Welcome to the grandiose spectacle of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where over 400 years of theatrical magic unfold in one of London's most legendary venues. With a history as rich and diverse as its performances, Drury Lane has seen it all – from epic chariot races to world-first stage innovations.
Established in 1663 by the enterprising Thomas Killigrew, this theatre has weathered fires, wars, and countless dramatic shifts in entertainment tastes. From its humble beginnings, it quickly rose to prominence, setting the stage for historic moments like the debut of the National Anthem and Rule, Britannia! Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, with its Grade I listed building offering a timeless backdrop for the world's finest actors and performers.
But what truly sets Drury Lane apart is its penchant for the spectacular. Audiences have been treated to jaw-dropping spectacles like sinking ships, blazing pirate ships, and even an earthquake – all within the hallowed halls of this iconic theatre. Not to mention, its reputation as one of the world's most haunted theatres adds an extra layer of intrigue to every performance.
Throughout the centuries, Drury Lane has been graced by theatre royalty, from the legendary Dan Leno to the incomparable Julie Andrews. And with plans for substantial refurbishment underway, this historic landmark is poised to continue captivating audiences for generations to come.
Seating
The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony. Seats in the middle of Stalls rows D-K and Royal Circle rows A-C offer the best views. For example Royal Circle B24 is particularly desirable for an excellent view of any big musical's projections and special effects. Seats in the Balcony are always the cheapest and often the best value for money.
Facilities
Drinks and snacks are available from the six bars located throughout the venue. Afternoon tea options in the Grand Saloon can also be enjoyed along with a pre-dining experience ahead of a show. There is a cloakroom that accepts coats and small bags for a fee.
Access
Wheelchair spaces are available in Stalls Row M, Royal Circle Row K, and Grand Circle Row E. Accessible toilets are available on both sides of the auditorium on the Stalls, Royal Circle, and Grand Circle levels. An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available upon request and GalaPro provides closed captioning and audio description via a mobile app. Assistance dogs are welcome in the auditorium and trained access hosts are available to assist patrons with specific requirements.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is currently home to Disney's Hercules until Saturday 28 March 2026.
Details
- Address:
- Drury Lane/Catherine St
- WC2B 5JF
- Transport:
- The nearest underground stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) Buses: 1, 4, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 91, 139, 168, 171, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521