Off West End Theatres
Alongside London’s West End there are hundreds of other theatres, all over London, producing excellent theatre, attracting thousands of Theatregoers to visit London. Collectively described as Off West End (like the New York version of theatres that are Off Broadway) they include small independent pub theatres and local arts centres and large nationally respected venues producing publicly funded theatre.
I promise I will tell you about more theatres over the coming months, but three of the most famous theatres in this group are the Royal National Theatre, Regent ‘s Park Open Air Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and each, on their own, are worth the train ticket to London.
The National Theatre
The National Theatre sits on the Thames on the famous Southbank area of London. It is arguably one of our most important cultural institutions. Officially known as the Royal National Theatre, it was founded in 1963. It’s riverside home was the subject of much furore in 1976 when designer architect Denys Lasdun, created a striking example of concrete Brutalist architecture.
Nowadays the Thames banks have become the centre for even more architectural bravado but 50 years ago it really did stand out and not everyone liked it!
Inside, the building houses three main performance spaces: the Olivier Theatre, the Lyttelton Theatre, and the Dorfman Theatre. Each hosting a diverse programme that ranges from classic plays by Shakespeare to contemporary works by emerging writers. The National Theatre is renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
Have you ever sat in the cinema watching one of the National Theatre Live’s broadcasts and thought that you would love to actually go to see a show?
This year we have breaks for National Theatre productions including the return of award winning War Horse, Sandra Oh in The Misanthrope and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (UPDATE: sadly Les Liaisons has sold out).
Beyond live productions, the National Theatre plays a significant educational role offering workshops, talks, and resources for students, teachers, and aspiring performers from all over the world.
The Southbank
The South Bank area has become an important hub for creative endeavour: from food to skateboarding as well as the performing arts.
The National Theatre sits alongside the Southbank Centre and the British Film Institute, the Tate Modern, the London Eye and County Hall.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours, riverfront views, a range of cafes and bookshops and regular festivals and seasonal programming which ensure there is always something new to experience, reinforcing its role as a dynamic public space for all visitors to London.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Just a short walk along the Southbank is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Shakespeare’s Globe is a modern reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
In 1613, the Globe was destroyed by fire during a performance of Henry VIII, when a theatrical cannon ignited its thatched roof. It was rebuilt only to be demolished by the Puritan authorities in 1644 as it was considered to be a place of vice (oh yes and so that landlord, Sir Matthew Brend could make more money – twas ever thus!)
The modern Globe exists thanks to the vision of American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, who spent decades campaigning for its reconstruction.
The new theatre officially opened in 1997, near the site of the original and today,. Shakespeare’s Globe operates as both a working theatre and an educational centre staging productions in an open-air setting, replicating Elizabethan performance conditions.
In 2026 the programme includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Mother Courage and her Children and As You Like It and theatre and hotel packages are available throughout the summer.
Regent ‘s Park Open Air Theatre
Moving away from the Thames to the leafy surroundings of Regent’s Park: just a monkey swing from the zoo, sits the Open Air Theatre.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a unique outdoor venue located within one of London’s Royal Parks. Opened in 1932, it offers an unforgettable theatrical experience, with performances staged beneath the open sky and surrounded by trees. The venue operates seasonally, typically from May to September, presenting a varied programme of Shakespeare, musicals, and contemporary productions. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, audiences can enjoy picnics before performances in the surrounding park land.
Over the decades, it has built up a reputation for high-quality productions and has received a multitude of awards, making it a cherished part of London’s cultural landscape and a great place to visit on short break to London.
Coincidentally they are also doing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which has become one of their trade mark productions. Just imagine the open air setting, with the animal noises drifting on the wind, as you watch the faeries flit about the woods outside Athens, doing Oberon and Titania’s bidding. Magical!
Probably most interestingly this year we also have ticket and hotel packages to see their production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground breaking musical Cats. This should also be a perfect setting for what is one of my favourite musicals. They did Jesus Christ Superstar when they opened for the first time after COVID and that was amazing.
London Theatres Beyond the West End
This year Theatre Breaks has continued to look outside of London’s West End, at the rest of the theatres across London. Last month we were really excited to be invited to the Offies – the Off West End Awards – where productions and work in theatre beyond the West End are celebrated – and 2026 will see us continue to expand our range of ticket and hotel packages to include productions in these theatres.
But beware: runs can be shorter for these shows. Notice can be shorter and availability (as demonstrated this month by Les Liaisons Dangereuses) can disappear in the blink of an eye. So stay on your toes and prepare to clear your diary at the drop of a hat.
You have been warned!
Other Breaks Beyond the west End
- Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre
- Death Note at the Barbican Theatre
- Starlight Express at the Troubadour Theatre
- The Hunger Games – Troubadour Canary Wharfe
- Evening All Afternoon at the Donmar Warehouse
Check Theatre Breaks for all shows currently available for a theatre and hotel break.
