West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London.
Total attendances first surpassed 12 million in 2002 and 13 million in 2007, setting a new record for the West End. Since the late 1990s there has been an increase in the number of famous screen actors on the London stage.
The Theatre in London flourished after the English Reformation. The first permanent public playhouse, known simply as The Theatre, was constructed in 1576 in Shoreditch by James Burbage. It was soon joined by The Curtain. Both are known to have been used by William Shakespeare's company. In 1599, the timber from The Theatre was moved to Southwark, where it was used in building the Globe Theatre in a new theatre district formed, beyond the controls of the City corporation. These theatres were closed in 1642 during the interregnum.
it's the final night
and they still can't get it right
the movement on the stage was too slow
they're calling it the stop and go show
is there much appeal
when you can't believe it's real
the music was a little shaky
the scenery, a little flaky
the audience surprised themselves with
the strength of the abuse they handed
and the radio play
leaves you angry for the day
written like a first confession
you ponder on this strange profession
as the sands will shift
theaterland is on the drift
paddle round the bend to nowhere
ratty and his friends will be there
given up for good and hounded