Virtual  Curtain Up! The Story of Theatreland

Join actor and award-winning London Blue Badge Guide Simon Whitehouse on this virtual tour exploring 350 years of London’s West End theatre heritage.

Theatre in London is the envy of the world. And although the Covid-curtain has come down in the West End, we can raise it again virtually as we explore the fascinating story of London’s legendary theatreland.

Our virtual tour includes…

• the story of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane – birthplace of the West End & the oldest theatre site in London

• the theatre that never closed (and never clothed!) during World War 2

• Agatha Christie’s incredible legacy and the story behind the longest-running theatrical play in the world, ‘The Mousetrap’

• a virtual stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue, the ‘Broadway’ of the West End with 6 theatres on one street

• the ‘Actors Church’ (also known as ‘the My Fair Lady’ church) where two actresses are laid to rest and many more memorialised
• the movers & the shakers whose legacy lives on in theatres named in their honour – Garrick, Coward & Novello

Want a taster? Here’s Simon’s delightful little podcast about the tour.  It’s a Simon and Noel Coward double act!

A Meet Your Guide – “here’s what we’ll get up to on the Theatreland Virtual Tour” bagatelle!

We’ll also:

• pop by the stage door for a sprinkling of showbiz gossip

• discover the origin of backstage phrases like ‘ham acting’ & ‘winging it’ as well as why actors say ‘break a leg’ (but don’t mention Macbeth…!)

So book now for your seat in the virtual ‘Royal Box’ as the curtain goes up on this virtual tour of Theatreland!

REVIEWS (Curtain call after curtain call, standing ovation after standing ovation)

“Wow! @bluebadgesimon you have blown us away tonight with your Charles Dickens virtual tour! It was brilliant! The only disappointment was that it was a little shorter than one of his novels!! Could happily listen to weekly installments, Charles Dickens’ style! Thank you!”   mrs_t09

“Another cracking virtual tour with @tourguidesimon – I can see this is going to become a habit for us! Such a great delivery, and so much information delivered. Fantastic!”  Niall Pembury

“We’ve just been on the #Dickens150 tour with @tourguidesimon. Loved it – informative, accessible, the hour or so whizzed by. Have a look at what else is on offer (at)@londonwalks – something for everyone!”   Louise Rees

“Huge thanks, Simon. Absolutely brilliant virtual tour of Covent Garden this evening!”  Christopher at @themanorhousebb

“Simon is the best! It’s actually like being there.”  Arlene Freedman

“Simon, you really bring history alive – thank you for that!”  Wanda Hellevang

Congratulations! What a fantastic tour. Thank you, Simon!”  Sandra Heuwels

“This was a great experience. Loving your creativity! Thank you!”  Cathy Hayes

“Yes, it really was great! I don’t think I would have taken in that much info out on the streets, but I would like to do the walk at some point. Thank you!”  Sarah Mackey

“We can actually see more virtually, beyond the physical space and to the people, maps, newspapers, etc. Really great transition to online!”  Pamela Fuselli

“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour last night; thank you! Will look forward to the Charles Dickens one soon!”   mrs_t09

“Fantastic, Simon! Loved it!”  americanlondonguide

“Absolutely brilliant – great evening! Thanks so much!”  Dave Edwards

“Thank you so much. That was excellent. Have posted on Facebook. Thanks again!”  Jo Brindley

“I loved that Simon, the way you tell it all – really gets you thinking!!! Thanks so much.”  Julie England

“Highly recommend these tours!”  Zoe Witham