Top UK Theatre Destinations

From Brighton to Edinburgh with a whole raft of destinations in between, the UK boasts an impressive theatre scene. Whether you’re into ballet and musicals or plays and poetry, there are theatres great and small, up and down the country, to cater for just about every taste.

Even if you can’t afford more than a couple of shows, there are some great deals to be had if you shop around online, from two-for-one ticket deals to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Museum discounts. Let’s take a look at where to go on your theatrical tour of Britain…

Beginning on the south coast, Brighton’s Theatre Royal offers a varied programme of plays and performances, while The Dome and a whole array of smaller venues also deliver offbeat and up-and-coming acts incorporating everything from spoken word to cutting edge dance. Visit during the annual Brighton Festival and you’ll find the creativity flowing from every nook of the city. A high percentage of pubs and cafes per capita offer prime people watching spots in a city that’s as liberal and vibrant as you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Head north into London to discover what is arguably the UK’s ultimate theatre destination. London’s West End has been home to the world’s biggest musicals and plays, from The Phantom of the Opera to Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Venture away from the 40 plus venues of Theatreland to find yet more impressive performance venues, including The Old Vic, The Southbank and The Barbican. With your evenings taken care of, you’ll never be stuck for something to to during the day on a London theatre break. Jump on a hop-on hop-off bus tour for a hassle-free way to see the city and find all the important sights.

The UK’s great theatre locations aren’t just confined to the south. Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of the bard who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. Learn about the life and works of Shakespeare at his birthplace museum, and enjoy some post-theatre treats among the town’s collection of tea shops, traditional pubs and craft boutiques.

Head north of the border during the summer months to find one of the world’s best fringe festivals. Edinburgh in August turns into a magnet for performing artists and culture vultures, offering a bill brimming with everything from edgy comedy and street music to contemporary dance and thought-provoking plays. A stunning city flanked by rolling hills and the River Forth, Edinburgh is a cultural hub no matter what time of year you visit, offering musicals, plays, dance and comedy at venues across the city, from The Playhouse to the Festival Theatre. When you’ve had your fill of theatrics, take a walk up Arthur’s Seat to take in the equally dramatic panoramas of the city, the sea and the Pentland Hills.

Whichever destination you choose for your UK theatre break, make sure you shop around online and check for vouchers in the press, and you could bag yourself some great deals to make your trip stretch that little bit further…

Carole Last is a freelance contributor to several travel websites, and enjoys exploring the cultural scene of every place on her itinerary. She is currently based in London.

Photo credit: header, theatre royal