Theatre and shows in London: things to know before you go

Whether you’re looking to spend an evening in the mighty jungle with cinematic classic the Lion King or want to soak up the tragic tale of Hamlet, we’ve answered some of the most common questions around theatres and shows in London to help you find your perfect night out.

Which is the best theatre in the West End in London?

London's glitzy West End is home to many of the world’s most famous theatres, playing host to some of the most popular shows ever to hit the stage. With 40 venues to choose from, these are some of the best:

• Harold Pinter Theatre. Based on Panton Street, this iconic comic opera house hosts a variety of plays and musicals.
• Phoenix Theatre. Home to Blood Brothers for 21 years, this beautiful neoclassical theatre shows a mix of productions.
• Lyric Theatre. Laugh, cry and sing along to some of the greatest shows of all time at the oldest theatre in existence on Shaftesbury Avenue.
• The London Palladium. Perhaps the most well-known theatre of all, the iconic Palladium plays host to royalty with the Variety Performance, as well as a range of other exciting shows throughout the year.

Which plays work well as pieces of outdoor theatre?

Originally, Shakespeare’s timeless classics were performed in venues open to the elements, with his famous Globe Theatre sporting an open roof. Today, the subtleties and authentic feeling of the bard’s best can still be brought to life as outdoor activities. In many cases, the weather works to the advantage of the audience, whether it’s adding a rainy Scottish twist to Macbeth or a howling wind to the castle ramparts in Hamlet’s Denmark.

Today Shakespeare's Globe on Bankside is a lovingly reconstructed version of the original, complete with open roof, and is an exciting venue to see one of Stratford’s most famous son’s original plays in. Browse Groupon's deals on theatre and shows in London to find a range of other outdoor theatre events.

What are the longest running shows in London?

Though there are constantly new productions opening across the capital, some popular London theatre shows are in such demand from theatregoers that they’ve been running triumphantly for decades. Some of the longest running include:

1. The Mousetrap (November 1952 to present) – in its 67th year
2. Les Misérables (October 1985 to present) – in its 34th year
3. The Phantom of the Opera (October 1986 to present) – in its 33rd year
4. The Woman in Black (June 1989 to present) – in its 30th year
5. Blood Brothers (July 1988 to November 2012) - 24 years, 3 months
6. Cats (May 1981 to May 2002) - 21 years
7. Mamma Mia! (April 1999 to present) – in its 20th year
8. The Lion King (October 1999 to present) – in its 20th year
9. Starlight Express (March 1984 to January 2002) - 17 years, 10 months
10. No Sex Please, We're British! (June 1971 to January 1987) - 15 years, 7 months

What plays should I see in and around London?

Whether you want to dip into the dramatic or revel in romance, there are a wide range of shows in London to indulge in. Groupon provides some inspiration for dinner and theatre shows in London and these are a few of the best:

• The Woman in Black. Based on Susan Hill's novel, this spine-chilling Gothic horror story about a mysterious ghost that haunts a small town will have you on the edge of your seat.
• Matilda the Musical. The award-winning musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's famous novel about a little girl who dares to change her own destiny will delight all the family.
• Wicked. Winner of many awards, this long running, magical musical presents an alternative reading of The Wizard of Oz that has cast a spell on audiences for a number of years.
• Abigail's Party. Featuring a whole host of British TV stars, this classic comedy of manners set in aspirational suburbia will have you laughing all night long.