About West End Theater

London’s West End has been tied to the heart of theater for hundreds of years. The first venue opened all the way back in 1663 and, since then, its theatrical traditions have strengthened. Theater in London got its start with the English Reformation. The first public playhouse, constructed in the U.K. in 1576, is believed to have been one of two that were home to William Shakespeare’s theater company.

Over the next few centuries, the impact and breadth of West End theater shows increased, with many venues opening and causing a "theater building boom" from the early 1800s until around World War I. London’s main theater district is often now known as "Theatreland."

As the largest theatre district in the world, West End is often hailed as the precipice of arts, along with Broadway. In fact, the two are considered the highest level of commercial theater in the English-speaking world. Shows like Billy Elliot, The Book of Mormon, and Jersey Boys have all become staples of the West End experience. Whatever you seek, fulfill your ticketing needs at TicketNetwork!