If you visit London withoutchecking out the thriving theatre and music scene, you haven’t really visited London at all! London has so many theatres and music venues on offer, and they can be found far beyond the West End.
London’s connection to a vibrant creative scene can be traced back centuries, with a rich history in theatre and the arts. Make the most of hundreds of years of creativity and expression, and treat yourself with a trip to the best theatres and music venues outside of the West End bubble. It’s time to stop exploring like a tourist, and really start enjoying what London has to offer.
If you’re looking for the right place to stay as you begin your musical adventure, try hotels near Hammersmith – the perfect spot to explore all of the hidden theatres and venues we’re about to show you.
Cafe OTO
We all know about the show-stopping stadiums such as Wembley, with their host of headlining guests. Wembley is amazing, but the beating heart of London’s music scene can be found a little more local! Try Cafe OTO, for a change. Eclectic and experimental, Cafe OTO brings the best of avant-garde music to the streets of Dalston.
Night time performances and off-the-cuff improv shows complement a sweet, daytime café. Whatever you want from London’s music scene, Cafe OTO will have it.
Shakespeare’s Globe
We know a lot about the mysterious, ‘tucked away in a street corner’ venues that make London so great. But, that’s not all London has to offer.
We recommend you check out Shakespeare’s Globe – highly recognisable on name alone! An amazing recreation of the Globe Theatre, that Elizabethan playhouse where William Shakespeare’s works came to life, Shakespeare’s globe still hosts accessible plays and award-winning performances. For the London theatre lover, there’s nowhere better outside the West End.
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse has an interesting history we’re sure you’ll love, as a former turntable for trains in North London. Now, the Roundhouse flourishes as host to some of the world’s biggest artists. Try and catch the upcoming Apple Music Festival in September, where you have free access to all of your favourite creatives.
Blackheath Halls
No music venue is more impressive than Blackheath Halls, outside of the West End. With a 600 seat concert hall and 160 seat recital room, experience beautiful classical concerts, rock, pop and folk music gigs, with the opportunity to enjoy the best in stand-up comedy acts.
Dublin Castle
Located in Camden Town, Dublin Castle is long established as an important music venue for the growth – and rising fame – of Britpop musical artists. Amazing artists such as Amy Winehouse and Madness have performed at, visited and loved Dublin Castle: join them as regular visitors, and embrace a new genre of British music.
The Bussey Building
Theatre is so important to the cultural scene of London, and you cannotrestrict this to the West End. The Bussey Building is the cultural heart of Peckham, and offers you a place to explore everything to do with theatre and more – comedy, art, film and music too. There’s no better example of the thriving, alternative scene in London.
