Covent Garden Theatres - Past and Present

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London’s West End is home to 38 theatres and attracts over fifteen million theatregoers each year. Covent Garden is home to more than half of these theatres and for centuries has been a world-famous cultural centre. No other urban quarter in the world is home to two esteemed artistic companies – The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet.

The tour explains the origins of Theatre in Covent Garden and highlights ten theatres on a one and a half mile walking route through the streets and lanes including the narrowest passageway in town. The tour includes world famous hotels, restaurants, and retailers, and concludes at St Paul’s the actor’s church that has been at the heart of Covent Garden for more than three hundred years.

The tour highlights a selection of memorable performances at these theatres, and provides a preview of the shows currently on stage.

This walk is led by City of Westminster Guide Alan Blower.

The Westminster Guides are the official guides of the City of Westminster, identifiable by our yellow/blue badge with the city's coat of arms. Established in 2007 the CWGLA offers quality training and support for our guides.

This free walk is part of the City of Westminster "Inside Out" programme, offering free events throughout August ...

For further information of City of Westminster Guides walks, visit www.westminsterguides.org.uk

For further information of City of Westminster Inside Out programme, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/inside-out