London’s legendary theatre scene is one of the many reasons to jump on a train and visit the city. The West End theatre district is a stone’s throw from our terminal stations, Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street, and contains some of the world’s most famous musicals, sharp-edge comedies, award-winning plays and numerous contemporary alternative productions that will inspire and entertain in equal measure.
Travel from South Essex to London return from £12.10 with our online advance tickets. You can buy your Off-Peak tickets on c2c Smartcard, making your journey quicker and easier. Find out more about Smartcard.
2FOR1 tickets to top London theatre shows when you take the train
As well as not worrying about having to find a parking space, or driving home in the dark, your train ticket can get you 2FOR1 theatre offers to top entertainment, shows and concerts in the city.
See 2FOR1 entertainment offers
The best theatres in London
National Theatre
With over 30 productions a year, the National Theatre on London’s South Bank is a mecca for something out of the ordinary from contemporary writers to Greek tragedies.
- Address: Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street change for TFL to Waterloo or walk along the South Bank
Shakespeare’s Globe
Take a seat in the master’s globe and experience Shakespeare in London’s very own time machine. Built as a near-replica to the original Globe theatre which caught fire during a technical hitch involving a cannon ball over 400 years ago, expect a Shakespearean level of detail, realistically uncomfortable seats and reasonable prices. Check out what plays The Globe Theatre are showing at the moment.
- Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street change for TFL to Blackfriars
The Barbican
The Barbican is the largest performing arts centre in Europe and hosts music, theatre, film and dance performances. Its varied schedule includes big hitters and fresh new talent all just a short walk from London Fenchurch Street station.
- Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street change for TFL to Barbican
Theatre Royal, Stratford East
For fresh on the scene emerging talent, Theatre Royal is the place to break new ground with contemporary musicals bringing urban music to mainstream British theatre.
- Address: Gerry Raffles Square, Theatre Square, London E15 1BN
- Nearest c2c station: Stratford or West Ham, change for DLR
The Old Vic
One of London’s most reputed theatres The Old Vic stage has been home to world-class actors since 1818 including Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen. See their latest shows here.
- Address: The Cut, London SE1 8NB
- Nearest c2c station: West Ham, change for TfL to Waterloo
Young Vic
With a reputation for bringing the brightest young directors and theatre talent to major theatres, The Young Vic has captured the hearts of many as the place to see up and coming talent without the hefty price-tag.
- Address: 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ
- Nearest c2c station: West Ham, change for TfL to Southwark Station
Playhouse
Located in the heart of London by Trafalgar Square this once burlesque famed theatre is now owned by the BBC and features dramas to knock your socks off! Check out The Playhouse’s latest offerings for edge of your seat drama.
- Address: Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street, change for TfL to Embankment
Gielgud Theatre
Built in 1906 the classical looking Gielgud theatre attracts the best in modern productions. With a reputation for finding the next big thing, directors here push the boundaries of the realm of the stage.
- Address: Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6AR
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street, change for the Circle line to Embankment, then the Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus
Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
Set in the heart of Regent’s Park, brave the outdoors with scintillating low-tech enactments at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre. Past performances include adaptations from the works of Shakespeare, Chekov as well as popular modern dramas.
- Address: The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU
- Nearest c2c station: London Fenchurch Street change for TfL to Regent’s Park
