Photo credit: Piccadilly Circus (Photo by Pedro Szekely on Flickr)

Theatre vaccine rules: Here are the West End shows that require vaccinations and Covid tests

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

UPDATE: Due to the Omicron variant, masks will be required in all events spaces, including theatres. New guidance around masks will be made compulsory from Friday 10 December. A Covid pass will be made mandatory in indoor venues with a capacity of over 500, outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000, and any venue over 10000. Find out more about the Omicron variant and theatres.

Even though West End shows are open at full capacity once more, the pandemic is not over just yet. To keep all theatregoers safe, as well as performers, crew and theatre staff, audience members may have to prove they are Covid-negative to enter the auditorium. Find out more about vaccine passports in the West End and how they've developed over recent months here.

Ahead of seeing a West End show, double check the vaccine requirements you may need to prove to attend the theatre with our complete guide to vaccine requirements in London. 

What vaccine requirements are needed for West End shows?

We'll be updating this list with the latest information as it's announced, so keep checking back to see if there's any more regulations audiences will have to follow.

Shows at London Coliseum

As of 30 November, all patrons at the London Coliseum must wear a face mask.

Shows at National Theatre

As of 2 December, face coverings will be mandatory at the National Theatre.

2:22 A Ghost Story

2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Gielgud Theatre. Audiences can prove your Covid-negative status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

& Juliet

Audiences will not need to be vaccinated to see & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre. All customers are expected to wear a face covering at all times, unless medically exempt.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Although there is no formal vaccine requirement for Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, all theatregoers over the age of 11 are advised to take a COVID lateral flow test within 48 hours of their performance.

Cabaret

Cabaret is at the Kit Kat Club. Audience members over the age of 18 must demonstrate documentation of a negative Lateral Flow or PCR test - including those who are fully vaccinated. The test must have been completed within 48 hours of the performance, and visitors will need to show an NHS email or text message to prove a negative result.

Cinderella

Cinderella is at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. All Cinderella audience members over the age of 11 will be required to provide a negative lateral flow test result.

Come From Away

Come From Away is at the Phoenix Theatre. Theatregoers can prove your Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Cock

Details on vaccine requirements for Cock are to be announced.

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is at the Noel Coward Theatre, which is owned by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres. All Dear Evan Hansen theatregoers are asked to bring proof of double vaccination, a recent negative lateral flow test or natural immunity as audiences may be asked to present these upon arrival and to wear a face covering out of consideration for those around them. 

Four Quartets

Ahead of seeing Four Quartets at the Harold Pinter Theatre, theatregoers can prove your Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Frozen

Although there is no formal vaccine requirement for Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, all theatregoers over the age of 11 are advised to take a COVID lateral flow test within 48 hours of their performance.

Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story

Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story is at the Lyric Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

Hamilton

Hamilton is at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Audiences can prove their Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is at the Palace Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys is at the Trafalgar Theatre. Audiences can prove a negative Covid status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Jerusalem 

Jerusalem is at the Apollo Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

Les Miserables

Les Miserables is at the Sondheim Theatre. For concert performances, audiences can prove their Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

The full production of Les Miserables has not yet stated any vaccination requirements.

Life of Pi

Life of Pi is at the Wyndham's Theatre. Prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways: 

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Magic Goes Wrong

Magic Goes Wrong is at the Apollo Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! is at the Novello Theatre. Theatregoers can see Mamma Mia! by proving Covid negativity in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda the Musical is at the Cambridge Theatre. Although there will be no formal COVID certification system, all audience members over the age of 11 years are advised to take a COVID test within 48 hours of their visit to the theatre.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is at the Prince Edward Theatre. Audiences can prove Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Moulin Rouge: The Musical

Moulin Rouge: The Musical is at the Piccadilly Theatre. Audience members must wear a facemask to enter the Piccadilly Theatre. Audiences must prove Covid-free status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Only Fools and Horses

Details on vaccine requirements for Only Fools and Horses at Theatre Royal Haymarket to be announced.

Pantoland at the Palladium

Although there will be no formal COVID certification system, all audience members over the age of 11 years are advised to take a COVID test within 48 hours of their visit to the theatre.

Potted Panto

Potted Panto is at the Garrick Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

Pretty Woman: The Musical

Pretty Woman: The Musical is at the Savoy Theatre. Theatregoers can prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Pride and Prejudice* (sort of)

Vaccine requirements for Pride and Prejudice* (sort of) at the Criterion Theatre have not been confirmed.

Prima Facie

Prima Facie is at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Vaccine requirements have not been set. 

Six

Six is at the Vaudeville Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The following vaccine proof is allowed:

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

The Choir of Man

Details on vaccine requirements for The Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre have not been announced.

The Drifters Girl

The Drifters Girl is at the Garrick Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

The Human Voice

Details on vaccine requirements for The Human Voice at the Harold Pinter Theatre have not been announced.

The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years is at the Garrick Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

The Lion King

The Lion King is at the Lyceum Theatre. To enter the auditorium, audiences must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap is at St. Martin's Theatre. Vaccine requirements have not been set, but audience members must wear a facemask.

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane at the Duke of York's Theatre. Audience must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways:

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is at Her Majesty's Theatre. Although there will be no formal COVID certification system, all audience members over the age of 11 years are advised to take a COVID test within 48 hours of their visit to the theatre.

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Play That Goes Wrong is at the Duchess Theatre. 48 hours before the performance, you must complete a health questionnaire, and then your tickets will be delivered. All audience members aged 11 and above must wear a face covering. 

The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt is at the Dominion Theatre. Vaccine requirements have not been mandated, but audiences must wear facemasks. 

The Shark is Broken

The Shark is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre. Audiences must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways:

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black is at the Fortune Theatre. Audiences must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways:

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Tina the Musical

To see Tina the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, audiences must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is at the Gielgud Theatre. Audiences can prove your Covid-negative status in one of three ways.

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Wicked

Wicked is at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Audiences must prove Covid-free certification in one of three ways:

A negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of a performance.
Natural immunity after a positive PCR test within 180 days of a performance.
​Two vaccine doses received at least two weeks before a performance.

Witness for the Prosecution

Details on vaccines for Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall are to be announced.

Photo credit: Piccadilly Circus (Photo by Pedro Szekely on Flickr)

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