Page 342 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

340  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Theatres
thing not to miss is a trip to
London offers an extraordinary range of theatrical entertain­ the pantomime. Guaranteed
ment – this is one of the world’s great stages, and, at its best, to entertain all the family,
standards are extremely high. Despite their legendary “panto” is an absurd tradition
reputation for reserve, the British are passionate about theatre in which major female
characters are played by men
and there is an abundance of plays and shows performed and male characters by women.
around the capital: you can stroll along a street of West End The audience is encouraged
theatres and find a sombre Samuel Beckett, Brecht or Chekhov to participate, by shouting
play showing next door to some absurdly frothy farce like No out traditional panto cheers.
Sex Please, We’re British! Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare The shows are usually based
on children’s stories such as
or musicals, there is something here for you.
Cinderella, Peter Pan and Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs,
West End Theatre Cottesloe host every kind of and more often than not feature
production from large, extrava­ British celebrities from the
There is a distinct glamour to gant works to small, one­man world of television and music.
the West End theatres. Perhaps shows. The complex is also a Whatever adults may think of it,
it is the glittering lights of the lively social centre. Enjoy a drink children love the experience.
foyer and the impressively before your play begins; watch
ornate interiors, or maybe it is the crowds and the river drift Open Air Theatre
their hallowed reputations – but by; wander round the many free
whatever it is, the old theatres art exhibitions; relax during the A performance of one of
retain a magic all their own. free early evening concerts in Shakespeare’s airier creations,
The West End’s billboards the foyer or browse through such as A Midsummer Night’s
always feature a generous the theatre bookshop. Dream, takes on an atmosphere
sprinkling of world­famous The Royal Shakespeare of pure enchantment among
performers such as Judi Dench, Company is one of Britain’s the green vistas of Regent’s
Benedict Cumberbatch, leading theatre companies. Park (see p228). Lavish opera
Kenneth Branagh and Nicole With an unparalleled reputation productions are staged
Kidman. for its dramatic interpretation during the summer months
The major commercial theatres of the works of Shakespeare, in Holland Park (see p222). Wear
cluster along Shaftesbury Avenue the world renowned ensemble warm clothing, take a blanket
and Haymarket and around continually attracts big crowds and, to be safe, an umbrel la.
Covent Garden and Charing to its performances. Although Refreshments are available,
Cross Road. Unlike the national its official home since the 19th or you can take a picnic.
theatres, most West End century has been in Stratford­ Open­air performances
theatres survive only on profits; upon­Avon, the company has of a different kind can be
they do not receive any state maintained a regular London experienced at Shakespeare’s
subsidy. They rely on an army of presence since the 1960s. Globe on Bankside (see p181).
ever­hopeful “angels” (financial Previously located at the This authentic reproduction
backers) and producers to keep Barbican Centre, the RSC enjoys of an Elizabethan playhouse,
the old traditions alive. regular London seasons in the open to the skies – but with
Many theatres are historical West End, at the Novello Theatre protected seating – is open to
landmarks, such as the classic and other smaller venues. To visitors all year round but only
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, find out where the RSC is puts on performances in the
established in 1663 (see p119), performing in London, call their summer months.
and the elegant Theatre Royal ticket hotline.
Haymarket – both superb Holland Park Theatre
examples of early 19th­century National Theatre Holland Park. Map 9 B4.
buildings. Another to note is (Lyttelton, Cottesloe, Olivier) Southank Tel 020 7361 3570. Open Jun–Aug.
the Palace (see p112), with its Centre SE1. Map 14 D3. Tel 020 7452 ∑ operahollandpark.com
terracotta exterior and 3000. ∑ nationaltheatre.org.uk
imposing position right on Open Air Theatre
Cambridge Circus. Royal Shakespeare Company Inner Circle, Regent’s Park NW1.
Tel 0844 800 1110 (tickets, information). Map 4 D3. Tel 0844 826 4242.
National Theatres ∑ rsc.org.uk Open Jun–Sep.
∑ openairtheatre.org
The National Theatre is based Pantomime
in the Southbank Centre ( p192). Shakespeare’s Globe
Here, the large, open­staged Should you happen to be New Globe Walk SE1. Map 15 A3.
Olivier, the proscenium­staged visiting London between Tel 020 7401 9919. Performances Apr–
Lyttelton and the small, flexible December and February, one Oct. ∑ shakespearesglobe.com

340-341_EW_London.indd 340 21/03/17 2:22 pm