The theater district in London is known as the “West End” and boasts a total of 39 theaters. From the smallest, Arts Theatre with 350 seats, to the largest, Apollo Victoria with 2385 seats, none surpass the oldest, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which opened in 1812. All have contributed to London’s position at the pinnacle of musical and drama performances. The West End extends from Waterloo in the east to Victoria in the West and north to Oxford Street. A few theaters, including the iconic Shakespeare’s open air Globe Theater are south of the River Thames. The longest running west end show is Agatha Christie’s (The Mousetrap) now in its 69th year, is currently playing at St. Martins Theatre. Most theaters are dark on Sundays.

Many British town and cities support local theaters presenting short run productions in summer and traditional pantomime over the Christmas season. Britain by Choice recommends two theaters in particular for the quality of performance at a fraction of the cost of London’s West End.

Located on the banks of the River Garry in the heart of Scotland, the summer season runs from late April to early October, presenting up to 6 plays and musicals in repertoire. I high summer they have the slogan “Stay 6 days see 6 plays”.

Located on the banks of the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s home town, the company has bee presenting Shakespearian era plays in one of the 3 theatres, the RST, The Swan and The Other Place, since 1961.

Presented for 3 weeks every August, during the Edinburgh International Festival, on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with performers from Scotland and world wide, with the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish Regiments. Tickets can be arranged for clients who arrange their accommodation with Britain by Choice. No performances on Sundays.

There are many unique festivals and events through the year, across the length and breadth of Britain. These begin with the “Up-Helly-Aa” Viking fire festival in Shetland in January to Scotland’s nationwide Hogmanay celebrations in December. Whatever your interests there is some thing to celebrate throughout the year.