London Entertainment

London is a city that offers visitors with plenty of entertainment options; the city offers a wide array of entertainment ranging from famous West End shows in Theatreland to a choice of film and cinemas, to a range of live comedy venues to dance productions from traditional to opera, ballet and contemporary. London offers a range of concert venues where visitors can find live music covering just about every music genre.

Our quick guide to entertainment in London outlines a range of entertainment venues offering a choice of productions throughout the year:

Theatre


The National Theatre is located in the South Bank in London, it is one of the best known and prominent theatres in London. The theatre includes 3 separate auditoria namely the Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe theatres. The theatre offers a varied programme of works including Shakespeare, classic works and more contemporary offerings. The theatre enjoys a riverside location in the lively and vibrant South Bank area.

Shakespeare's Globe theatre is located at Bankside in London’s South Bank; the theatre is a reconstruction of the famous original Globe Theatre and has been built to replicate the original. There is an open air, free standing area in the centre of the theatre for an authentic experience along with seating available in the galleries. The theatre stages a number of Shakespeare’s plays and includes an exhibition with theatre tours available providing a great experience for theatre goers.

Address:
Shakespeare's Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7401 9919


The Barbican Centre is a large arts complex located in central London that includes a varied programme including theatre, film, dance, art and music. The theatre includes varied productions whilst the centre is well known for its music with the London Symphony Orchestra performing. There is an art gallery and exhibition space for contemporary art and specially commissioned works. With a wide range of entertainment and varied productions the centre has plenty to offer visitors.

The Old Vic Theatre is situated in Waterloo, London in a historic building dating back to the 19th century. The Old Vic is one of the best known theatres in London and has an international reputation attracting some big names including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Peter O’Toole and Kevin Spacey. The theatre offers theatre goers a good place to watch productions with big name actors in a theatre that retains plenty of historic charm and character.


Cinema


There are cinemas located across London showing a diverse range of British, Hollywood and International films from the latest blockbusters to actions films, comedy films, family films, niche films and film festivals there is something for all tastes.

The Odeon Leicester Square is one of the best recognised cinemas in London and the UK. The cinema is located in the heart of Leicester Square in the West End of London. Here there are many red carpet film premiers and launches throughout the year with the chance for film fans for see the stars taking to the red carpet.

There are a number of cinema chains in London; these include Odeon, Cineworld, Empire, Curzon and Vue. There are also a number of small, independent and specialist cinemas located across London. For more information on film and cinema listings in London see: London Films – Time Out

The BFI IMAX is located in Waterloo in London’s South Bank. The cinema is the largest screen in the UK with a capacity of 500 seats; the screen is over 20 metres in height and over 26 metres in width offering film fans a unique and thrilling movie experience. The cinema includes state of the art digital surround sound and picture quality along with comfortable seating.

Comedy


The Comedy Store is located between Piccadilly and Leicester Square in London’s West End and is perhaps the best known comedy club in London. The comedy store has been going strong since it started back in 1979 and over the years has a gained an enviable reputation for putting on great comedy shows and a place where emerging talent can be spotted. There are live shows on most nights with performers using a ranger of comedy genres including improvisational, alternative, satire and more.

The Comedy Boat Show takes place aboard the Tattershall Castle boat that is moored on the River Thames in London. There are regular comedy events on the boat including the Monday comedy club and comedy boat show on Fridays and Saturdays. There is food and drinks available including a range of light snacks, bites, main meals and a summer BBQ menu. The venue sees a number of comedians perform at the show; visitors can enjoy a great night out filled with laughter with a great atmosphere.

Concerts


The O2 is located in Greenwich, London, it is one of the most recognisable of venues with its distinctive roof and design. The site has been transformed from the former millennium dome to the current O2 that hosts a range of entertainment. There is a 20,000 seat arena used to host a number of events including large concerts, in recent years there have been a number of concerts stage from well known international artists. The site includes the IndigO2, a smaller more intimate music venue, a large multi screen Vue cinema, a number of exhibitions and a choice of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Royal Albert Hall is a world renowned concert venue located in South Kensington, London. The hall dates back to the 19th century, over the years the distinctive round hall and its unique architecture has become famous around the world. The hall is well known as the home of the Proms and stages a number of classical and pop concerts along with comedy gigs and circus events.


Dance


The Royal Opera House is located in Covent Garden, London, it is recognised as one of the finest opera and performing arts venues in the world. The 18th century building is a Grade I listed building that retains its character and charm. Visitors can find a number of opera and ballet productions, the Royal Opera House has staged some of the best known operas and ballets including swan Lake, Carmen, Tosca, Macbeth and the Nutcracker. Acclaimed visiting companies such as the Bolshoi are invited adding to a varied programme of classical and contemporary performances.

The Southbank Centre is located in London’s cultural hub on the South Bank and includes a number of artistic venues. There are a number of free and paid for events that take place at the various venues throughout the year. The main venues are the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Saison Poetry Library and the Hayward Gallery. Visitors can find classical and contemporary music gigs, art galleries and exhibitions, dance and performances, literature and poetry readings and free music and lifestyle events. The huge range of arts on offer ensures the Southbank Centre caters for a wide range of tastes and budgets with plenty to see and do for arts fans.




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