Gillian Lynne Theatre
Gillian Lynne Theatre
4.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Covent Garden • 4 min walk
- Holborn • 4 min walk
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Best nearby
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10,000 within 3 miles
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2,398 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- LAW64Tonbridge, United Kingdom1,756 contributionsComfortable theatreThis was my first time at this theatre. It is a concrete building a bit like the barbican. We were very pleased with our good value seats in the stalls - the theatre is much larger than expected and plenty of the stalls seats have very good wide views. In addition there are several bars and good loos and a convenient car park next to the theatre. Crazy for you was a good show and the main characters put their heart and soul into the performance.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 September 2023
- ShannyCheltenham, United Kingdom43 contributionsCrazy For You musicalReally can’t complain for paying £15 for front row seats! Would recommend row E and behind so you can actually see their feet for the tap dancing scenes. The costume, scenery change, accents, dancing and overall acting was 5* - I feel sad they don’t sell the tickets at full price as I think people would be surprised at how good this old school musical is. Agree that the seats aren’t comfy especially when you get that tall person behind that can’t sit still and keeps whacking you in the back throughout the show. At one point the couple by us left probably because 1) we didn’t realise row A and B didn’t exist so we were very close and 2) the family behind were so fidgety is was uncomfortable sitting that long. CONS - drinks are pricey and unclear which door to enter in the stallsVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 October 2023
- Jeff NReading, United Kingdom14 contributionsCrazy for youCrazy for you, crazy for everyone. What a GREAT show, me and my wife chanced our arm on seeing if the theatre had any availability for the evening performance on Saturday and was surprised when we were able to get some great seats for a great price. The Gillian Lynne theatre was fab and we were very happy to see the space you had for your legs unlike the older theatres where I normally feel I'm folded in half. Me and my wife were blown away by the performance. Well done cast, you deserve 5star reviews across the board Good luck for the future💕Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- L_K1509London, United Kingdom1,646 contributionsUgly theatre/ good showWe went to the theatre to see Crazy for you. The theatre is not attractive, in fact I think it’s ugly and dull. We were on the side of the balcony, seats were good for seeing the stage. In fact the seats were a great price for the show. There are loads of stairs to get to the balcony, door 6, expect lots if walking. The seat was quite comfy though. The show was very bouncy and lots of singing, colourful costumes and very cheerful. Not the best show but definitely one for a night out when you don’t want your spend loads. Didn’t they try bar because we didn’t fancy all the stairs again. Toilets were plentiful and on our level.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 November 2023
- Luxury travellerWoodbridge, United Kingdom441 contributionsNice theatre, fantastic showThe theatre itself is a nice small and intimate venue, you would struggle to find a bad seat. Tickets for the show managed to get them for 35 quid each in the stalls, absolute bargain. Now the show itself is amazing. Old style musical with a bit of cheese and a predictable story but the songs are great, the comedy genuinely funny and the dance numbers out of this world. Cannot even comprehend the work behind the choreography. And all performances were phenomenal but Charlie Stemp as all of the reviews for this point out is an absolute delight. Such a stage presence you can’t take your eyes away and his dancing is probably as good as any musical actor around today. An extremely uplifting feel good musical and it’s a shame it closes in 4 weeks.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 December 2023
- NtM70London, United Kingdom401 contributionsStanding at the Skys EdgeLovely, albeit unusual layout theatre. Fabulous staff from door, bar to seating - all were friendly & polite. This show, Standing at the Skys Edge - is the most wonderful rollercoaster of emotions. A definite must see.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 March 2024
- J BakerGreater London, United Kingdom14 contributionsAmazing . Very impressedI have mobility issues and was visiting a theatre for the first time with my rollator and was a little nervous. I need not have worried. I was there for the matinee. There were several theatre hosts and I was instantly handed over to Camilla who personally took me up in the lift to the circle area and pointed out my seat which was at the other side of the auditorium from the lift which would have meant me having to go past many seats to get to mine. She rang down to the box office and they were able to offer me a seat on the lift side which made life easier for me. She then took me back to the toilets and then back to my seat and took my rollator away and then brought me some water. Camilla reappeared in the interval to give me the opportunity to stretch my legs and came back at the end of the performance to take me back out of the theatre via the toilets and eventually outside the theatre to meet up with my family. She was very patient and reassuring the whole time. The theatre itself was very impressive with a semi circle stage which meant one had very good views looking down to the stage and it all looked very spacious.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 31 March 2024
- Herbie-GreenGuildford, United Kingdom2,496 contributionsWhat a great theatreWhat a great theatre - slightly brutalist, but so functionally rich and comfortable. All seats give great views, and are extremely comfortable and roomy. We were up the gods to see Standing on the Sky's Edge, and it was as made for this theatre. Superb.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 April 2024
- connie pMadison, Wisconsin136 contributionsPerfect theatre for a very fine musical, not to be missed in London.We saw "Standing at the Sky's Edge" in April 2024. This musical is everything that a musical should be- excellent talent, great music, book, and a theatre that perfectly fits the material. We loved this performance, and recommend it to others visiting London.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 May 2024
- LAW64Tonbridge, United Kingdom1,756 contributionsComfortable theatreThis was my first time at this theatre. It is a concrete building a bit like the barbican. We were very pleased with our good value seats in the stalls - the theatre is much larger than expected and plenty of the stalls seats have very good wide views. In addition there are several bars and good loos and a convenient car park next to the theatre. Crazy for you was a good show and the main characters put their heart and soul into the performance. We have since been back and watched Standing at the Sky's Edge which was excellent.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
191 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
25
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Bluesky91
Kingston upon Thames, UK589 contributions
Nov 2021
Went to the Gillian Lynne Theatre to see the musical Cinderella, which was really enjoyable. But as this review is for the Theatre and not a particular performance, I'll mainly stick to that. The main comment I would have is that for this production, the stage and some of the ground floor banks of seats are revolving, so if you are in the front of the Circle, half of the stage becomes invisible in the second half - even leaning over the rail wasn't much help. So the ticket price for these seats and this performance should state that there is a partially Restricted View. The main problem was that although the Circle can be accessed via an escalator from foyer to mezzanine, there are a further 65 steps up to the Circle - not easy if you have restricted lung capacity, like me. Although there was a 'check' on covid vaccination status before entering the theatre, I might as well have been showing a QR code for my weekly shop - the check was perfunctory, to say the least. Again referring to covid, the queues for the Ladies toilet on our level was in a narrow corridor, with no distancing or face coverings. Pleasant and helpful staff, but would have to think carefully about choice of seating for the future.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
65davejf
Dartford, UK19 contributions
May 2022
Great Theatre with good view from everywhere. We went to see Cinderella, it was really great and Georgina Onuorah was outstanding as Cinderella and the energy from the dancers/ensemble was fantastic, also the Step-Mother and the Queen nearly stole the show. There were a lot of great songs & comedy moments expertly handled. At first the show seemed expensive but when you see a large cast and a relatively small theatre you can understand why, a real shame that the show is closing soon. Some people took young children which was not appropriate (I'm certain they thought it was a panto, people should really check first).
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanny
Cheltenham, UK43 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Really can’t complain for paying £15 for front row seats!
Would recommend row E and behind so you can actually see their feet for the tap dancing scenes.
The costume, scenery change, accents, dancing and overall acting was 5* - I feel sad they don’t sell the tickets at full price as I think people would be surprised at how good this old school musical is.
Agree that the seats aren’t comfy especially when you get that tall person behind that can’t sit still and keeps whacking you in the back throughout the show. At one point the couple by us left probably because 1) we didn’t realise row A and B didn’t exist so we were very close and 2) the family behind were so fidgety is was uncomfortable sitting that long.
CONS - drinks are pricey and unclear which door to enter in the stalls
Would recommend row E and behind so you can actually see their feet for the tap dancing scenes.
The costume, scenery change, accents, dancing and overall acting was 5* - I feel sad they don’t sell the tickets at full price as I think people would be surprised at how good this old school musical is.
Agree that the seats aren’t comfy especially when you get that tall person behind that can’t sit still and keeps whacking you in the back throughout the show. At one point the couple by us left probably because 1) we didn’t realise row A and B didn’t exist so we were very close and 2) the family behind were so fidgety is was uncomfortable sitting that long.
CONS - drinks are pricey and unclear which door to enter in the stalls
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spenspuma
Faversham, UK487 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Saw Schook Of Rock here a few years ago and Cinderella last weekend.
Been to see pretty much every West end show in London and have to say the Gillian Lynne theatre is probably the best of the lot. Really clean with fabulous decor. A medium size theatre with great views from pretty much every seat in the house. Seats were rooms and very comfortable.
The show was absolutely brilliant with some really strong singers and performers.
All in all we thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and can definitely recommend both the theatre and the show.
Been to see pretty much every West end show in London and have to say the Gillian Lynne theatre is probably the best of the lot. Really clean with fabulous decor. A medium size theatre with great views from pretty much every seat in the house. Seats were rooms and very comfortable.
The show was absolutely brilliant with some really strong singers and performers.
All in all we thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and can definitely recommend both the theatre and the show.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenPz
30 contributions
Oct 2021
Lovely theatre and excellent view in stalls. Show was brilliant with all performers singing and dancing to a very high standard. Definitely recommend this show, although beware if taking young children, it's only based on the traditional disney production. It's been modernised and does have some bad language and innuendo. Dragged my teenage son along and he said it was actually really good and better than he expected!
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noddera
3 contributions
Sept 2022
We saw The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Gillian Lynn. It was an excellent show, and a key element of our positive experience was the quality of the venue.
The theatre itself is arranged very effectively. Not too big, and too small, with an effective placement of the stage, it allows the whole audience to get a good view of the performance providing good views to all. The sound production quality is excellent.
The wider venue is equally good. Staff were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and flexible - from when getting in the theatre and showing tickets, the bar staff, and those answering questions/providing directions throughout.
The building offers lots of room, so there is never a scrum around the bar or going into/out of the stage area.
Overall we really enjoyed our visit to this theatre and would strongly recommend it to others.
The theatre itself is arranged very effectively. Not too big, and too small, with an effective placement of the stage, it allows the whole audience to get a good view of the performance providing good views to all. The sound production quality is excellent.
The wider venue is equally good. Staff were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and flexible - from when getting in the theatre and showing tickets, the bar staff, and those answering questions/providing directions throughout.
The building offers lots of room, so there is never a scrum around the bar or going into/out of the stage area.
Overall we really enjoyed our visit to this theatre and would strongly recommend it to others.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike d
Fareham, UK843 contributions
Oct 2021
My second time at this theatre and yet again a brilliant performance. Shows aside the building itself is incredible. Like the Chichester Festival Theatre, the seating forms a shallow slope almost enveloping the stage on three sides. The cast, somehow seem closer to the audience. Almost to the back of the stalls, it feels like another tier higher. No problem with the view.
In this production "Cinderella", the rotating sections of the stage pose a challenge to the actors, keeping their balance. The front stalls get an unexpected tour round the stage in the second half and the actors come that much closer to those left behind. A truly memorable night.
Well, it was for me. Not sure about the drunks to my right, talking and giggling the whole way through the night. I appreciate that the venue has to attract finance in order to survive, but over selling alcohol and allowing it to be taken into the auditorium, does cause friction. Especially when most of those gathered are sober and out to enjoy the performers on the stage, not in the seats alongside.
In this production "Cinderella", the rotating sections of the stage pose a challenge to the actors, keeping their balance. The front stalls get an unexpected tour round the stage in the second half and the actors come that much closer to those left behind. A truly memorable night.
Well, it was for me. Not sure about the drunks to my right, talking and giggling the whole way through the night. I appreciate that the venue has to attract finance in order to survive, but over selling alcohol and allowing it to be taken into the auditorium, does cause friction. Especially when most of those gathered are sober and out to enjoy the performers on the stage, not in the seats alongside.
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria0Magdalena
London, UK556 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is not a play. It's an audible dramatisation randomly interdespersed with stage directions ("Philip undid the buttons of his double breasted jacket" - is the idea not that the audience just sees the character do it rather than being told this?)
It is not a drama, it is three characters talking at you. I have no idea why someone felt the need to put this to stage because the staging does not add anything. What happens on stage simply does not engage.
The story is somewhat interesting, more so the earlier parts dating back to the 18 hundreds. But it is stretched out far too much and becomes so boring that by part three, I was trying to fall asleep in the hope of making the experience pass more quickly.
The show does get a couple of laughs, mainly when one of the all male cast becomes a highly exaggerated female character (all women are portrayed in a rather annoying manner). Oh, and then whenever "spud" or "potatoe" is mentioned (nickname of one of the three brothers. ) It feels at times like being part of a sitcom audience that laughs on que.
It is not a drama, it is three characters talking at you. I have no idea why someone felt the need to put this to stage because the staging does not add anything. What happens on stage simply does not engage.
The story is somewhat interesting, more so the earlier parts dating back to the 18 hundreds. But it is stretched out far too much and becomes so boring that by part three, I was trying to fall asleep in the hope of making the experience pass more quickly.
The show does get a couple of laughs, mainly when one of the all male cast becomes a highly exaggerated female character (all women are portrayed in a rather annoying manner). Oh, and then whenever "spud" or "potatoe" is mentioned (nickname of one of the three brothers. ) It feels at times like being part of a sitcom audience that laughs on que.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smith
Burton upon Trent, UK35 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
The Gillan Lynne theatre London on Drury lane is a modern theatre with some unique qualities. Showing Cinderella witch is a fantastic show and a must see show to! Modern, witty,funny and camp. The cast are amazing and the staff and helpful and friendly . If you book and you choose to sit in the stalls you will be moved in more than one way! The theatre is covid save and ventilation is fresh air pumped into the theatre.
Good range of drinks and snacks I advise you to per book drinks for the interval.
Great range of merchandise.
Good range of drinks and snacks I advise you to per book drinks for the interval.
Great range of merchandise.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon W
Rochester, UK17 contributions
Aug 2022
I've seen 3 different productions at this theatre and had a fantastic view of the stage every time. The seats have good leg room and are comfortable. The revolving stage was only brought into action for one of the productions I saw. If it's used and you're sitting in rows 9 or further back, you stay where you are but get a lot closer to the stage. It makes things a little bit different to other theatres. One criticism of the theatre is the bar My companion bought a glass of white wine which was £6. I asked for a Rose and was given 2 options. I'm not an expert but picked one and it wasn't until the barman had poured it and the price came up on the card reader that I realised it was £14. I would not have chosen that option if I'd known that a small glass of pink wine was going to cost me that. I can buy 3 bottles for that in the supermarket!
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time does the 2.30pm show finish?
Written 8 May 2019
Usually the show is 2.5 hours. So finishes 5ish.
Written 9 May 2019
looking to book tickets for the show only ones I can see are restricted view as I have 2 kids will it spoil the show?
Written 29 January 2019
Sometimes restricted view is only a safety barrier,which is easy to see past.We had tickets like that and there were kids next to us,and they were great seats.
Written 30 January 2019
what time does the 7.30pm performance finish?
Written 9 January 2019
There is the rainforest cafe a short walk away at Piccadilly Circus.If you google things to do,there is a few things like kidtropolis and a treasure trail at st Katherine’s dock.
Written 4 October 2018
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