The 5 Best Theatres in the United Kingdom

National Theatre, London Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, the National Theatre has a reputation for producing some of the best theatre the UK has to offer. Housing the Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe theatres under one roof, the varied programme offers a myriad of classic drama and new plays by contemporary playwrights, alongside a wonderful selection of bars and restaurants, exhibitions and a book shop. Since June 2009, the theatre has also begun a programme of live-production broadcasts to local cinemas, as well as to those further afield. National Theatre Live screens performances to over 1,000 venues in 35 countries, so those unable to make it to London have the opportunity to experience the best of British performing arts wherever they are.

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Festival Theatre Edinburgh stands on the site of the old Empire Theatre, dating back from 1830. The current location was opened in 1994 and today, the venue has one of the largest performance areas in Scotland, and is one of the UK’s most reputable arts centres. Used primarily for ballet and opera, as well as large-scale music events, it is also one of the major venues of the annual Edinburgh International Festival. Interestingly, the theatre is said to be haunted by a dark stranger, the famous illusionist Sigmund Neuberger, burnt to death at the Empire in a fire in 1911.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff The Wales Millennium Centre is one of Wales’ top attractions, which stages a myriad of musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary dance performances. The venue boasts a 1,900 seat theatre, as well as a studio theatre, a dance house and orchestral hall. Since its opening, over 14 million visitors have graced the national arts centre – it comes as no surprise that it is repeatedly considered as one of the best theatres built in the last few decades. Those visiting Wales should pay a visit to a building that expresses the intrinsic ‘Welshness’ of the area; indeed, the building is designed with local materials dominating the nation’s history – slate, metal, wood and glass.

Theatre Royal, Bath At over 200 years old, the Theatre Royal in Bath is one of England’s most reputable theatres with a seating capacity of over 900. The building itself dates from 1720 but the premises only became a theatre in 1805 and the venue remains a wonderful example of Georgian architecture. Alongside an extensive programme performed by touring troupes, the theatre also hosts several events each year, such as the Shakespeare Unplugged festival. As many productions begin their season at the Theatre Royal before their stints in London, it is well worth a visit. Yet be warned, the building itself is allegedly haunted by The Grey Lady, a former actress who watched productions from the stalls, leaving behind a distinctive scent of jasmine.

Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon The Royal Shakespeare Company is arguably one of the most-famous theatre companies in the world. The ensemble connects audiences all over the world with the works of William Shakespeare, as well as with a wide-ranging selection of contemporary playwrights and actors. The company is mostly located in Stratford- upon-Avon, the place of Shakespeare’s birth, where performances are often accompanied by workshops and educational programmes. Each year, the RSC attracts over one million visitors to the heart of the Midlands, but also tours – performing the best of British theatre throughout the UK and across the world.