The Tour
The magic of London’s Theatreland is something no visitor to the capital should miss, but how did it come into being? And just what has the West End contributed to British performance? This tour explores Theatreland by stages – literally – to find out.
Joseph Grimaldi
1660: Charles II returns from exile and brings back to life the theatrical scene closed down during the Commonwealth. But this is not the same theatrical world which gave us the likes of Shakespeare and Marlowe.
Richard D’Oyly Carte
This time the theatre centres not on the City, but on the court, and it operates under the monarch’s watchful eye.
This is the beginning of West End theatre. But what of today’s Theatreland?
Is it a tourist trap with nothing to offer the discerning modern theatregoer?
Or is it a showcase for British theatre in all its varied forms?
It’s a story of dodging the censor and encouraging the amateurs, of conversions and black boxes. This tour takes in venues which help you to appreciate Theatreland’s contribution to British performance.
>> If the theatre is your thing, do take a look at my tour ‘Peter Daubeny’s World of Theatre’: details HERE
>> You can find all my Page and Stage tours listed HERE
Details – Theatreland by Stages
Please go to What’s On? to see whether this tour is currently on offer, and for booking details
MEET: Outside the James Street exit of Covent Garden Underground Station
Duration: Two hours (approximately)
Finish: At the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall
If you have any questions about this walk, contact me
Pictures sourced from Wikimedia Commons
