Top 5: Theatres in London

The British capital has a rich tradition in theater and the biggest shows continue to pass through town today. Below is your guide to the best venues in London, from Shakespearean to contemporary.

A photo posted by Shakespeare's Globe (@the_globe) on Apr 23, 2016 at 12:31am PDT

The Globe Theatre

If you are a fan of Shakespeare there, is no better theater in London than the infamous Globe. The Bard built the original theatre during his lifetime, but it later burnt down. Today’s version is a rebuilt replica that shows Shakespeare’s plays in the open air, just as they would have been in his time.

A photo posted by The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) on Apr 9, 2016 at 5:13am PDT

The Old Vic

This storied venue is situated south of Waterloo Station and has a strong reputation. This summer, the theater will be showing Jekyll & Hyde and a musical version of Groundhog Day.

A photo posted by Ümit Erlim (@erlimumit) on Jun 4, 2015 at 7:44am PDT

Camden People’s Theatre

This smaller venue is found in an old pub, and proudly identifies itself as a fringe theater. The current production is The Joke, a witty look at an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman stuck inside a joke. The theater has had its ups and downs, but critics have hailed its resurgence of late.

A photo posted by Barbican Centre (@barbicancentre) on Nov 5, 2015 at 5:23am PST

Barbican Centre

This arts venue regularly puts on cutting-edge events from across the artistic spectrum. This summer the touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to town May 17–21. The Barbican is the largest multiarts venue in Europe so you should go early and see what else is on.

A photo posted by National Theatre (@nationaltheatre) on May 18, 2016 at 6:20am PDT

National Theatre

Across town lies the National Theater, which is part of the larger cultural complex known as the South Bank. This whole summer the theatre will put on Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera featuring Rory Kinnear.