350 Years of History, Mystery, Thrillers, and Killers.  See it from an actor's perspective, a backstage tour this iconic building. A walk, a talk and a Lily Vanilli tea for afters in the Cecil Beaton Bar.

IN BRIEF

• Explore the history of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane as they take you on a journey through the centuries of the beloved theatre.
• Indulge in a delicious Cream Tea by legendary artisan baker, Lilli Vanilli
• Enjoy all-day hop on, hop off Thames River pass offering unlimited access to the river for 24 hours.

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a legend in its own right. An extraordinary space that has survived tragedy, fire, bankruptcy—even murder. This tour is as dramatic as anything you will see on stage, as expert actors entertain you with stories of the building and theatrical life.

There is something magical about visiting a theatre without the audience. It is a privilege. This particular theatre has been renovated to the tune of 60 million pounds, and it oozes glamour. Immerse yourself in the birthplace of the musical and modern pantomime. Marvel at the moving scenery and walk the tunnels. Yes, there are tunnels.

Visit backstage areas, learn about the origins of theatrical terms, and keep an eye out for the ‘Man in Grey’—this is the world's most haunted theatre. His bones were discovered during theatre renovations in 1840, and you’ll hear about the ghosts who continue to walk the boards. So it’s ‘Beginner’s to the stage, please. This is your five-minute call. Stand by.’ An hour of immersion into an actor’s life. Break a leg.

TELL ME MORE - THE TEA

And then there is the tea. You will be surrounded by glamour from the moment you set foot into the art deco inspired, Cecil Beaton Bar.  Chandeliers, ornate ceilings, fine art, and beautiful furnishings create just the right backdrop for a Lily Vanilli tea. This is a tea inspired by the decadence and splendour of the Regency era. Prettiness personified.

Where to start?  Miniature crumpets with Earl Grey cream cheese; tiny little coronation chicken pies; frilly pastel-piped cakes; and ice cream sandwiches stacked with strawberry syrup and marshmallow all served on bone china whimsically designed by Kit and Willow Kemp.  This is a tea straight from Hackney's legendary artisan baker, Lily Vanilli.

Oh, and by the way, you also have access to an all-day Hop On Hop Off river cruise rover. So you could arrive by river and walk your way up to the theatre. How theatrical is that?

THE ALL IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Drury Lane, London WC2B

• The tour of Theatre Royal Drury Lane will last approximately 1 hour, afterwards take a seat in the Art Deco inspired bar and lounge, to feast on Lily Vanilli scones and cream tea.  

• Theatre Tour Event Start Times - Mon & Tues & Friday 12:30pm, 2:30pm / Weds & Thurs & Saturday 10:30am, 12:00pm / Sunday 10:30am.

• Hop on Hop Off Cruise – All day, at leisure (Sightseeing cruises depart every 40 minutes* every day of the week, all year round from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich

• All children must be over the age of 16

• Please note this is a walking tour with numerous steps and backstage areas, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Theatre. Royal Drury Lane is also a working theatre so the tour route may vary.  The majority of the tour is accessible for wheelchair users; however some older parts of the building are not accessible.
• Gluten free and Dairy free options are available upon request, please state any allergies when booking.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

All you have to do is pay for the gift experience you wish to purchase. We’ll send a voucher including booking information to you or directly to the recipient. You or your recipient needs to check the information on the voucher and book your experience date.