One of London’s smartest districts, it’s thought that Piccadilly acquired its name from a landowner who made his fortune manufacturing piccadills, a kind of intricately worked lace collar fashionable in the 16th and 17th centuries. Piccadilly divides the equally elegant St James and Mayfair.

In the 19th century and early 20th century, many mansions were built for wealthy families in the area. The Royal Academy, numerous learned societies, luxury grocer Fortnum & Mason, and the Ritz Hotel all...

A neighbourhood guide to Piccadilly

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From the Royal Academy to Green Park, enjoy the delights of this central London spot – including some of the West End's leading theatres.

The Donmar Warehouse has announced the full cast joining Adrien Brody in *The Fear of 13*, a world-premiere play by Lindsey Ferrentino. Performances run from 4 October to 30 November, and opening night is 10 October.

Alongside Academy Award winner Brody, making his London theatre debut as Nick Yarris, are Nana Mensah as Jackie Schaffer, Michael Fox, Aidan Kelly, Posi Morakinyo, Cyril Nri, Ferdy Roberts, and Tommy Sim’aan.

*The Fear of 13* is based on the true story of Nick Yarris, for whom a...

Nana Mensah to join Adrien Brody in 'The Fear of 13'

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The Academy Award-winning actor will star in Lindsey Ferrentino's drama this fall, inspired by the true story of a man who spent 22 years on death row.

Welcome to Hogwarts! [*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/21176-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-parts-one-two-tickets) has announced new cast members joining the production at the West End's [Palace Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/palace-theatre) from 15 October. Additionally, *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* tickets are now available through 29 June 2025.

New *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* cast members include Claire Lams as Ginny...

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' names new cast, releases additional tickets

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The spellbinding, two-part stage sequel to J. K. Rowling's celebrated book and film series has played London's Palace Theatre since 2018.

Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke will star in Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier’s new version of Chekhov’s *The Seagull*. Performances start at the [Barbican](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/barbican) in London in February 2025.

Oscar and BAFTA winner Blanchett (*Thor: Ragnorok, Carol, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Notes on a Scandal, The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, The Talented Mr Ripley*) will play Arkadina, while Burke (*Rosmersholm, Macbeth, The Crown*) has been cast as...

Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke to star in new version of 'The Seagull'

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Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke will reunite on *The Seagull*, having recently completed filming on Steven Soderbergh’s *Black Bag*.


Tea, a drink with jam and bread… There’s definitely something theatrical about afternoon tea, with all the ritual and setting the scene with sandwiches, getting stuck in with scones, and spectacular cakes for the grand finale. It’s also so visually appealing with the tiered stands, pretty china, dainty proportions, and intricate details. Very mindful, very demure.

Afternoon tea is a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion or to catch up with family or friends in style. It can be a real...

A guide to afternoon tea in the West End

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Enjoy an afternoon of elegance in some of the West End's finest establishments.

The full cast has been announced for Seán O’Casey's [*Juno and the Paycock*,](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/15487-juno-and-the-paycock) starring *Succession*'s J. Smith-Cameron as Juno Boyle and eminent Shakespearean actor Mark Rylance as ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle. The strictly limited run opens at the Gielgud Theatre on 3 October, and runs until 23 November.

Joining the cast are Paul Hilton (‘Joxer’ Daly), Aisling Kearns (Mary Boyle), Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty (Johnny Boyle), Ingrid Craigie...

'Juno and the Paycock' announces full West End cast

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The lead roles will be played by *Succession*'s J. Smith-Cameron and eminent Shakespearean actor Mark Rylance, who has starred in *Bridge of Spies* and *Wolf Hall*.

The West End welcomes everyone to the incredible plays, musicals, and family shows on offer in London’s famous theatreland. That includes audience members who have access requirements.

Most West End venues have dedicated access teams to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and there is plenty of information available ahead of time – as you can see in our guide below!

That includes which venues have wheelchair access and what kind, and how you can find out about dedicated...

Guide to accessibility at West End theatres

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Learn more about the accessible performances, seating options, facilities, and audio devices available before arranging your trip to see a London show.

The British pub is a national institution and it’s always a colourful setting on stage, whether it’s Nancy belting out “Oom-Pah-Pah” in *Oliver!*, Falstaff and Prince Hal tearing up the town in Shakespeare’s *Henry IV*, or the gang in *[The Choir of Man](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23760-the-choir-of-man-tickets)* going from larking about to exchanging heartfelt confidences. 

In real life, many people have their favourite “local” near to where they live, but there are also plenty of...

A guide to the best pubs of the West End

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Enjoy a drink in one of the West End's historic pubs before or after a theatre visit. Cheers!

If you’re planning a trip to the incredible *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* in the West End, why not make your day that bit more magical by planning some other activities? London has plenty of wizard *Harry Potter*-themed fun on offer.

A trip to the Warner Brothers Studios where they filmed all of the *Harry Potter* movies is a must for any budding Gryffindor (or other house of the sorting hat’s choice!), as is potion-making at The Cauldron and a visit to the official shop at King’s Cross...

Make a day out of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' in London

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London is teeming with spell-binding *Harry Potter* sights and adventures to get you in a wizarding mood before seeing the West End show.

The full West End cast has been set for *Waiting for Godot*, which opens at [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/venues/theatre-royal-haymarket) on 19 September.

Joining Lucian Msamati (*Game of Thrones, Amadeus*) and Ben Whishaw (*James Bond*, *Paddington*), who will play the lead roles of Estragon and Vladimir, are Luca Fone, Alexander Joseph, and Ellis Pang sharing the role of The Boy and Dean Graham (Understudy Vladimir and Lucky) and David Lee-Jones (Understudy...

'Waiting for Godot' announces full West End cast 

1200 LT Company of Waiting for Godot in rehearsals. Credit – Marc Brenner.

*Paddington* and *James Bond* star Ben Whishaw and *Game of Thrones* actor Lucian Msamati are cast in Beckett's avant-garde play about the meaning of life.

London Theatre Stars on Stage