For centuries London has been home to great shows held in beautiful theatres and taking in a production is something that all visitors to the city should undertake. Located in London’s bustling West End, the 'London Palladium' has been home to a variety of different shows since it opened in 1910 and is currently the home to one of the most popular shows of this season - Andrew Lloyd Webber’s dazzling new production of “The Sound of Music”. A family favourite for decades, this musical treat is the ideal way to introduce you to London’s rich theatrical history, particularly in the plush surroundings of the Palladium.

The Adelphi Theatre is another fine venue to take in a show. Dating back to the start of the 19th century, this theatre, situated on London’s famous Strand, is currently playing host to another world famous show, 'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. A brand new production of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, 'Joseph' is currently delighting London theatre goers and critics across the city.

Of course, not every show you see in London has to be in the format of traditional musicals. One of the largest and grandest productions currently treading the boards is “Mamma Mia”, an enchanting story of love and friendship set to the timeless songs of Abba. Currently staging more product

ions across the world than any other musical, this is a show any visitor to London should take the time to see. In a similar vein, “We Will Rock You”, a futuristic tale narrated through the classic songs of Queen, is currently taking the Dominion Theatre in the West End by storm, with a stellar cast directed Christopher Renshaw, whose impressive credentials include “The King & I” at the Palladium and, more recently, the hugely popular “Taboo”.

While musicals may not be every London visitor’s cup of tea, a good, classic “whodunit” is sure to appease most theatre goers, and you can’t get any more 'classic' than Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”. One of the world’s finest thrillers, this play has been running in the West End since 1952, beginning its run at the Ambassadors Theatre before moving to its current home in St. Martin’s in 1974. This excellent play has been running longer than any other production in the world and recently celebrated its 20,000th performance.

Visiting the theatre is only half the fun of a trip to the West End, with many hotels in London offering excellent package deals to coincide with your visit, including discounts on theatre tickets, pre-show meals and complimentary drinks after the event. For a subtle mix of culture, history and entertainment, a theatre break in London really can’t be beat.