From the hallowed halls of London’s West End to the quaint charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, the United Kingdom has long been the epicentre of theatrical innovation and excellence. This small island nation has given the world a rich tapestry of dramatic artistry, from the timeless works of William Shakespeare to the revolutionary musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The UK’s influence on theatre is as profound as it is pervasive. It’s not just about the plays and the playwrights; it’s about the iconic venues, the world-class performances, and the enduring tradition of live performance – and the pre-theatre dinners before it! – that permeates every corner of the country.
So, whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or a curious novice, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the UK’s rich theatrical landscape, helping you raise the curtain on your next city break idea. To satiate your love for the stage, here are 7 fantastic itinerary ideas for a UK-based theatre break.
A West End Whirlwind In London
London’s West End is synonymous with world-class theatre, perhaps more so than anywhere else on the planet. A weekend here is a whirlwind of drama, music, twinkling lights and spectacle.
Day 1: Start your day with a leisurely brunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants in Covent Garden. Then, take a stroll to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of the oldest and most iconic theatres in London. Book a matinee performance of an absolute stone cold classic show like The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables. Post-show, enjoy a late lunch at a nearby restaurant like The Ivy, a favourite among theatre-goers.
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to exploring the National Theatre on the South Bank. Catch a contemporary play or a Shakespearean drama. After the show, take a walk along the Thames, enjoy the London skyline, and dine at Ladsun, which is part of the aforementioned National Theatre.
A Shakespeare Soujorn In Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is naturally, undoubtedly a must-visit for any theatre lover.
Day 1: Start as you mean to go on, with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a 16th-century half-timbered house. Then, head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a matinee performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company. After the show, enjoy a meal at Salt, the town’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 2: Spend your second day exploring Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (do note that it’s temporarily closed, though, due to reopen in 2024), the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. In the afternoon, visit the Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall. End your day with a performance at the Swan Theatre, known for its modern interpretations of Shakespearean plays.
Read: Where to eat in Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Spectacle Of The Scottish Stage In Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and culture, making it one the UK’s most perfect destinations for a theatre break.
Day 1: A visit to Edinburgh Castle is such a good way to start a weekend break here, the historic fortress dominating the city’s skyline and giving both great views and context of the city where you’ll be spending the next 48 hours. After the castle and a seafood lunch, head to the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a matinee performance. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at a local pub.
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to the Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of performances. After the show, take a stroll down the Royal Mile, a historic street filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs.
The Modern Theatre Marvel Of Manchester
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene – from the Gallagher Brothers to Steve Coogan and even Corrie – offers a unique theatre experience that blends the traditional with the contemporary.
Day 1: Begin your day with a visit to the Manchester Art Gallery, home to a vast collection of fine art. After lunch at the superb Kala Bistro (just a five minute walk away), head to the Royal Exchange Theatre, a seven-sided, glass-walled capsule, suspended in the centre of the historic Cotton Exchange Building. Catch a matinee performance of a modern play or a classic drama. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s forward-thinking, creatively in-tune restaurants in the Northern Quarter.
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to The Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex in Salford Quays. Watch a performance by one of the UK’s leading theatre companies. After the show, take a stroll around the Quays, enjoy the waterfront views.
The Georgian Theatre Gem Of Bath
Bath, famous for its natural hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture, is a city that offers a unique blend of history and, of course, theatre.
Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. After lunch, head to the Theatre Royal Bath, one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Britain. Enjoy a matinee performance of a classic play or a new production. In the evening, dine at one of Bath’s many fine restaurants, of which we’ve written about in great detail here.
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to exploring the city’s Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Crescent. In the afternoon, visit the Ustinov Studio, the Theatre Royal’s contemporary theatre space, for a performance. End your day with a relaxing soak in the Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s original natural thermal spa, and a vegetarian Vietnamese feast at Noya’s Kitchen.
The Beatles & Beyond In Liverpool
Liverpool, the city of The Beatles of Mo Salah, is a cultural hub with a rich theatrical tradition.
Day 1: Start your day with a visit to The Beatles Story, a museum dedicated to the world-famous band. After lunch, head to the Liverpool Empire Theatre, one of the largest two-tier theatres in the UK, and enjoy a matinee performance of a popular musical or a classic play. If there’s time, duck into the Museum of Liverpool, which closes at 4pm, before dining at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants at Albert Dock.
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to exploring the Royal Court Theatre, a Grade II listed building known for its local comedies. After the show, take a stroll around the historic St. George’s Quarter and enjoy a meal at a local pub.
Read: 9 fantastic things to do with the kids in Liverpool
The Medieval Majesty Of York
York, with its rich history and medieval charm, offers a unique theatre experience.
Day 1: Begin your day with a visit to York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After lunch, head to the York Theatre Royal, a theatre with a history dating back to 1744. Enjoy a matinee performance of a classic play or a new production. In the evening, dine at the globe-trotting Skosh, where seats at the stainless steel bar grant you views of the chefs working their magic? Dinner and a show, indeed…
Day 2: Dedicate your second day to exploring the city’s medieval streets, including the iconic Shambles. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Opera House for a performance. End your day with a ghost walk around the city, a popular activity in one of the most haunted cities in the UK, and, since they’re usually hosted by jobbing actors, a wonderfully theatrical experience to boot.
After enjoying the city so much, perhaps you’re thinking of moving there? Check out these reasons why York is a great place to buy a house for more on that. Bit of a stretch, segue-wise? Yeah, we think so too…
