When you book London theatre tickets, you're not just buying entry to a show - you're stepping into buildings where theatrical history was made. Sarah Bernhardt performed here. Laurence Olivier commanded these stages. The Beatles appeared on these boards. Every creaking seat and gilded balcony carries echoes of performances past.

The West End's 40+ theatres span four centuries of architectural and theatrical evolution. Some have survived fires, bombs, and wrecking balls. Others have been lovingly restored to Victorian splendour. Each has stories that rival any drama performed within their walls.

The Oldest: Theatre Royal Drury Lane (1663)

Currently showing: Disney's Hercules Capacity: 2,196 Grade: I Listed

No West End history begins anywhere else. Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the oldest theatre site in London, with a playhouse standing here since 1663 - making it one of the oldest continuously operating theatre sites in the world.

The current building is actually the fourth on the site, opened in 1812 after its predecessor burned down (a recurring theme in theatre history). But the theatrical tradition is unbroken: Charles II granted the original patent, Nell Gwyn performed here in the 1660s, and David Garrick revolutionised British acting on this stage in the 18th century.

The ghost of "the Man in Grey" supposedly haunts the upper circle - a figure in 18th-century dress seen walking through walls. When his skeleton was discovered during renovations, complete with dagger in ribs, the legend gained credibility.

Recent productions have included frozen, 42nd Street, Miss Saigon, and My Fair Lady. The 2019-2021 renovation under Andrew Lloyd Webber's LW Theatres returned the building to exceptional condition.

Why visit: Pure theatrical heritage. Standing in the same space where Garrick, Kean, and generations of legends performed connects you to the entire history of British theatre.

The Grand Dame: London Palladium (1910)

Currently showing: Various events and limited runs Capacity: 2,286 Grade: II* Listed

If Drury Lane represents theatrical tradition, the Palladium represents theatrical glamour. Built in 1910 as a variety palace, it became synonymous with British entertainment through decades of Royal Variety Performances and the legendary Sunday Night at the London Palladium TV show.

The Palladium has hosted everyone: Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Diana Ross. When an artist "plays the Palladium," it signifies arrival at entertainment's pinnacle.

The interior is jaw-dropping - ornate baroque decoration, a massive proscenium arch, boxes dripping with gilt. It seats over 2,200 but maintains an intimate feel that modern mega-venues cannot replicate.

Why visit: The building itself is the star. Even average shows feel special here. Christmas pantomimes are a particular tradition, drawing audiences for the venue as much as the production.

The Phantom's Home: His Majesty's Theatre (1897)

Currently showing: The Phantom of the Opera Capacity: 1,216 Grade: II* Listed

Built by legendary actor-manager Herbert Beerbohm Tree with profits from his successful Trilby production, His Majesty's Theatre is pure Edwardian theatrical excess. The French Renaissance-style exterior and opulent interior were designed to rival anything in Paris.

Tree ran his own drama school in the building (which evolved into RADA), staged premieres of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, and essentially invented the modern concept of theatrical production design.

Since 1986, the theatre has belonged to The Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber's longest-running show found the perfect home in a building whose faded grandeur mirrors the Opera Garnier setting. The chandelier crash feels like the theatre itself performing.

Why visit: The Phantom and His Majesty's are inseparable at this point. Seeing the show elsewhere wouldn't be the same. The building contributes as much atmosphere as the staging.

Book Phantom of the Opera tickets

The Survivor: The Old Vic (1818)

Currently showing: Various productions Capacity: 1,067 Grade: II* Listed

Few theatres have lived as many lives as The Old Vic. Built in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, it became the Royal Victoria Hall (hence "Old Vic"), spent time as a temperance meeting house, and nearly faced demolition multiple times.

Its golden age came under Lilian Baylis, who managed the theatre from 1912 to 1937, presenting Shakespeare at accessible prices and essentially creating the National Theatre concept. Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, and Judi Dench all performed here as the de facto national company before the actual National Theatre opened.

Kevin Spacey's artistic directorship (2004-2015) revived the venue, followed by Matthew Warchus, whose annual A Christmas Carol production has become a London institution.

Why visit: The Old Vic represents theatrical idealism - the belief that great drama should be accessible to everyone. The annual Christmas Carol is genuinely magical.

The Musical House: Palace Theatre (1891)

Currently showing: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Capacity: 1,400 Grade: II* Listed

Richard D'Oyly Carte built the Palace Theatre (originally the Royal English Opera House) to premiere Arthur Sullivan's grand opera Ivanhoe. When that venture failed, it became a variety theatre and then a home for musicals.

The building's red brick and terracotta exterior is distinctively ornate, while inside, the auditorium features exceptional acoustics that made it ideal for musical theatre. Les Misérables ran here for 18 years before moving. Jesus Christ Superstar had its premiere here.

Since 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has called the Palace home, requiring significant renovation to accommodate the production's technical demands. The exterior now features the striking Potter branding, making it one of London's most photographed theatres.

Why visit: The building is genuinely special, and seeing the Potter production in its specifically designed space is part of the experience. The façade alone justifies walking past.

Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets

The Jewel Box: London Coliseum (1904)

Currently showing: English National Opera productions Capacity: 2,359 Grade: II* Listed

The London Coliseum is the West End's largest theatre and one of its most spectacular. Built by impresario Oswald Stoll as the ultimate variety palace, it featured the first revolving stage in London and, briefly, a roof garden.

The Edwardian baroque interior is breathtaking - four tiers of seating, ornate decoration throughout, and a globe on the roof that once revolved. The building's sheer scale makes it ideal for opera and ballet, which is why English National Opera has called it home since 1968.

When musicals play here (ENO's commercial productions often include musical theatre), the grandeur elevates even straightforward shows. This is a venue where the building competes with whatever's on stage.

Why visit: Even if opera isn't your thing, experiencing the Coliseum's architecture is worth the ticket price. The sight lines from the upper levels are remarkable.

The West End Flagship: Theatre Royal Haymarket (1720)

Currently showing: Various productions Capacity: 888 Grade: I Listed

The Haymarket has operated under royal patent since 1766, making it the third-oldest London playhouse in continuous use. The current building dates to 1821 and is perhaps the most perfectly preserved Georgian theatre interior in London.

The classical façade and intimate auditorium feel transported from another century - which, of course, they are. Oscar Wilde premiered An Ideal Husband and A Woman of No Importance here. John Gielgud considered it his artistic home. The theatre's size (under 900 seats) makes it ideal for plays requiring intimacy.

Recent productions have included major revivals and star-led limited runs. The theatre attracts performers who want to work in a space that feels authentically connected to dramatic tradition.

Why visit: The Georgian interior is genuinely special. Seeing a play here feels different from larger, more commercial venues.

The People's Theatre: The Lyceum (1834)

Currently showing: The Lion King Capacity: 2,100 Grade: II* Listed

The Lyceum's history encompasses everything British theatre can be. Henry Irving made it his home in the late Victorian era, staging legendary Shakespeare productions with Ellen Terry. Bram Stoker worked here as business manager, finding inspiration for Dracula in Irving's commanding presence.

The current building blends 1834 structure with 1904 interior renovation, creating a surprisingly modern feeling space within a historic shell. After decades of decline and near-demolition, the theatre was spectacularly restored for The Lion King's 1999 opening.

Disney's production has now run here for over 25 years, becoming as associated with the Lyceum as Phantom is with His Majesty's. The theatre's sight lines and acoustic properties suit the show's demands perfectly.

Why visit: The Lion King's opening sequence - animals processing through the audience - uses the theatre's architecture as part of the staging. This show and this venue are meant for each other.

Book Lion King tickets

The Intimate Giant: Wyndham's Theatre (1899)

Currently showing: Various productions Capacity: 759 Grade: II Listed

Charles Wyndham built Wyndam's theatre as part of a complex with the adjacent Noël Coward Theatre, connected by shared backstage facilities. The building represents late Victorian theatrical architecture at its finest - intimate enough for drama yet grand enough for occasion.

The cream and gold interior feels welcoming rather than intimidating. At 759 seats, major stars can perform to relatively small audiences, creating the intimacy that draws actors like Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and countless others.

Recent productions have included Mark Rylance's one-man shows, major play transfers, and the kind of serious drama that benefits from the space's focused attention.

Why visit: When great actors want to do great plays, they often choose Wyndham's. The size means no seat feels distant from the performance.

Book All My Son's tickets

The Art Deco Beauty: Cambridge Theatre (1930)

Currently showing: Matilda The Musical Capacity: 1,231 Grade: II Listed

Most West End theatres are Victorian or Edwardian. The Cambridge offers something different: genuine Art Deco design from the interwar period. The geometric forms, metalwork details, and modernist aesthetic feel refreshingly different from gilt and baroque excess.

The building has hosted everything from Noël Coward premieres to Jerry Springer: The Opera. Since 2011, Matilda The Musical has made it home, with the production's staging making clever use of the distinctive space.

Why visit: If you've seen enough Victorian interiors, the Cambridge's Art Deco offers a palate cleanser. It's also a genuinely excellent theatre for musical productions.

Book Matilda tickets

The Resurrection: Alexandra Palace Theatre (1875)

Currently showing: Various events Capacity: 1,200 Grade: II Listed

The Alexandra Palace Theatre closed in 1936 and sat abandoned for decades - Victorian decoration crumbling, seats rotting, nature reclaiming the space. Then, after years of careful restoration, it reopened in 2018 as London's newest-old venue.

The restoration preserved evidence of decay alongside original features, creating an atmosphere unlike any other London theatre. Gas lighting fixtures, original paintwork, and deliberately unrestored sections create a haunting beauty.

The venue hosts music, comedy, and theatrical events rather than long-running productions. Each visit feels like discovering something secret.

Why visit: There's nothing else like it. The preserved decay creates atmosphere that polished restorations cannot replicate.

The Savoy: Gilbert and Sullivan's Home (1881)

Currently showing: Paddington The Musical Capacity: 1,158 Grade: II* Listed

Richard D'Oyly Carte built the Savoy Theatre specifically to house Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas. It was the world's first public building lit entirely by electricity - audiences came partly to marvel at the new technology.

The theatre premiered Patience, Iolanthe, The Mikado, and most of the G&S canon. The attached Savoy Hotel grew from profits, and the theatrical tradition continues in a building that feels both historic and surprisingly modern.

The Art Deco interior dates from a 1929 renovation after fire, but the theatrical tradition is continuous. Current hit Paddington The Musical joins a lineage that includes countless musical and theatrical landmarks.

Why visit: Paddington is excellent, but the building itself represents musical theatre history.

Book Paddington tickets

Theatrical Architecture: What to Notice

When visiting West End theatres, look for:

The proscenium arch - the frame around the stage. Victorian arches are often elaborately decorated; Edwardian versions tend toward classical simplicity.

The safety curtain - required by law since the 1880s after devastating theatre fires. Often decorated with advertisements or artwork.

The royal box - usually stage right, often with separate entrance and anteroom. Even theatres without regular royal attendance maintain this tradition.

The dome - many Victorian theatres feature painted domes depicting muses, allegories, or celestial scenes. Look up during the interval.

The sight lines - notice how upper circles often overhang, how boxes relate to the stage, how the architect balanced capacity against viewing angles.

Planning a Theatre Heritage Tour

For visitors wanting to experience London's theatrical architecture, consider:

A single day: See a matinee at one historic venue (His Majesty's, Drury Lane, or the Palace) and an evening show at another (Lyceum, London Coliseum, or Theatre Royal Haymarket).

Walking route: Start at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane, walk through to the Noël Coward and Wyndham's, continue to Leicester Square and the surrounding theatres, end at the Palace Theatre. The exteriors alone tell stories.

Backstage tours: Several venues offer tours when shows aren't playing. Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the London Palladium, and others run regular access programmes.

Off-West End additions: The Old Vic and Wilton's Music Hall (the world's oldest surviving music hall) offer different perspectives on theatrical history.

The Buildings That Didn't Survive

For context, remember what's been lost:

The Gaiety Theatre - demolished 1939 for road widening The St James's Theatre - demolished 1957 despite public outcry The Stoll Theatre - demolished 1958

Current preservation protections mean remaining theatres face less existential threat, but the losses remind us that these buildings require active protection.

Booking Historic Theatre Experiences

When you book London theatre tickets, consider the venue as part of your choice:

For Victorian grandeur: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Palace Theatre, His Majesty's Theatre

For Edwardian elegance: London Palladium, London Coliseum, Theatre Royal Haymarket

For intimate drama: Wyndham's Theatre, The Old Vic, Harold Pinter Theatre

For something different: Cambridge Theatre (Art Deco), Alexandra Palace Theatre (restored ruin)

Browse London theatre tickets with architecture in mind. Sometimes the building makes the evening as much as the show.

Quick Links: Historic Theatre Bookings

• The Phantom of the Opera - His Majesty's Theatre

• The Lion King - Lyceum Theatre

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre

• Paddington The Musical - Savoy Theatre

• Matilda The Musical - Cambridge Theatre

• Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre

• All London theatre tickets

The West End's theatres are living museums. Every performance adds to histories stretching back centuries. Book London theatre tickets on tickadoo and become part of the ongoing story.