Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
4.5
About
An all-day destination for entertainment, afternoon tea, dining, drinking, art & culture, in the heart of Covent Garden and London's West End. In 2019, LW Theatres embarked on £60 million project to restore the historic Grade 1 listed Theatre Royal Drury Lane to its former 1812 glory. Now open all day to the public, the newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane, affectionately known as The Lane, is reimagined as a new destination for entertainment, food, bars, art and culture, so the iconic interiors can be enjoyed by everyone not just theatregoers. Discover more about Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours. 


How to get there
  • Covent Garden • 4 min walk
  • Temple • 6 min walk
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See what travelers are saying

  • Amy T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience for afternoon tea
    Everything was delicious! Tea was good quality and the ambiance was very nice. Very fun outing for our family visiting for our first every afternoon tea experience. Service was very attentive waitress even took photos of my family for us
    Dear V491TJamyt, Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. I was delighted to learn how much you enjoyed your recent visit at the Grand Saloon and I will definitely share your lovely comment with the Team, that I am sure will be very pleased to read It. It is our earnest hope that you will be able to visit us again one day when you may certainly be assured of a very warm welcome back, in the meantime, thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. Warm Regards, Stefano Filistad F&B Manager at the Lane
    Written November 10, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 8, 2023
  • Spinkyminky
    Nottingham, United Kingdom795 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Frozen was a great show and the theatre was stunning
    This theatre is stunning especially inside I've been to a few theatres in London and this one is definitely the fanciest. We came for frozen and all the staff were really friendly and helpful especially when I got lost looking for the loo The show itself was great we had stall seats A25& 26 and they were a great view the seats were comfortable and plenty of legroom. Id love to come back and do one of the day time tours they offer
    Dear Spinkyminky, Such lovely comments, thank you so much. We greatly appreciate your kind words and we look forward to welcome you back at the Lane. The Management Team.
    Written November 10, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 11, 2023
  • Tourist19227555374
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Afternoon Tea in such a Historic Building
    Lovely tea experience! Stopped for afternoon tea after taking a tour of the theatre. The tea and assorted food was delicious and the atmosphere very relaxing. Was a delightful way to absorb all of the history I had just learned! Would recommend and will likely be back.
    Dear Tourist19227555374, Thank you for your truly wonderful feedback and for taking the time to write it. We are delighted to hear you had an Amazing time at the Grand Saloon, we will ensure you comments gets shared with the team - I am sure they will be really glad to read your lovely note. We hope to warmly welcome you again to the Grand Saloon at the Lane in the future. Warm Regards, Stefano Filistad Food and Beverage Manager at the Lane
    Written November 10, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 13, 2023
  • Sally
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Superb Tour of The Theatre Royal
    What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in London! My sister and I were lucky enough to have Victoria as our guide on this sensational theatre tour. Victoria, an actress and a warm and consummate communicator, took us expertly through the history of this extraordinarily beautiful theatre and interspersed our tour with fun anecdotes. She led us both on a grand tour of the auditorium and staircases of The Theatre Royal and to otherwise unseen areas - it all felt such a privilege. Thank you, Victoria. I shall pass the word on to friends and family regarding this fabulous tour. I believe young and old would love it! 😊
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 21, 2023
  • K_Meister1983
    114 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Frozen musical
    This was my first time visiting this theatre and I have to say it was stunning inside. I came with my 4 year old daughter to see Frozen the musical and everyone we spoke to from the security on the door, to the bar staff, to the ushers were so friendly and made the experience truly wonderful. My only gripe was that considering I paid £190 for 2 tickets I spent most of the show staring at the back of another guests head. I know this isn’t the theatres fault and they can’t control who would be sitting in front of me but £190 is a lot of money to pay to spend the performance leaning over to one side so I could see the stage properly. The chairs were slanted slightly, but only slightly. Which is a shame when ticket prices are so much money. Frozen itself was every bit as magical as we thought it would be and I would recommend to any little Elsa fans.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 26, 2023
  • rachkraushaar
    Thousand Oaks, California2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Afternoon Tea for Birthday Celebration!
    We had the most lovely time at afternoon tea to celebrate my birthday. Not only was the food, service, and tea excellent, but I was fortunate enough to be serenaded by Emily. She has one of the most beautiful voices we have ever heard, and it was one of the most special experiences. Thank you, all!
    Dear rachkraushaar thank you for sharing such a lovely review, following your visit at the Grand Saloon, myself and the Team are thrilled to read that you have such a great experience we will definitely share your lovely comment with Emily. We look very much forward to welcome you back again at the Lane. Stefano Filistad F&B Manager at the Lane
    Written November 27, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 11, 2023
  • WorldTravellerChick
    West Sussex, United Kingdom117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous guided tour!
    Prompt start. James and Lyn (tour guides) are FANTASTIC! Tour is well organised and both guides are very knowledgeable with the T/Royal history. Tour lasts about 1.5hrs and it is totally worth it! I have already recommended the tour to several friends (of all ages from teens to more mature ages). You will not be disappointed.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 11, 2023
  • Cricey16
    Brackley, United Kingdom63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Theatre Royal Drury Lane tour
    On a visit to London we decided to do the Theatre Royal Drury Lane tour. They go 2 a day and we picked the 10:30am tour. We were welcomed warmly and directed to a a seating area to await the start of the tour. We were lucky enough to be the only people booked on the tour, which was fantastic. The theatre has been recently renovated, to a very high standard. We were taken around by the fabulous David who told tales and provided facts. It was so interesting. We visited the Royal room and sat on the sofa that the Royal family use when they visit the theatre. We went in the auditorium, down in the tunnels under the theatre. David told us historical facts and ghost stories. The room where afternoon tea is served is lovely, next time we'll book that. I would highly recommend this as a must do if you love theatres
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 24, 2023
  • Zuri1982
    London, United Kingdom10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Happy Visually Impaired Customer
    I just wanted to dedicate this review not to a particular show, but rather to the exceptional level of customer service given to us (me and my mum). Being visually impaired and my mum being my carer, the staff were extremely friendly right from the beginning, starting from the security, then the member of staff that checked our tickets - she even went that extra mile to walk us all the way to our seats, and then during the intermission; another member of staff came to see if we were alright, which was really nice, and then finally, at the end of the show, another member of staff helped us to leave via a special exit door. So we were very impressed with overall, Superb customer service. Thank you very much indeed.👨🏽‍🦯
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 26, 2023
  • Helen W
    Abingdon, United Kingdom60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delightful Afternoon Tea treat
    Wonderful afternoon tea experience in the Grand Saloon. Lovely staff including one who kindly told us which was the best tube station to get and the extremely talented Maitre d’ who serenaded the birthday girl in our group and bought an extra cake. We loved that there were no sandwiches, I can make them at home, the food was fun and different and ample for us, the champagne delicious, a wonderful treat well done team.
    Dear 337helenw Delighted you enjoyed your recent visit at the Grand Saloon for Afternoon Tea, I was particularly pleased to read of the high service levels you received and in particular your charming comments about Emily and her skills. The entire team were delighted to hear of your kind words and join me in hoping we will have the pleasure to welcome you back to the Grand Saloon in the not too distant future. Warm Regards, Stefano Filistad Food and Beverage Manager at the Lane
    Written December 7, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,656 reviews
Excellent
1,165
Very good
302
Average
95
Poor
51
Terrible
44

Karen B
London, UK19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
Firstly, Drury Lane is the most stunning theatre in London. The recent renovations have restored this amazing place into an opulent Georgian theatre house with stunning contemporary artwork on the walls and it is a fitting tribute to its patrons of the past. What I would thoroughly recommend however, is the behind the scenes tour - an hour of fascinating, funny and entertaining stories, revealing the secrets, scandals and the history of this amazing place. Darren and his partner guide kept our group enthralled thorough out and did a wonderful job! A great time was had by all!
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krisso
3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
The show itself is amazing from the set production to the actors. Loved every minute of the performance, and would definitely watch it again.

My disappointment was more to do with the covid guidance, despite being asked to have either a covid pass or lateral flow test on booking the seats I didn't experience 1 person challenged for results or pass and that includes my group. Inside the theatre wasn't much better, I see no point in staff having to wear masks if a majority of the audience wont wear one. Our performance as well was blighted by people trying to take photos (or record) through the show as the staff were constantly up and down the stairs telling people off. Can it really be that hard for people to follow a simple set of instructions to protect the performers and staff and to also not ruin experiences for others.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Caron M
Bedfordshire, UK303 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
The tours run several times a day in English. They last about an hour and a half and although stairs are involved there are opportunities to sit while you are being regaled with fabulous tales of the venue. A great experience for lovers of theatre, history and fun facts. Our guides were very professional and made the experience very interesting. Great to see parts of the theatre not usually open to the public and the refurbishment of this old theatre is amazing. We had a really enjoyable visit. Tickets can include a cocktail - worth it as the bar is beautiful but quite expensive. Would recommend this to anyone visiting London.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Siobhan
17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Family
We did our tour around theatre royal drury Lane on 18th September 2022 as it was a birthday gift for me and my mum for our birthdays from a family member. when we got there we were greeted by friendly staff and after we were given our lanyards, we were informed we were the only ones doing the tour, which was a nice surprise. Our tour guide was called James and he was such a delight, he definitely knew his stuff and he was very thorough. In fact he was so thorough, we didn't need to ask any questions. we did the tour and even went in the auditorium, we were hoping to see the new cast of frozen but I think they already had been on stage practising. We learnt everything about the theatre and even was told a few ghost stories.
The tour was meant to be an hour, but we ended up being an hour and a half as James was very thorough. afterwards we had to leave quite quickly as it was a Sunday and the matinee performance of frozen was an hour earlier.
If you are interested in theatres, or love history or even both, I would recommend this tour and if you have James, you will be taught everything.
Thank you for a wonderful tour.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vesna S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Afternoon Tea at the Theatre Royal , Drury Lane - Fantastic Experience

I have booked Afternoon Tea for a friend of mine and my daughter on 13.12.2022 and we were smitten by ambiance and the excellent service of Mr. Roque. He made us feeling very special and looked after. He has guide us through the menu and served us in an exceptional style and rhythm making our afternoon most pleasant and relaxed. It felt as we were having a personal butler at our service.
Great Christmas Afternoon Tea, we can recommend to every one who would like to experience the charm and tradition of English heritage.
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melissa Banks
Lincoln, UK27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
Went to a Sunday evening show of Frozen and it was spectacular! The cast were incredible! The theatre has had a refurb and was so excited to sit in one of the new boxes! Box A is on the left hand side of the theatre and has 2 chairs in that you can move around to change your view/adjust for legroom.

Definitely recommend for couples - there is also another Box A underneath which seats 4 which would be perfect for families too.

Drinks and snacks are at theatre pricing but that is expected and can take glasses purchases in theatre bar into auditorium.

The gift shop opens from 10am daily so we went back the next day to get merchandise in a quieter period. Plush toys, mugs. Jewellery, jackets, t shirts, magnets, pin badges all for sale

Bought the tall branded mug priced at £20 and is great quality.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ThePrivateTraveller
United Kingdom186 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
My husband booked afternoon tea for us when in London for a weekend. We had both expected this to be a real highlight, but in actual fact was such a disappointment. The welcome was great and we were shown up to the Grand Saloon upstairs, at that point it stated to go downhill.

We were given booklets which were clearly explained to be ones for us to take away; after we had ordered the afternoon tea with an extra King’s Punch cocktail, the booklets were whisked away too. Despite actually saying the opposite, the waiter from the off tried to upsell the additional caviar option, which was no good for a vegetarian.

There was nothing wrong with the food, albeit disappointing to have no sandwiches, and for a vegetarian I think there is nothing worse than being offered ‘fake’ something - in this case it was something looking remarkably like shredded salmon, which the waiter said was some sort of protein salmon equivalent.

I heard someone nearby complaining about lukewarm tea, and they said the water came from a hot water tap. Initially, wrongly, I thought she was making a fuss, but after trying my tea when it came I completely understood. The first cup was ok, but as soon as it was left for just a few seconds, and future cups, it was cool. The table was also very small and the waiter had to try and balance things to fit on the table. There were two scones, one each, but they were so small and thin we didn’t think we’d actually be able to slice them.

When the bill came, they had shown this as being the cost of the afternoon tea with two separate cocktails, but then taking off a deduction to bring it back to the standard cost of the afternoon including the punch. That said, they got this wrong and it was charged at £2 more than the menu. Again it wasn’t a bad thing, but just another thing which was disappointing.

I did alternate between awarding two or three stars here - as I say, it wasn’t awful but for the cost and how good it could have been, my overall word for the experience is just underwhelming. For the money, there are far, far better afternoon tea experiences available in London. So disappointed.
Written December 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K_Meister1983
Hastings114 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
This was my first time visiting this theatre and I have to say it was stunning inside. I came with my 4 year old daughter to see Frozen the musical and everyone we spoke to from the security on the door, to the bar staff, to the ushers were so friendly and made the experience truly wonderful.

My only gripe was that considering I paid £190 for 2 tickets I spent most of the show staring at the back of another guests head. I know this isn’t the theatres fault and they can’t control who would be sitting in front of me but £190 is a lot of money to pay to spend the performance leaning over to one side so I could see the stage properly. The chairs were slanted slightly, but only slightly. Which is a shame when ticket prices are so much money.

Frozen itself was every bit as magical as we thought it would be and I would recommend to any little Elsa fans.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

estebonbon
peterborough136 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Couples
We went to watch frozen this weekend. Fantastic show, tickets bit pricey but was great. This review is of the theatre only. We paid more than normal to sit at the edge of row D. Firstly its now law to wear masks throughout the show, not the most comfortable but you do it because its the right thing. Staff held boards up at the beginning saying its law but the amount of people not wearing masks was high and alot had them under their chin so clearly not excempt just not following the rules. There was no enforcement of this rule at all. Also they was selling toys at the beginning at very high proces (£30 for the girls or £40 for olaf or sven) but rather than put a price up they had people coming up to ask which i think is a selling tactic but the thing that annoyed me the most was the ice cream the queue went right past our seat causing people to standright near our seat when queuing which made me feel unsafe and uncomfortable. I get why they do it at the front again selling tactic but in covid times its unfair to cause a queue in the theatre near where we was sitting.. take it out of the auditorium away from seats but do an announcement. Itd be way more safe. Just felt it was all about selling and not about safety. I didnt feel safe at all in seats D 35/36!
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

talbot456
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Booked afternoon tea for my husband’s birthday. Magnificent setting and the staff were welcoming. However, the overall experience was disappointing. My husband doesn’t drink tea or coffee and having had afternoon tea in many other places where the tea has been exchanged for a soft drink, we didn’t think there would be a problem here. How wrong we were. Our waitress said it wasn't possible. We asked again and the manager came over and said no, it’s afternoon tea with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. We ordered a soft drink and a glass of wine and asked for 2 types of tea to be served later. The savouries and cakes that were served as part of the standard tea were fairly good but personally, I think it is overpriced at £49 for the quality and quantity offered.
We then came to the sorbet. This was served on some metallic scallop shells. My shell was dirty. I could scrape the dirt off in the grooves with my fingernail. We complained about this, and without hesitation, we received an apology and were told that we wouldn't have to pay for the soft drink and the wine, this was unexpected but very welcomed. We waited a while for the tea to arrive but in the end had to ask for it I drank mine but my husband didn’t and therefore his was wasted.
In conclusion, I think that there are better ways to spend £49 than to have afternoon tea at the Drury Lane Theatre Royal.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Theatre Royal Drury Lane - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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