Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF

Getting here

Closest Tube Station

Covent Garden

Closest Train Station

Charing Cross

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a London West End theatre in Covent Garden, facing Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane. The building standing today is the most recent of four theatres at the same location dating back to 1663, making it the oldest London theatre.

The history of Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Theatre Royal Drury Lane has a rich history dating back to 1663, making it the oldest theatre site in London still in use. Over centuries, the theatre has seen legendary performances, royal patrons, and four different reconstructions. Charles II granted the original licence, and it has since survived fires, wartime closures, and changing theatrical tastes.

From hosting Shakespearean plays to the premieres of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classics, the Drury Lane legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of London theatre. It has long been considered a birthplace for theatrical innovation and British stage talent.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane has been called one of the world's most haunted theatres. The appearance of almost any one of the handful of ghosts that are said to frequent the theatre signals good luck for an actor or production. The most famous ghost is the "Man in Grey," who appears dressed as a nobleman of the late 18th century: powdered hair beneath a tricorne hat, a dress jacket and cloak or cape, riding boots and a sword. Legend says that the Man in Grey is the ghost of a knife-stabbed man whose skeletal remains were found within a walled-up side passage in 1848. 

Where is Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is situated in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, just a short walk from the River Thames and Trafalgar Square. It's easily accessible by public transport, surrounded by shops, and restaurants. The theatre is located on Catherine Street, near the intersection of Drury Lane and Russell Street.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane nearest tube

The nearest tube stations to Theatre Royal Drury Lane are:

Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) – roughly a 4-minute walk
Holborn (Central and Piccadilly Lines) – roughly an 8 minute walk
Temple (District and Circle Lines) – roughly a 10 minute walk

Theatre Royal Drury Lane nearest train station

The closest mainline train station is Charing Cross, located approximately a 10-minute walk from the theatre. Simply head down The Strand and turn onto Catherine Street via Russell Street.

Buses to Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Several buses serve the area, with stops nearby on The Strand and Aldwych:

Day routes: 1, 11, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171
Night buses: N1, N11, N15, N21, N26, N68, N91
Nearest bus stops: Aldwych / Drury Lane or Covent Garden Station

Theatre Royal Drury Lane seating plan

With a capacity of 1,996 seats across four levels (Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony), Theatre Royal Drury Lane offers excellent views throughout the venue. The recently refurbished seating enhances comfort, while the wide aisles and spacious layout ensure a premium experience.

The Stalls offer the best close-up views of the stage, while the Royal Circle provides a balanced, panoramic perspective. Accessible seating is available in designated areas, and the front-of-house team is trained to assist all guests.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane accessibility

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is fully wheelchair accessible with step-free access to the Stalls, accessible toilets, lift access to other levels, and induction loop facilities. Staff are available to assist guests with access needs.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane safety policy

The theatre maintains rigorous safety protocols including bag checks, trained security staff, and clearly marked emergency exits. Enhanced cleaning measures and air purification systems ensure a safe and comfortable visit.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane dress code

There is no strict dress code at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Smart casual attire is recommended. Patrons often dress up for evening performances, especially for premieres or special events. Comfortable shoes are advised for those planning to explore Covent Garden before or after the show.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Seating Plan

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane Seating Plan

The seating capacity of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is 1,996 over 4 levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony.

Disney's Hercules is the current production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The latest booking period for Disney's Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane started 06/06/2025 19:30:00 and runs until 28/03/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Disney's Hercules start at £36 and are available to book now.

Anton & Giovanni – Together Again is the current production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The upcoming booking period for Anton & Giovanni – Together Again at Theatre Royal Drury Lane starts 20/07/2025 17:00:00 and runs until 20/07/2025 17:00:00. Tickets for Anton & Giovanni – Together Again start at £31 and are available to book now.

Carly Paoli and Friends - Hollywood to Broadway is the current production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The upcoming booking period for Carly Paoli and Friends - Hollywood to Broadway at Theatre Royal Drury Lane starts 13/07/2025 19:00:00 and runs until 13/07/2025 19:00:00. Tickets for Carly Paoli and Friends - Hollywood to Broadway start at £35 and are available to book now.

Christmas with Anton Du Beke is the current production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The latest booking period for Christmas with Anton Du Beke at Theatre Royal Drury Lane started 22/12/2024 17:00:00 and runs until 14/12/2025 17:00:00. Tickets for Christmas with Anton Du Beke start at £46 and are available to book now.

Public transport is recommended. The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden ( Piccadilly Line), Holborn (Central/ Piccadilly Lines) Charing Cross (Northern/Bakerloo Lines) and Temple (Circle and District Lines). If arriving by train the nearest rail station is Charing Cross Railway Station. However City Thameslink Station and Blackfriars Railway Station are also nearby. The theatre is well serviced by multiple bus stops and lines including the 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68 76, 87, 91, 168, 171, 188, 341, and 521 from Aldwych Kingsway (Stop F), Aldywch Somerset House (Stop R) and Royal Court of Justice (Stop P). If driving to the theatre the nearest carparks are located in Bloomsbury Square and Lincoln’ Inn Field. There is also an NCP underground car park in Parker Street.

No, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane does not have a formal dress code. Guests are welcome to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, whether it’s jeans and trainers or more formal attire like a tuxedo or an evening dress.

The nearest underground stations to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines).

Drury Lane is famous for being the home to the oldest working playhouse in London and one of the world's most famous theatres, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

Yes, you can pre-order drinks at the bar before the show or during the interval for convenient service.

Outside drinks, aside from bottled water, are not permitted. However, drinks purchased at the theatre bars can be taken into the auditorium.

It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 - 45 minutes before the performance to allow time for security checks, finding your seat, and to fully immersive yourself in this beautiful venue.

Musical

Frozen The Musical

4.8(2,512)

Disney's Frozen the Musical is playing at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Concert

The Box

Musical

Frozen the Musical

4.3(166)

Frozen the musical is set for a West End transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2020!

Musical

Frozen The Musical - Pride Performance

5.0(1)

Love is an open door!

Musical

One

Concert

Christmas Spectacular 2018

Christmas Spectacular is a cracker of show

Concert

Katie Melua

Concert

Petula Clark Live In Concert

4.5(8)

A repertoire to choose from indeed, as this music legend's over 7 decade-long career

Play

French & Saunders - Still Alive!

Concert

Engelbert Humperdinck

4.7(3)

International music legend Engelbert Humperdinck returns to the London stage with a very special show as part of his 50th Anniversary tour,

Musical

Lord of the Rings, The (dinner package)

Concert

Sonheim Gala: Hey, Old Friends

Concert

Dance Power

Musical

Anything Goes

Anything Goes sets sail in London

Concert

Kadim Al Sahir

Concert

Beverley Knight

‘Queen of UK Soul’ is back!

Concert

Attraction Present The Box

Concert

Simple Minds

They are back! Be sure to hear their top hit singles "Don't You (Forget About Me)," "Alive and Kicking" and "Belfast Child"

Dance

Golden Age of Dance

An incomparable evening of dance, music and entertainment at the stunning Theatre Royal Drury Lane!

Musical

Lord of the Rings, The

Musical

Chess - The Musical in Concert

4.6(171)

Samantha Barks and Hadley Fraser star in the West End return of Chess!

Musical

Treason - The Musical in Concert

5.0(3)

The explosive new musical premieres a concert version before a live audience this summer!

Concert

Justin’s Band

Are you ready to be part of Justin’s Band?

Concert

The Italian Job In Concert - Film with Live Orchestra

It's ‘The Self Preservation Society’ -a great film experience with live orchestra

Musical

Kinky Boots - The Musical in Concert

4.8(5)

Kinky Boots in Concert for one night only!

Musical

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

4.5(536)

Meet Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Musical

Evita The Musical in Concert

A breath-taking concert accompanied by the 30-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra

Musical

Love Never Dies The Musical in Concert

Love Never Dies The Musical in Concert

Musical

Wild About You

Wild About You: a new soul-stirring musical adventure in concert!

Concert

Alan Cumming is Not Acting His Age

4.0(2)

Alan Cumming is Not Acting His Age in this riotous journey through life's absurdities!

Concert

Pippin

There’s Magic to Do at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this spring!

Musical

Oklahoma! In Concert

Oh, What a beautiful celebration!

Musical

Lulu

Dance

Maria Caruso’s Incarnation

Internationally acclaimed dancer, Maria Caruso debuts her new solo show.

Concert

Lucy Thomas

Lucy Thomas makes her eagerly anticipated West End concert debut

Musical

Little Piece of You: An Atypical Musical in Concert

A moving and groundbreaking new musical in concert

Concert

Sandi Toksvig

Join Sandi Toksvig for a hilarious new insight into the world of entertainment.

Musical

Mozart: Her Story – The New Musical

Meet the woman in the shadows behind the man in the sun...

Concert

Hamza Namira

Hamza Namira performs his new album live for the first time

Concert

Mem Ararat

The Kurdish superstar plays London for one night only!

Musical

Much Ado About Nothing

Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in Jamie Llyod's Much Ado About Nothing

Play

The Tempest

Sigourney Weaver stars in Jamie Lloyd's The Tempest

Musical

Producers, The

Play

Westend Unscripted! Nick Mohammed and Special Guests

Nick Mohammed and special guests star in this exclusive Q&A

Play

Much Ado About Nothing

Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in Jamie Lloyd's Much Ado About Nothing

Concert

La La Land Live In Concert

5.0(5)

La La Land will be experienced like never before in London, accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra!

Musical

Something Rotten!

4.8(5)

Welcome to the Renaissance