.
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From
$5.00
From
$5.00

One Week English School and British Culture Program in London
Our London short term package programs involving science, art, culture, sports, fashion, trade, finance and fun, include 15-hours of active English Training in our language school which received the award for the best language school in London in 2015, and through which we host our students with English host families. In the programs, our students are accompanied for 24 hours, we include a different West End Musical every year; we integrate our students with socio-cultural life of the city. Our program includes visits to the most important attractions of London such as Petticoat Lane, Holborn, Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, Downing Street No:10, Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, St.Serpentine Lake, Knightsbridge, Harrods, Thames River, London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, London Dungeon and many many more.
Explore London while studying in English in the heart of the world's capital. We are here for you to have this lovely experience!
…More
From
$5,113.20
Price varies by group size
From
$5,113.20
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Science, Sports, Culture English Language Programme in London
Our London short term package programs involving science, art, culture, sports, fashion, trade, finance and fun, include 15-hours of active English Training in our language school which received the award for the best language school in London in 2015, and through which we host our students with English host families. In the programs, our students are accompanied for 24 hours, we include a different West End Musical every year; we integrate our students with socio-cultural life of the city. Our program includes visits to the most important attractions of London such as Petticoat Lane, Holborn, Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, Downing Street No:10, Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, St.Serpentine Lake, Knightsbridge, Harrods, Thames River, London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, London Dungeon and many many more.
This program is a perfect choice to explore London's highlights while studying in English in the heart of the capital.
…More
From
$5,114.39
Price varies by group size
From
$5,114.39
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

8 Day Music Theatre and Movies English Course in London
London is the capital of fine arts, music, theatre, films and all performances and therefore this course is perfect for anyone interested in the arts and media studies and is the greatest venue for all movie sets of all times. The city that Beatles gave their jubilee concert in the city for the longest-running plays like Broadway, the city having disused tube stations for filming Hollywood movies. It’s the city of James Bond as well as Harry Potter. The inspiring city of films of all times. Our theatre, film and TV week will tell you all this and more while improving your English. Here in this program, you can see and explore the inspiration for the Music, theatre and movie facts in the British entertainment industry. As you go with the program you will explore the music, theatre and film locations. It is a perfect combination of music, theatre and movie related activities in London.
…More
From
$5,114.39
Price varies by group size
From
$5,114.39
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

London's West End Mystery Adventure: Who Pushed Molly May?
Turn the buzzing streets of London's West End into the world's largest escape room with this self-guided treasure hunt adventure!
Return to the Golden Age of 1920s London, discover true stories of its most notorious characters, and solve a range of clues as you unravel this historic mystery and discover the true identity of the actress behind the crime!
The story:
Molly May’s big opening night ended in disaster when she broke her leg falling down the theatre stairs in front of waiting fans and paparazzi, insisting that she had been pushed. Was she the victim of a bitter love rival? Was she betrayed by a jealous co-star? Or did she simply stumble?
This activity book leads you through the heart of London's 'Theatreland', as you trace the life and work of 1920's actress 'Molly May' on the hunt for the culprit of this notorious showbiz mystery. On your journey you will discover the West End's most iconic sights, most legendary characters & events, and visit its most atmospheric pubs.
…More
From
$11.04
From
$11.04
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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