Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of London's best-known theatres, on Catherine Street in Covent Garden. The current building dates from 1812, and a theatre has stood on this site since 1663. The auditorium and lobby are decorated with statues, ornate ceilings and artwork. Most people come for a show, and Hercules, the musical based on the Disney film, has been playing here. Before the performance, the Grand Saloon serves afternoon tea under chandeliers, with scones, mini crumpets and a passionfruit cake.
From 1663 to the 1812 building
A theatre has been on this site since 1663. One early story links the building to King Charles II, who noticed Nell Gwyn while she was selling oranges here. The theatre has been a royal favourite ever since, and it is also where many people first heard the National Anthem and Rule Britannia.
The current building dates from 1812. Its stage has hosted productions such as the original Miss Saigon (1989 to 1999) and 42nd Street (2017 to 2019). Shakespeare returned in early 2025 with two productions, Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest, after no Bard play had been performed here since the 1950s.
The 2021 reopening and the Grand Saloon
The theatre reopened in 2021 after a renovation of about three years and a budget of £60 million. The work restored the historical grandeur of the building.
The Grand Saloon, the room used for afternoon tea, has high ceilings, chandeliers, elegant ceiling mouldings, pale peach walls and green marble pillars.
Inside the auditorium
The main auditorium seats 2,000. The seats are comfortable, and the rows and seat numbers are clearly marked. Leg room is better than in many older theatres.
The lobby is ornate and worth a few minutes before the show. Handrails in some areas sit around head height, which can be awkward for some visitors.
Afternoon tea in the Grand Saloon
The tea menu was designed by the London baker Lily Vanilli and is served in courses that follow the theatre theme. The savoury course includes miniature coronation chicken pies, mini crumpets with Earl Grey cream cheese and a savoury madeleine with whipped feta.
The sweet course has scones with salted whipped butter, cream and jam, and ice cream sandwiches with strawberry syrup and marshmallow. The finale is a seasonal layered cake. A Champagne version, with Taittinger, is also offered.
The kitchen accommodates dietary requirements, and staff check back during the meal to make sure your needs are met.
The Lane terrace
Behind the theatre, a leafy passage called The Lane has tables for drinks and snacks, lined with trees and plants. It is popular with theatregoers and passers by who want to sit away from the main street.
A roof terrace, new for 2025, looks out over the billboards of Theatreland and serves wine, cocktails and champagne. The Herald cocktail combines bourbon, Grand Marnier, orange bitters, honey and lemon. Brunch is served at weekends.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Theatre Royal Drury Lane?
It is on Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF, in Covent Garden. The nearest Underground station is Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly Line.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
The venue lists a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restroom and parking. The accessible toilet can be reached by a stair lift, so ask the box office about the route before you visit.
What is in the afternoon tea?
The tea includes scones with cream and jam, mini crumpets with Earl Grey cream cheese, a savoury madeleine and a passionfruit vanilla cake. A Champagne version is also offered.
Is there a restaurant or bar?
The theatre has a restaurant on site, and afternoon tea is served in the Grand Saloon. The Lane, a passage behind the building, has tables for drinks and snacks and a roof terrace.
What is playing?
Hercules, the musical based on the Disney film, has been playing here. Check the theatre website for current dates.
