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Iris Theatre

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Iris Theatre
4.5
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Suggested 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
  • Leicester Square • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Vasinikó London
113
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Northern-Italian • Central-Italian
Leicester Square Kitchen
1,800
0.2 mi$$$$ • Mexican • Peruvian • Healthy
Bustronome
116
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European • Contemporary
The Wine Place Covent Garden
278
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Frog By Adam Handling
669
0.1 mi$$$$ • European • British • Contemporary
All Bar One Covent Garden
1,160
102 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Angus Steakhouse Leicester Square
1,795
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • British • Gluten Free Options
Ben's Cookies
396
0.1 mi$ • Bakeries
Beaufort Bar
466
0.1 mi$$$$
The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen
1,379
379 ft$$ - $$$ • Seafood • British • Healthy
See all
Attractions
2,220 within 6 miles
Trafalgar Square
8,169
185 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Covent Garden
25,164
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
London Coliseum
1,213
0.1 miTheaters
Adelphi Theatre
343
286 ftTheaters
The Vaudeville Theatre
372
433 ftTheaters
St. Paul's Church (The Actors' Church)
170
464 ftHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
National Gallery
40,420
0.2 miArt Museums
The Vaudeville Theatre
134
483 ftTheaters
English National Ballet Nutcracker
122
511 ftBallets
Noël Coward Theatre
858
0.1 miTheaters
See all
See what other travelers are saying
  • FIL M
    London, United Kingdom352 contributions
    Midsummer Night's Dream delight
    It was the first performance I had seen since the pandemic hit. It was such a delight to watch the very funny performances within the gardens of St Paul's Church and the church itself for one or two scenes. I thoroughly recommend.
    Written July 18, 2022
  • MaGrFa
    Scarborough, United Kingdom165 contributions
    Very Good Show
    The company produced a very good show of the Hunchback of Notre Dame an interesting way of staging the show with each scene layed out in a different area of the grounds. only downside they don't make toilets available which means that I did not use the refreshments area either, also actual programmes would be nice instead of just a cast list
    Written August 11, 2019
  • kbkb747
    120 contributions
    3 musketeers
    What a great show - the actors were all so talented, playing multiple roles and absolutely believable in each! Gripping and funny in parts it appealed to my 8 year old daughter and teenage son as well as myself. During some scenes the actors were close enough to touch and the audience inclusion was excellent. Recommended !
    Traveled with family
    Written September 1, 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Katienn
Finland8 contributions
Macbeth
Jul 2017 • Solo
Interesting experience. Loved the scenery and moving around, in and out of the St. Paul's Church. Actors were good (apart from one I didn't like, sorry). Costume design could have been better! It was partly like from a school play with no budget. Obviously the Shakespeare language is a bit tough as a foreigner. But wasn't the first Shakespeare play to see so it wasn't a surprise. Overall a good experience and I would go again to see another play.
Written July 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jsrBrackley
brackley249 contributions
Great Experience!
Jul 2017 • Family
We decided to see MacBeth as both my children will be studying as part of their GCSE's. We had never seen a Shakespeare play before and we were not disappointed.
It was a small cast and everyone was very passionate and talented. We loved how we moved around the church for the different scenes.
I would definitely book another Iris Productionand would highly recommend it!
Written July 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert H
Harpenden, UK66 contributions
Macbeth. Wonderful production, lovely location & amazing value!
Jul 2017 • Family
Went with family, kids aged 15 (perfect for her GCSEs) & 9. All found it wonderful. Great acting, lots of passion & pain! The setting in St. Paul's church in Covent Garden, right in the heart of the West End, is great. Out in the open air (we were lucky the English weather happened to be perfect). No famous names & not a West End production, so probably why the cost was amazing value. Loved the production (9 year old a little freaked-out by the 3 witches!), & involved following the actors in and around the church - wonderful & will definitely be seeing their other productions.
Written July 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaw
London, UK4 contributions
Twelfth Night
Jun 2015 • Friends
Spent a wonderful evening last night in St Paul's Churchyard Covent Garden to see the Iris Theatre perform Twelfth Night. They are in their 7th year and the cast and setting was fantastic. The play moves around the gardens, finishing inside the church and the audience moves with the cast so there is no fixed seating, you sit where you can, but this is absolutely fine. Suggest you arrive 15-20 minutes before the performance starts. There is a table set up selling drinks and snacks. Would highly recommend.
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
npurcell
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Engaging and fun for the whole family
Aug 2019
I wanted to bring my 7 and 10 year old to a good piece of theatre for their first real experience, I am so glad I chose Iris Theatre. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was an engaging, delightfully fun evening that my boys were hooked on from the start to then end. I really can't think of a better way to introduce children to theatre and I want to say a big thank you to the Iris Theatre team for all of their hard work on this excellent show.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FIL M
London, UK352 contributions
The Hunchback of Notre Dame- Delightful open air staging.
Aug 2019
I thoroughly enjoy the productions that Iris stage during the summer period at St Paul's church/gardens. This production is very family friendly despite some of the darkness in the text/performances. It engages adults and children alike. Thoroughly recommend!
Written August 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea L
London, UK24 contributions
Great value innovative and enjoyable theatre
Aug 2017 • Family
We enjoyed both shows this summer on separate nights and overall would highly recommend this interactive outdoor theatre as an economic way to pass a summer's night. We debated whether moving about to see different scenes in different places broke up the dramatic tension. Personally I enjoyed the difference from other theatre we see. The troupe is small so play a number of roles which one of us found confusing once - instead i admired the virtuosity of actors transforming themselves within minutes to play different roles. Overall a lot of very enjoyable acting and staging at a fraction of the price of other theatre tickets.

A spot of rain didn't spoil our Macbeth which was a fast paced and gripping rendition of the classic Shakespeare work with some fine moments including very moving and worthwhile renditions of Out out damned spot as well the all important Tomorrow tomorrow speech.

Hansel and Gretel surprised and challenged with a Russian version, packed with references to other fairytale themes as well as plenty of humour. The show worked for my grumpy old adult and kid companions.

Good location but you need to get the loo before the show (they don't have one!) Cheap and cheerful snacks and drinks and generally friendly staff working the show were more pluses.

Along with the pricier Regents Park summer theatre, seeing what this little troupe come up with, could well become a regular treat for us.
Written August 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wandenway
Rickmansworth, UK118 contributions
3rd visit - this time 'Much Ado About Nothing'.
Jul 2016
I love this place and I am not normally a Shakespeare fan. If you can guarantee the weather, this really is a beautiful setting for open air theatre. Following the actors around the gardens of the church and finally finishing inside the church is truly wonderful. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves . Yes, you can hear planes / helicopters flying over, builders working nearby and the sound of cheering from the street entertainers in the Plaza of Covent Garden, but this merely adds to the overall experience.

Just one warning, there are no toilets, so you will have to make sure you have 50p for the public toilets in Covent Garden.

I have already got my tickets for the next performance of Treasure Island.
Written July 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FIL M
London, UK352 contributions
Pinocchio- Iris Theatre
Aug 2015 • Friends
I recently went to my first open air theatre show with Iris Theatre. The show that was being presented was that of the story of Pinocchio. It was a magical evening suitable for all the family. I definitely will be visiting future productions held by the Iris Theatre. The location is wonderful and the acting superb.
Written August 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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