West End theatre, Theatre district in central London, United Kingdom
The theatre district in central London gathers more than forty professional stages presenting musicals, plays, comedies and experimental works throughout the year. Most houses sit between Covent Garden and Leicester Square in old buildings with red velvet curtains and gilded balconies.
The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane opened in 1663 as the first licensed entertainment venue in London and marked the start of this theatrical tradition. During the 19th century numerous additional stages grew around this house turning the district into the leading theatre zone of the country.
Theatregoers typically dress casually though some performances draw audiences in formal attire or cocktail wear. During interval breaks crowds gather in foyers to order drinks at the bar or chat about the show.
Tickets can be bought at theatre box offices, through online platforms or at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted performances. Visitors who stay flexible and decide last minute often find cheaper seats for shows that are not sold out.
The St Martin's Theatre has presented Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap continuously since 1952 making it the longest-running theatre production in history. Each evening ends with a request to the audience not to reveal the secret of the plot.
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