West End delights don’t have to be confined to the stages of London’s theatreland. Take a tour or drop in for Afternoon Tea at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and you’ll find that life in The Lane is every bit as entertaining by day, as by night.
Standing on Catherine Street, gazing upon the splendour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane might just take your breath away, but it’s nothing compared to the awe-inspiring grandeur that awaits and envelops you as you step inside and into a dazzling world of marble pillars, wooden panels and brass ornamentation.
The latest of four theatres to stand on this site, this Theatre Royal was built in 1812 and sits on what is the oldest theatre site in London, indeed anywhere in the world, that is still in use. The first theatre, built in 1663, covered just one quarter of the footprint the present day one boasts, that said, while it’s flourishing now under the ownership of Andrew Lloyd Webber, even this iconic theatre, the home of modern pantomime and the naturalistic acting, hasn’t been without its troubles down the centuries. It may be nestled in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, but that hasn’t prevented the Theatre Royal having to battle for survival against a backdrop of tragedy, fire, bankruptcy and even murder.
You’ll discover all those tales on what the theatre describes as ‘a magical journey through theatrical history at Theatre Royal Drury Lane’. In truth, it’s more than that, the history of the site and building is not just told in the one hour walking tour but vividly brought to life through a series of engaging, entertaining and very funny vignettes from guides, the multi-talented James Arron and David Kerby-Kendall. Both are consummate storytellers.
As James leads the tour, revealing on stage and backstage secrets of the venue, David flits in and out of the action, bringing some of the theatre’s more notable characters to life while engaging in, at times, deliciously waspish badinage with his counterpart, together they are as good a double-act as you could hope to find.
Designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt, the Theatre Royal was declared a Grade I listed building in February 1958. Forty-two years later it was bought by Andrew Lloyd Webber who, in 2019, instigated a £60 million restoration programme to mark the theatre’s 350th anniversary. The restoration, which saw the theatre closed for three years, returned public areas such as the breath-taking rotunda, spacious royal staircases and Grand Saloon, all part of the 1810 theatre, to their original Regency style.
All this and more is covered in the tour, which also proves a fascinating trip back in time; learn the origins of theatrical terms such as ‘crew’, ‘props’ and ‘box office’. From The King and I to My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and currently, Frozen, some of the most famous titles in musical theatre history have made their British debuts on the Drury Lane stage, but this tour does more than just take to you on an artistic voyage of discovery, stepping beyond the front of house areas and auditorium to give a rare insight into the likes of the ‘Royal Retiring Rooms’. There are two, as well as two Royal Boxes, one fit for a King, the other, for a Prince. Discover why as you soak up the atmosphere of the working theatre – frozen is doing their sound check on this occasion.
A trip into the vaults beneath the stage reveals long lost underground tunnels running down to the Thames and the artefacts salvaged from them during recent excavations. This is also where you will uncover a bit of WWII history that may just send a shiver down your spine.
And talking of chills, if you feel an unexplained trickle of trepidation, it could be that you are unknowingly in the company of one of the theatre’s many ghosts, after all, it is one of the world’s most haunted venues so do keep an eye out for the 18th century Man in Grey. Or you might be lucky enough to spot actor and murderer Charles Macklin. The ghosts of the great clown and pantomime innovator Joseph Grimaldi and music hall comedian and panto dame Dan Leno also haunt the building.You never know, they may appear for a ghostly encore on the day you visit.
Having explored the building and learned of its colourful history, what better way to extend your date with the icon theatre than by enjoying a ‘decadent and delicious’ Regency Afternoon Tea in the sumptuous Grand Saloon.
Sitting beneath dazzling chandeliers, ornate ceilings and surrounded by beautiful furnishings and elegant fine art, the seasonal Afternoon Tea menu is available daily, with sweets supplied by ‘Queen of Cakes’, artisan baker and cake designer, Lily Vanilli.
Drawing on the theatrical traditions of yesteryear and the ever popular Regency period, this Afternoon Tea is served on custom-made fine bone china while an embroidered Harlequin on your napkin welcomes you to your table, along with a glass of chilled Jasmine Tea as you peruse the menu.
Having chosen from a selection of six ethically sourced teas – Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Jade Tips Green, Herbal Mint Infusion, Organic Ginger and Lemongrass and Kao Shui Jasmine Green Tea – savoury and sweet treats are served together for you to enjoy at your leisure. The tea (coffee is also available), in this case Earl Grey, and warm scones follow not far behind.
Of the savoury choices, the Whipped English Feta and Pickled Heritage Carrot Madeleine is light and the perfect opener. It’s nicely complimented by my next choice, the John Ross Jr Smoked Salmon with Earl Grey Infused Cream Cheese on a Crumpet – the combination of the delicate cream cheese and smoky salmon delight the taste buds. Both pave the way for the highlight of the savouries, a flaky, light Coronation Chicken Pie with Caramelised Onion Chutney – a wonderful explosion of flavours on the palate.
The Lily Vanilli signature scones, crisp and warm on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, are served with thick delicious cream and homemade jam. A word of to the wise, you have a 90 minute dwell time to enjoy your afternoon tea, so take your time and savour every morsel although, when you get to the sweet course, start with the Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich with Marshmallow, Strawberry Jam, Brown Sugar Biscuit and Dark Chocolate – it’s too good to melt anywhere other than in your mouth.
The words ‘salted caramel’ on any sweet whet my appetite and the Miniature Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard, Salted Caramel and Caramelised Popcorn reminded me why. Just divine. Finally, the Vanilla Cake with Passionfruit, Buttercream and a Handmade Chocolate Cupid was a work of art in itself that would put any other cake to shame. The perfect end to a fine afternoon tea with just the right degree of decadence to make for a special occasion that remains relaxed and surprisingly down to earth.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – AT A GLANCE
AFTERNOON TEA: Luxury Afternoon Tea £99 – Includes 10g serving Exmoor Royal Beluski caviar, blinis and accompaniments and a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve. | Champagne Regency Afternoon Tea £69 – Regency Afternoon Tea with a glass of either Taittinger Brut Reserve or English Sparkling Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV. | Royal Regency Afternoon Tea £66 – Regency Afternoon Tea with a glass of either The Prince’s Punch or non-alcoholic King’s Punch. Book here.
THEATRE TOUR: Theatre Royal Drury Lane Tours take Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 12.30am and 2.30pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10.30am and 12pm, and Sundays at 10.30am. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with 20 spaces available per tour. Be aware that as this is a walking tour there are numerous steps and backstage areas to traverse so comfortable shoes are recommended. Tickets are priced £22.50 and available here.
In partnership with LW Theatres
