Spotlight Theatres this week

Great Britain prides itself on its cultural and artistic history, and as the country which has staged some of the most talented plays and playwrights, it’s no surprise that the UK is also home to some of the best theatres.

From the spectacular West End to beautiful regional theatres across Scotland, England and Wales, theatregoers are spoilt with choice.  

From the classic to the modern, we’ve picked our favourite venues that you simply must visit. Get the full theatre experience and book tickets to any show, in any city today. 

The (Shakespeare's) Globe, London

Oak and thatch, The Globe Theatre is a copy of the open-air playhouse built in 1588. The original was fatally destroyed in 1613, nevertheless, today’s modern version is incredibly realistic - rebuilt only 230 meters from the original site and based on available evidence from 1599 buildings. The Elizabethan playhouse replica is widely associated with William Shakespeare and is probably England’s most well-known venues.

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

A prolific theatre, The Royal Exchange, stages over 350 performances a year, from old classic revivals to modern contemporary art. With a spectacular round stage and a 700 seat auditorium, the Royal Exchange is UK’s biggest theatre of its kind. On top of that it has a great knack for highlighting up and coming stars in the early stages of their careers - big names like Michael Sheen, Andrew Garfield, David Tennant and Kate Winslet to mention but a few!

Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool 

A grade II listed building, and fondly nicknamed ‘the glorious Grand’, Blackpool Grand Theatre is filled with character. The Victorian auditorium stages a wealth of different performing arts and is a  northern powerhouse for amateur drama, dance, and music. The enigmatic theatre holds great social and cultural significance to the area and is as loved now as it was when it first opened in 1782!

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

For an immersive theatre experience, the Crucible Theatre is the place to be. The theatre first opened in 1971 with Chekhov’s Swan Song starring the brilliant Ian McKellen and Edward Petherbridge and recently went through a £15 million refurbishment project in 2009. What’s on you ask? Everything. From high energy musicals to classic revivals, as well home to the most esteemed event in snooker, the World Championship, there’s something for everyone.

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh

A world-class theatre, the Festival Theatre Edinburgh was originally designed as a dance and opera house in 1994, and is now used for world-class productions across all platforms. A long list of stars has graced Scotland’s biggest stage from Harry Lauder, Fats Waller, Laurel and Hardy,  to Morecambe and Wise, and Max Wall. This major venue is a cornerstone in the performing arts world and it's no wonder that it is the heart of the International Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

 Festival Theatre Chichester, Chichester

A regional theatre with an international reputation, the National Theatre company was formed here with Laurence Olivier as its first artistic director. The opening productions in 1962 included great actors like Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, Sybil Thorndike, Joan Greenwood, John Neville, Kathleen Harrison, Peter Woodthorpe and Lewis Casson. Chichester Festival Theatre was envisioned to be a seasonal festival space and has successfully surpassed all expectations, providing a stage to classic revivals, musicals, comedies and more!