If you’re visiting London and looking to enjoy some drinks, there’s plenty to choose from in the West End (including Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Soho) when it comes to happy hour – usually defined as drinks served at discounted prices while the night is young.

Wine and beer are on offer, as well as many delicious and decadent cocktails. Most cocktail venues don’t insist on a formal dress code (apart from no shorts and gym wear), but it can be fun to dress up for an...

Guide to the best Happy Hours in the West End

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Find out where to secure a delicious pre-theatre tipple with our comprehensive guide to the best bars offering Happy Hour drinks in the West End.

Something wicked this way comes… and London is packed with spook-tacular shows and activities that are perfect for Halloween 2024. The annual fright night falls on 31 October, which is a Thursday this year, and if you just love everything about this spine-tingling holiday, then you’ll want to start thinking about your plans now.

One ghoulishly great way to celebrate Halloween is with a play or musical – perhaps one that centres on witches, like...

Top shows and attractions in London for Halloween

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Trick or treat! Discover a wide variety of fun activities and events to book for Halloween in London, ranging from spine-chilling shows to eerie attractions.

Fine dining is lovely for special occasions but it isn’t always possible when you have lots of activities planned – like a theatre trip! – and not much time. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of places in central London where you can get food on the go or sit down and be served quickly.

Read on for our guide to quick bites and fast food in the West End that will keep you full and nourished and won’t break the bank.

## [Marks & Spencer](https://www.marksandspencer.com/c/food-and-wine)

Where...

A guide to fast food and quick bites in the West End

burgers

Keep yourself full with sandwiches, salads, burgers, and much more as you explore everything central London has to offer. 

New casting has been revealed for [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*,](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) as the show approaches its first anniversary in the West End. The production has also extended its booking period to 6 April 2025.

Louis Healy will take over the role of Henry Creel. He is joined by Callum Maxwell as Bob Newby, Miranda Mufema as Patty Newby, Luke Mullins as Dr Brenner, Jessica Rhodes as Joyce Maldonado, and George Smale as James...

'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' announces new casting

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The *Stranger Things* stage prequel follows loner teenager Henry Creel as he arrives in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana and unleashes darkness for all who live there.

Summer is ending, and it’ll soon be colder and darker… but who cares? That just makes it the perfect time to head to the theatre! And of course, autumn means an exciting influx of big show openings, in the West End and in London’s subsidised and fringe scenes. In fact, there are so many September shows that you could easily spend every night at the theatre.

So, what are the real must-see events? How about Mark Rylance and *Succession*'s J. Smith-Cameron playing opposite one another in [*Juno...

Top theatre to see in London in September

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West End

Find out the best shows to see in London in September 2024, from Tom Stoppard's *The Real Thing* to *Juno and the Paycock*, starring Mark Rylance and J. Smith-Cameron.

New casting has been revealed for [*Mamma Mia!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/304-mamma-mia-tickets) at the Novello Theatre in the West End. The musical has also extended its booking period to 27 September 2025.

Izi Maxwell (*SIX* UK and International tour) makes her West End debut as Sophie and Luke Jasztal moves from Ensemble to play the role of Sam. They are joined by Ben Irish (*Frozen the Musical, Jersey Boys, 9 to 5: The Musical*) as Sky, Harriet Samuels (*Frozen the Musical*) as...

New cast announced for 'Mamma Mia!' in the West End

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*Mamma Mia!* is the third longest running West End musical of all time, premiering in London in 1999 at the Prince Edward Theatre. It has been seen by over 10 million people.

Initial casting has been announced for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s *The Producers*, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London on 9 December.

Directed by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber (*Leopoldstadt*), the musical will star Andy Nyman (*Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!*) as Max Bialystock, Marc Antolin (*The Band’s Visit, Romantics Anonymous*) as Leo Bloom, Harry Morrison (*Beetlejuice, Assassins*) Franz Liebkind, and Joanna Woodward (*The Time Traveller’s Wife: The...

Initial casting revealed for 'The Producers' at the Menier Chocolate Factory

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Directed by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber, the musical will star *Hello, Dolly!*'s Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Harry Morrison, and Joanna Woodward.

The Off-Broadway hit *Titanique* will transfer to the West End on 9 December, opening at the Criterion Theatre.

Combining the music of Céline Dion with the plot of the Oscar-winning film *Titanic*, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, *Titanique* explores what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night. From this wild reimagining of their love story comes a hysterical musical fantasia, including songs such as "My Heart Will Go On," "All by Myself," and "To Love you...

'Titanique' to open at Criterion Theatre in the West End

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The award-winning musical combines the music of Céline Dion with the plot of the Oscar-winning film *Titanic*, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

The full cast has been announced for Robert Icke's new adaptation of *[Oedipus](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/41707-oedipus)* in the West End. The play opens at [Wyndham's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/wyndhams-theatre) on 15 October, running until 4 January 2025.

Joining the previously announced Mark Strong as Oedipus and Lesley Manville as Jocasta are Samuel Brewer (Teiresias), Michael Gould (Creon), Sara Hazemi (Lichas/Understudy Antigone), Gary McDonald (Driver),...

Full cast announced for 'Oedipus' in the West End

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*Sherlock Holmes* and *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy* actor Mark Strong and Lesley Manville (*Sherwood, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris*) will star in this adaptation of Sophocles’ great tragedy.

Based around a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, the easily mispronounced Leicester Square (it’s “Lester”) has long had a reputation as an entertainment hotspot. At the centre is a fountain featuring a statue of William Shakespeare copied from an 18th-century memorial in Westminster Abbey with the quote “There is no darkness but ignorance” from *Twelfth Night*.

In the 19th century, Leicester Square’s theatres included the Alhambra Music Hall; Daly’s Theatre, famed for its lavish...

A neighbourhood guide to Leicester Square

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London's cinema capital is a true entertainment hotspot, also home to several exciting West End theatres.

James Corrigan (*Jack Absolute Flies Again,* King Lear*), Doon Mackichan (*Toast of Tinseltown, The Duchess*), and Sara Powell (*The Seagull, The Madness of King George*) will join Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James in the world premiere of Penelope Skinner's *[Lyonesse*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/31741-lyonesse). 

Directed by Ian Rickson, this new play will begin performances on 17 October to 23 December 2023 at the [Harold Pinter Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/harold-pinter-theatre).

BAFTA and Olivier-winning actress, Kristin Scott Thomas, will star as a reclusive but talented actress who disappears under mysterious circumstances. She is finally ready to tell her story after thirty years. Enlisting a young film director (Lily James) to help her with a magnificent comeback. But can we really control the stories we tell? 

Lyonesse will be designed by Georgia Lowe, with lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, music by Stephen Warbeck, sound by Tingying Dong, and casting by Amy Ball CDG.

Book tickets to *Lyonesse* on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/31741-lyonesse)

Full casting announced for 'Lyonesse' starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James

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Genre: Play

Lyonesse

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Lyonesse Square

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in Penelope Skinner’s world premiere of *Lyonesse* at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End for a strictly limited season. Book your *Lyonesse* tickets on London Theatre now.

*Lyonesse* follows a talented actress named Elaine who disappeared mysteriously from public life 30 years ago. Now, this reclusive figure is mounting a comeback, and she wants to begin by telling her story to the world. To do that, she needs Kate, a young film executive. Kate travels to Elaine’s remote home in Cornwall for the interview. However, this sharply topical play promises to examine who really tells our stories and how women, in particular, rarely get to own the narrative.

*Lyonesse* is an exciting new work by British writer Penelope Skinner. She made an explosive debut in 2008 with *Fucked* at the Old Red Lion Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival, and she has continued to challenge audiences. For example, her comedy *The Village Bike* at the Royal Court starred Romola Garai as a sexually frustrated pregnant woman.

Ian Rickson, former artistic director of the Royal Court, directs *Lyonesse*. His extensive work includes *Translations* at the National Theatre, Jerusalem in the West End, *Hamlet* at the Young Vic, and *The Seagull* on Broadway.

The show stars two amazing actresses. Playing Elaine is Kristin Scott Thomas, a BAFTA winner for *Four Weddings and a Funeral*, an Olivier Award winner for *The Seagull*, and an Oscar nominee for *The English Patient*. She also played Elizabeth II in West End drama *The Audience*. Lily James, star of *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Downton Abbey,* and *Cinderella* will play Kate. On stage, she has starred in *Romeo and Juliet* and *All About Eve* in the West End.

See this talented team assemble for an intriguing new show. Book your *Lyonesse* tickets on London Theatre today.


Lyonesse LON LondonTheatre

See Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star at the Harold Pinter Theatre in Penelope Skinner's emotional and witty new play. When a young film executive travels to Cornwall to help with the comeback of a faded actress after thirty years out of the spotlight, it becomes clear that we don't always have control over our own narratives. Book tickets on London Theatre.

This is an exciting chance to see two iconic actresses in one play. Kristin Scott Thomas has an incredible body of work: she’s done everything from classic British comedies like *Four Weddings and a Funeral* to sweeping Hollywood dramas like *The English Patient*, plus a great cameo on TV hit *Fleabag*. On stage, she won an Olivier for *The Seagull* and played Elizabeth II in *The Audience*.

Lily James is more renowned for her screenwork, starring in movies like *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cinderella, Baby Driver* and *Yesterday*, and in TV series such as *Downton Abbey, War & Peace, The Pursuit of Love*, and *Pam & Tommy*. But she’s also impressed in West End productions of *Romeo and Juliet* and *All About Eve*.

## What to watch for
- Does the story remind you of anyone in particular? We’ve seen numerous examples recently of celebrities re-evaluating the past and reclaiming their story – perhaps Skinner’s protagonist will follow in that interesting trend.
- Just as the actress in the story tells her tale, and the film executive shapes it, we’ll also be seeing all that operating in a wider narrative: the play itself. See if their exploration within the show shapes your response to the craft of playwriting.
- Fun fact: this isn’t the first time that Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas have been co-stars. They both appeared in the 2017 film *Darkest Hour*, about Winston Churchill’s decisions during the Second World War. Scott Thomas played Churchill’s wife, Clementine, and James played his secretary, Elizabeth Layton.
- They’ve also both tackled a Chekhov play about artists: *The Seagull*. Scott Thomas starred as the great actress Arkadina in 2007 at the Royal Court, and took the production to New York the following year, while James played country girl Nina, who performs in a play written by Arkandina’s son, in a Southwark Playhouse production in 2012.


Lyonesse Lottery

Enter for a chance to purchase £30 Lyonesse tickets.

£30 Lottery tickets

If selected, you will have 30 minutes to purchase £30 Lyonesse tickets.

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Your participation in any of the lotteries in the series is subject to our standard terms and conditions, which you can view [here](https://www.todaytix.com/terms/uk). The Promoter of this series of lotteries is TodayTix, Ltd.

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To enter the Lottery you must either reside in United Kingdom and/or be able to attend the relevant scheduled performance in London and be aged 18 years or older. Any entries made from outside the UK will be subject to UK law.

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I entered the Lyonesse Lottery for £30 tickets on @TodayTix! Tap here to enter: https://www.todaytix.com/london/shows/31741?share=enter

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Lyonesse - LON - TodayTix

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in Penelope Skinner’s passionate and hilarious new play for a strictly limited season at the Harold Pinter Theatre. When a reclusive actress returns after thirty years to tell her story for a spectacular comeback, who truly wields control over the narrative?

Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in Penelope Skinner’s searingly funny and passionate new play, directed by Ian Rickson. 

Your Lie in April - LON [40886]

Your Lie in April

Due to phenomenal demand, critically acclaimed Your Lie in April will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre for 12 weeks only. 

The Harold Pinter Theatre, established and adorned with Victorian architecture in 1881, is one of the most notable theatre venues in the heart of London. Originally known as the Royal Comedy Theatre, it later adopted the name of 'Harold Pinter', honouring the famous playwright. The theatre is situated conveniently in the centre of the bustling West End, an ideal location for tourists and locals alike. The interior is decorated with an impressive array of original features aligned with its historical era of inception, creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for theatre-goers. The theatre has an audience capacity of 796 people across four levels, with the seats divided into Stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and Balcony. Over time, it has been home to many outstanding performances, including shows like 'The Homecoming', 'Moonlight', and 'Betrayal'. The Harold Pinter Theatre undoubtedly offers a memorable and culturally enriching experience for all those who visit.

### How to Get to the Venue 

Harold Pinter Theatre is accessible and well-connected, located at Panton Street in the City of Westminster. The closest Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, both within a short 5-minute walk. Numerous buses service the area regularly, making it straightforward to reach using public transport. For those driving, the MasterPark at Whitcomb Street and NCP at Denman Street are the nearest parking options.

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Harold Pinter LON

Harold Pinter Theatre

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Harold Pinter Theatre - TodayTix

The Harold Pinter Theatre opened on 15 Oct. 1881 as a comic opera house. Its name on opening was the Royal Comedy Theatre, though its ‘Royal’ epithet was dropped in 1884.

The Comedy Theatre helped establish the New Watergate Club in 1956, a society which helped overturn the stage censorship enforced by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. The formation of the Club meant that the plays banned by the Government could be performed at this venue as it was now being run as a private club rather than a commercial entity. Notable plays in this category include Arthur Miller’s *A View from the Bridge* and Tennessee Williams’ *Cat On A Hot Tin Roof*. The censorship was finally overturned in 1968. 

Harold Pinter's works were often performed here: *The Homecoming*, *The Caretaker*, *Moonlight*, *No-Man’s Land* and *The Hothouse* all enjoyed successful runs, and Pinter directed a production of *The Old Masters* here in 2004. After his death, it was thought fitting to bestow the honour of naming a theatre after him, and the name was officially changed on 13 Oct. 2011 to the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Ambassador Theatre Group own the Harold Pinter Theatre.

## Harold Pinter Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels – Stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and Balcony. The top three levels are a horseshoe shape around the stalls.

The Stalls is a single block of seats, and offers good sightlines. Some seats are impaired by supportive pillars and the overhang of the Dress Circle.

The Dress Circle doesn’t offer a great raking in the seating, but the view is not affected by the overhang of the Royal Circle. 

The Royal Circle seats curve towards the stage more noticeably than the Dress Circle.

The Balcony feels very high in this theatre.

Harold Pinter Theatre - London Theatre

Opened in 1881 as the Royal Comedy Theatre, it became the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2011. It features four seating levels and hosted notable uncensored plays.

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The Harold Pinter Theatre is a historic venue in London's West End, known for hosting many notable performances. Convenient and easily accessible by public transit.

The world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s new play *Lyonesse* will begin performances in October at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End.

Full casting announced for 'Lyonesse' starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James

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