Ultimate Guide To The West End
The world capital of theatre is undeniably the West End in London. The mere mention of London’s West End theatre brings to mind the glamour and dazzle of top-tier theatregoing experiences: Sold out theatres. Audiences of thousands. Thunderous applause. Jaw dropping set design. A-list actors performing world famous plays.
In short, bona fide theatre magic.
The West End is often spoken of in the same reverential tones as its American counterpart, Broadway. It’s considered the cream of the crop of live theatre worldwide. But it isn’t just art, it is big business. In the last few years we’ve seen attendance of over 17.1 million theatregoers and more than 18,500 performances. That’s massive, and massively important for any actor looking for a gig!
Whether you’re looking to watch some world class theatre, or you want to understand the West End as part of your acting training or professional development, read on to discover everything you need to know.
What Makes a Show ‘West End’ Theatre?
Technically the ‘West End’ was, and remains, a geographic location. It is rather loosely defined. While many hotly debate the matter of what exactly constitutes the west end of London, the specific boundaries aren’t really important when talking about West End theatre.
The generally agreed upon area is part of central London’s Westminster City Council. Particularly the neighbourhoods of Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Mayfair and surrounds.
Because of its central location and proximity to royalty, the area west of the historic City of London was more wealthy and concerned with leisure and entertainment. Restaurants, shopping, and of course, theatre, began to thrive in the area and over time cemented its reputation.
What is West End Theatre?
More than a geographic location, ‘West End’ theatre is an idea. When people talk about West End theatre, they are talking about a specific type and quality of production. Technically, to be a West End production the show must take place at one of the 39 West End theatres that make up the official West End theatre district.
All types of performances happen on the West End, from classic plays to new writing, musicals, comedy, dance, opera, and various other types of live performance. The most famous West End productions tend to be musicals, but there are also incredibly prestigious performances of straight theatre happening all over the West End.
The sizes of West End theatres range from the rather tiny 350 seats at the Arts Theatre, to a gargantuan 2359 seats at the London Coliseum.
So how does it stack up to Broadway? Well, recently numbers show that 5 million more people annually see a West End production than a Broadway one. And post-pandemic West End audience numbers have actually grown, showing that London’s West End theatre isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Ultimately, the quality of the production is key to its classification as West End theatre. The majority of West End theatres are run by major production companies or commercial entities that facilitate big budget shows. Below, we break down a few of the key production companies and the West End theatres that they run.
Major West End Theatres
ATG Entertainment
- Ambassadors Theatre
- Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Duke of York’s Theatre
- Fortune Theatre
- Harold Pinter Theatre
- Lyceum Theatre
- New Wimbledon Theatre
- Phoenix Theatre
- Piccadilly Theatre
- Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club)
- Richmond Theatre
- Savoy Theatre
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
- Gielgud Theatre
- Noel Coward Theatre
- Novello Theatre
- Prince Edward Theatre
- Prince of Wales Theatre
- Sondheim Theatre
- Victoria Palace Theatre
- Wyndham’s Theatre
Nimax Theatres
- @sohoplace Theatre
- Apollo Theatre
- Duchess Theatre
- Garrick Theatre
- Lyric Theatre
- Palace Theatre
- Vaudeville Theatre
LW Theatres
- Adelphi Theatre
- Cambridge Theatre
- Gillian Lynne Theatre
- His Majesty’s Theatre
- London Palladium
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Nederlander Organization
- Aldwych Theatre
- Dominion Theatre
How London’s West End Became the Centre of Global Theatre
The West End has a long and colourful history. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane was the first West End theatre. It opened in 1663 and has been operating since, despite having to close at various points for fires and plagues. It is the oldest theatre still in use today.
The second time it burnt down, in 1809, the owner at the time was playwright Richard Sheridan. When he was informed of the fire, the story goes that he sat down and watched it burn from a pub opposite the site. When urged by his friends to leave, he quipped (presumably to deal with the pain of watching his investment go up in flames) “May a man not take wine at his own fireside?”
We’re glad he managed to keep a sense of humour about the whole thing!
It was a long time from the Theatre Royal’s opening until the next proper West End theatre was built. The Adelphi (previously known as the Sans Pareil, translated to ‘without equal’) joined the ranks in 1806. Another 83 years later the Garrick Theatre and Lyric Theatre opened. By the time the 20th century was in full swing and appetites for theatre and performance began to grow more voracious, more theatres burst onto the scene. The area’s prosperity, central location, history, and connection to transport links enabled it to boom and become a world leading theatre district.
Many shows start in smaller, regional theatres, and then have a ‘West End transfer’ where they are remounted in a more prestigious venue (and potentially with a larger budget and longer run). A West End transfer is considered a serious achievement for a show, and shows that succeed on one side of the Atlantic (ie. Broadway musicals) will often transfer to the West End and vice versa.
How to Become an Actor on the West End
The West End is as prestigious as it is famous. To perform on the West End is a major career goal for many actors. It’s something any aspiring or professional actor should understand. A West End season is the kind of career opportunity that can catapult an actor to stardom.
The chance to be seen and make a name for yourself on the West End cements your legitimacy as a performer. The productions also tend to offer better pay than off West-End and regional theatres, the opportunity to work with the best directors, fellow actors, and creatives.
For every actor, the path to the West End is unique. Many actors begin with acting training, whether at a Drama School or through taking acting classes. Then begins the audition journey!
Many actors will start their career in smaller theatres off-West End. But how do actors get the opportunity to audition for West End shows? Most won’t get that opportunity until they’ve built up their credits and skills. As an aspiring West End actor, working on productions in independent theatres and even on-screen is a great stepping stone.
Auditions for West End productions tend to come through an actor’s agent. A successful audition for a specific production in front of that show’s casting director is how most actors are cast in West End theatre.
It is well worth it for London based actors to familiarise themselves with the industry, and get to know London’s casting directors.
Actors who want to perform on the West End need to be dedicated to their craft performing at an elite level. Competition for roles is fierce, and when an actor is cast in a West End show, they must be ready to deliver a world class performance.
What is Like to Perform on The West End in London?
West End shows tend to offer full time employment, but this can be a double edged sword for actors. Shows can play 8 times a week and run for many months (or even years!). Great for job security, but a reality that can be incredibly physically and emotionally demanding on an actor.
Dom Hartley Harris, an actor who recently played in Hamilton on the West End, gives some advice to aspiring West End actors:
“The first and most important lesson – one I learned whilst training – is to know yourself. Honing your craft is one thing, but it’s all about conviction. If you enter either training or the professional world of acting half-heartedly, you will fail.”
That being said, London’s West End abounds in opportunity. With a huge variety of shows playing year round in nearly 40 theatres, there is always a chance for a relatively unknown performer to get their shot.
So if you’re dreaming of performing on the West End, take heart. West End Theatre isn’t going anywhere. Actors with commitment, determination and talent will find the world capital of theatre has a living history that continues to tell its own story. Newcomers who shine will always have the opportunity to join the rich and star studded history of the world’s best theatre experiences.
