Everything you need to know about each West End Theatre's COVID entry requirements
Be prepared for your next theatre trip
Last updated 18th Jul 2022
On 19th July 2021 England reached the final stage of the roadmap out of lockdown which removed legal limits on social contact which was replaced with guidance. As theatres are now allowed to open at full capacity we look at some of the rules they will have in place.
All of London's theatres are recommending that face coverings should be worn unless you're exempt or eating or drinking.
Some theatres are asking audience members to bring a proof of their COVID status while others have not decided yet. Here we break down what we know each theatre is currently asking along with a link to their most up to date information.
How do I prove my COVID status?
At the moment there are two types of COVID status that will grant you entry to theatres who require it. These can all be presented on your NHS COVID Pass which you can show as a QR code on the NHS app.
Double Vaccination
The first method is to show that it's been at least 14 days since your second vaccination and therefore fully vaccinated.
Negative lateral flow test
You can also prove your COVID status with a negative lateral flow test result taken within 48 hours prior to attending the theatre. Many venues will also accept a confirmation text from the NHS as well as through their app.
Natural immunity
Natural immunity is proof that you have recovered from the virus, changes in government guidance means the majority of venues are no longer accepting this.
Adelphi Theatre (Back to the Future: The Musical)
The Adelphi Theatre is the home of Back to the Future: The Musical.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: The Adelphi is co-owned by LW Theatres. LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres' audience guide
Aldwych Theatre (TINA - The Tina Turner Musical)
The Aldwych Theatre is the home of TINA - The Tina Turner Musical.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: The Aldwych Theatre no longer require you to bring proof of COVID certification.
Read the safety precautions being taken at TINA - The Tina Turner Musical
Ambassadors Theatre (Mad House)
Mad House runs at the Ambassadors Theatre until 4th September.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Apollo Theatre (Jerusalem, Cruise, Blippi the Musical)
Jerusalem runs at the Apollo Theatre until 10th August, Cruise and Blippi the Musical run from 13th/16th August until 4th September.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
Apollo Victoria (Wicked)
The Apollo Victoria is the West End home of Wicked.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Arts Theatre (Bad Jews, The Choir of Man)
Bad Jews will run at the Arts Theatre from 14th July and The Choir of Man will return on 1st October.
Masks: Encouraged but not required.
COVID status: The Arts Theatre are no longer asking audience members to bring proof of COVID status.
Read the latest updates from the Arts Theatre
Barbican Theatre (Anything Goes)
Anything Goes is back at the Barbican.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: You do not need to bring proof of a negative COVID test. The Barbican's recommendation that you take a lateral flow before visiting was removed on 1st April.
Read the Barbican's safety information.
Cambridge Theatre (Matilda)
The Cambridge Theatre is the home of the RSC's Matilda the Musical.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres’ audience guide
Charing Cross Theatre (Rita, Ride, Frome Here To Eternity)
Rita runs from 7th to 20th August, Ride from 25th August to 17th September and From Here to Eternity from 29th October to 17th December.
Masks: Expected (unless exempt)
COVID Status: The Charing Cross Theatre recommend you take a lateral flow test ahead of coming to the theatre.
Read the Charing Cross Theatre's COVID information.
Criterion Theatre (2:22 A Ghost Story)
2:22 A Ghost Story runs at the Criterion Theatre until 4th September.
Masks: Strongly recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: The Criterion Theatre have removed their notice asking audience members to present their COVID status.
Read The Criterion's COVID guidance.
Dominion Theatre (Grease, Elf)
Grease runs at the Dominion Theatre until 29th October, Elf will return from 14th November.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: The Dominion Theatre aren't asking for proof of COVID status.
Read COVID updates for the Dominion Theatre.
Duchess Theatre (The Play That Goes Wrong, The Political Party with Matt Forde)
The Duchess Theatre is currently home to The Play That Goes Wrong as well as The Political Party with Matt Forde.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
Duke of York's Theatre (The Glass Menagerie, Gary Barlow A Different Stage)
The Glass Menagerie runs until 27th August, Gary Barlow A Different Stage runs from 30th August to 25th September.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Fortune Theatre (The Woman in Black)
The Fortune Theatre is the West End home of The Woman in Black.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Garrick Theatre (The Drifters Girl)
The Drifters Girl is running at the Garrick Theatre.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
Gielgud Theatre (To Kill a Mockingbird)
To Kill a Mockingbird will run at the Gielgud until 19th November.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
Gillian Lynne Theatre (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lehman Trilogy)
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is now running at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, The National Theatre's Tony Award-winning play The Lehman Trilogy will run in 2023.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres’ audience guide
Harold Pinter Theatre (The Seagull, Good)
The Seagull runs until 10th September, Good will run from 6th October to 24th December.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Her Majesty's Theatre (The Phantom of the Opera)
The Phantom of the Opera has finally returned to Her Majesty's Theatre.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres’ audience guide
London Coliseum (My Fair Lady)
My Fair Lady is now running at the London Coliesum.
Masks: Encouraged but a personal choice.
COVID status: The London Coliseum won't be checking COVID passes.
Plan your visit to the London Coliseum safely.
Check what you need on the day of your visit to the London Coliseum.
London Palladium (various events, Disney's Beauty and the Beast)
The London Palladium will be hosting several one/two night events throughout the year, their summer show will be Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres’ audience guide
Lyceum Theatre (Disney's The Lion King)
The Lyceum Theatre is the home of Disney's The Lion King.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Lyric Theatre (Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical)
The Lyric Theatre is be the home of Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
National Theatre (Jack Absolute Flies Again, Much Ado About Nothing)
Masks: Not mandatory but visitors are welcome to wear face coverings if they wish.
COVID Status: COVID Passes are currently not required.
Read the National Theatre's 'welcoming you back safely' page
Noël Coward Theatre (Dear Evan Hansen)
Dear Evan Hansen runs at the Noël Coward Theatre until 22nd October.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
Novello Theatre (Mamma Mia!)
The Novello Theatre is home to Mamma Mia!
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
The Old Vic (Eureka Day, A Christmas Carol)
Masks: Strongly recommended (unless exempt)
COVID Status: It does not look like the Old Vic are asking for proof of COVID status but they are recommending that audience members take a lateral flow test ahead of their visit.
Read the Old Vic's safety measures for an in person visit.
The Other Palace (Heathers the Musical)
Heathers the Musical will be back in London this winter at The Other Palace until 4th September.
Masks: Strongly encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: You do not need to show any proof of COVID Status at The Other Palace.
Read The Other Palace's COVID policy.
Palace Theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2 is back at the Palace Theatre.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
Phoenix Theatre (Come From Away)
The Phoenix Theatre is home to Come From Away until 7th January 2023.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Piccadilly Theatre (Moulin Rouge! The Musical)
The Piccadilly Theatre is the London home of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Moulin Rouge! Can-Can Seats
Due to the close proximity of these specific seats audience members are asked to bring proof of a negative lateral flow test even if they are vaccinated.
Read ATG's full guidance for the Moulin Rouge! Can-Can Seats.
Playhouse Theatre / KitKat Club (Cabaret)
The Playhouse Theatre has been transformed into the KitKat Club for Cabaret.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide
Prince Edward Theatre (Mary Poppins)
Mary Poppins runs at the Prince Edward Theatre until 8th January 2023.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
Prince of Wales Theatre (The Book of Mormon)
The Prince of Wales Theatre is the West End home of The Book of Mormon.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall shows a wide range of events including the Magic at the Musicals.
Masks: Personal choice
COVID Status: There are no longer any COVID status checks to enter the hall.
Read the Royal Albert Hall's FAQ's.
Sadler's Wells / The Peacock
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: The recommendation to take a COVID test has been removed from the Sadler's Wells website.
Read Sadler's Wells' COVID-19 measures in full.
Savoy Theatre (Pretty Woman: The Musical)
The Savoy Theatre is currently home to Pretty Woman: The Musical.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide.
Shaftesbury Theatre (& Juliet)
& Juliet is back at the Shaftesbury theatre.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: The Shaftesbury Theatre seem to have removed their notice requiring audience members to bring along their COVID pass.
Read the Shaftesbury Theatre's latest safety measures.
Sondheim Theatre (Les Misérables)
The full production of Les Misérables is now running at the Sondheim Theatre.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
St Martin's Theatre (The Mousetrap)
St Martin's theatre is home to the world's longest running show - The Mousetrap.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: The Mousetrap are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read the latest COVID update from The Mousetrap
Southwark Playhouse (Yeast Nation)
Masks: Required (unless exempt)
COVID Status: 'We are not currently requiring anyone to bring along a negative test result, proof of vaccination, or NHS Covid pass'
Read the Southwark Playhouse's latest updates.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Frozen The Musical)
The theatre Royal Drury Lane is the London home of Frozen The Musical.
Masks: Recommended but a personal choice.
COVID Status: LW Theatres have dropped their requirement for audience members to bring their COVID pass.
Read LW Theatres’ audience guide
Theatre Royal Haymarket (Only Fools and Horses - The Musical)
Only Fools and Horses - The Musical is back at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Masks: No longer compulsory
COVID status: You are no longer required to show your COVID pass at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Read the latest information from the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Trafalgar Theatre (Jersey Boys)
The Trafalgar Theatre (formerly Trafalgar Studios) is the West End home of Jersey Boys.
Masks: Recommended (unless exempt)
COVID status: ATG are no longer asking for proof of COVID status.
Read ATG's Health & Safety Guide
Vaudeville Theatre (Six)
Six the musical is now at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Masks: ‘You are welcome to wear a face covering when inside the theatre if you wish.’
COVID status: Nimax Theatres are no longer asking for proof of COVID status at their venues.
Read Nimax Theatres' COVID Secure page.
Victoria Palace Theatre (Hamilton)
Hamilton is back at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
Wyndham's Theatre (Life of Pi)
At the Wyndham's Theatre, Life of Pi is running until 15th January 2023.
Masks: Encouraged (unless exempt)
COVID status: Delfont Mackintosh are no longer be checking COVID passes.
Read Delfont Mackintosh Theatres' 'Keeping Safe' page.
WATCH: See It Safely - Your guide to a COVID-safe theatre experience
Many of the theatres listed above are part of the Society of London Theatre's 'See It Safely' campaign. If you see the See It Safely mark you can feel confident and safe knowing that the venue is COVID-secure and will be following the latest government and performing arts guidance. You can find out more from their website or watch the video below.
Looking at the musicals on their way in 2022:
The Osmonds: A New Musical
A new jukebox musical based on the story of the Osmond Brothers is touring the UK and Ireland. With a story by Jay Osmond, The Osmonds: A New Musical kicked off off their tour at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on 3rd February 2022.
We Will Rock You
The hit musical packed with the music of Queen is coming back for its 20th anniversary. We Will Rock You is touring the UK once again with Ben Elton back in the director's chair. The tour began on 7th February 2022 at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth and is heading to 27 venues across the country before culminating with a residency at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
The hit jukebox musical celebrating the career of singer/songwriter Carole King is back in this new production of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical which heads is on a UK tour.
The tour is a co-production from Leicester's Curve, Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Mayflower Theatre Southampton and began performances on 28th February at the Curve Theatre.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
The stage adaptation of Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is on tour once again, they began with Liverpool on 25th March.
Anything Goes
Anything Goes has set sail for another voyage with a some brand new faces! The musical went on a UK tour and is now in the middle of another summer run at London's Barbican Centre until 3rd September.
The Cher Show
The Broadway musical based on the one and only Cher is has come to the UK for a national tour. The Cher Show kicked off its tour at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on 15th April 2022.
Grease
A brand new production of Grease is running in the West End in 2022! The new production is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips and is running at the Dominion Theatre.
Girl From the North Country
With music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, Girl From the North Country returns to the UK as part of an international tour. The tour visited the 3Olympia in Dublin for five weeks from 25th June 2022 before visiting cities and towns across the UK.
Bugsy Malone
Bugsy Malone is on its first professional UK tour. The show opened at the Theatre Royal Bath on 2nd July 2022, the Birmingham Rep from 27th July 2022 and then will go onto further venues across the UK.
Crazy For You
Charlie Stemp stars in a new revival of the George and Ira Gershwin's Crazy For You which runs at the Chichester Festival Theatre until 4th September 2022.
Whistle Down the Wind
A new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind runs at the Watermill theatre until 10th September 2022.
Kinky Boots
The first UK revival of Kinky Boots will run at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich from 1st to 24th September 2022 before the Queen's Theatre Hornchurch from 28th September to 22 October 2022.
Mrs Doubtfire
Based on the iconic film which starred Robin Williams, the musical adaptation of Mrs Doubtfire will get its UK premiere at the Manchester Opera House where it runs from 2nd September 2022.
The Color Purple
Leicester's Curve theatre and the Birmingham Hippodrome's award-wining production of The Color Purple is heading on a UK tour for the first time visiting venues in England and Wales. The tour begins on 13th September 2022.
South Pacific
The Chichester Festival Theatre production of South Pacific has returned in 2022. Following runs in Manchester and London the production heads on a UK and Ireland tour beginning on 13th September.
Sister Act
Sandra Marvin leads the touring productionof Sister Act which will open on 20th September 2022.
My Fair Lady
Following its run in the West End, the critically acclaimed Lincoln Center production of My Fair Lady heads on tour from 22nd September.
The Famous Five: A New Musical
A new musical adaptation of Enid Blyton's The Famous Five will have its world premiere later this year. It will run at Theatr Clwyd from 23rd September to 15th October and then from 21st October to 12th November at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
The Time Traveller's Wife: The Musical
A musical adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife will premiere at the Storyhouse, Chester with a two week run from 30th September. The show will then be transferring to the West End with full details still to be announced.
The Choir of Man
The Choir of Man are returning for another run at the Arts Theatre. The show which includes covers of some of the greatest pop songs and a working bar has just finished a run at the Edinburgh Fringe and will be back in London from 1st October.
Tammy Faye
A new musical based on the true story of Tammy Faye will run at the Almeida Theatre from 13th October until 3rd December 2022 at the Almeida Theatre.
The musical features music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears and a book by James Graham.
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
The stage version of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is finally getting its UK premiere at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre from 1st November 2022.
Disney's Newsies
A brand new production of Disney's Newsies will run from 28th November at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley, London. It will be the first professional production to run in the UK and will be opening a decade after the show opened on Broadway
Jagged Little Pill
Jagged Little Pill, the musical based on Alanis Morissette's album of the same name recently ran on Broadway and now is hoping to transfer to the West End this autumn.
Elf
The musical adaptation of Elf makes another trip to the Dominion theatre for the 2022 Christmas season. Elf will run from 14th November 2022 until 7th January 2023.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The sweetest Roald Dahl musical is making a return this year with a new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory running at the Leeds Playhouse from 18th November 2022 to 19th January 2023. The musical then heads on a UK tour in the new year.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Dolly Parton's take on a Christmas classic, Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol opens at the the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on 8th December 2022 and runs until 9th January 2023.
Broken Wings
The musical adaption of Kahlil Gibran's poetic novel Broken Wings is heads to the Charing Cross Theatre opened on 11th February 2022. The show has been adapted for the stage by Nadim Naaman and Dana Al Fardan and ran until 26th March 2022.
But I'm a Cheerleader: The Musical
After being discovered at MTFestUK 2019, a new musical adaption of the cult classic But I'm a Cheerleader ran at the Turbine Theatre in London until 8th May 2022.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
A revival of the hit LGBTQ+ musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch is on its way. The production is co-produced by the Leeds Playhouse and HOME Manchester and will star RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist Divina De Campo in the titular role. The production ran at the Leeds Playhouse from 2nd to 23rd April 2022 and then at HOME in Manchester from 27th April to 11th May 2022.
Bonnie & Clyde
After a hugely successful concert, Bonnie & Clyde ran at the Arts Theatre for a limited run. Will the show be back? We sure hope so!
Passion
A revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Passion ran at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. The musical starred Ruthie Henshall as Fosca.
LIFT
Set in Covent Garden tube station's Lift, a new production of LIFT ran at the Southwark Playhouse from 13th May to 18th June 2022.
Legally Blonde
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre kicked off their 2022 season - which celebrates their 90th anniversary - with a brand new production of Legally Blonde. The musical was directed by Six co-creator Lucy Moss and ran from 13th May to 2nd July 2022.
Billy Elliot
This summer, the Curve Theatre in Leicester produced the first new UK production of Billy Elliot since its original West End run. The show is based on the 2000 film of the same name and has music by Elton John and ran until Saturday 20th August 2022.
Singin' in the Rain
After a successful run at Sadler's Wells Theatre in the summer of 2021, the Chichester Festival Theatre production of Singin' in the Rain is back once again as they go on tour in 2022. The tour began on 17th March 2022 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The tour will finish at the end of August 2022.
101 Dalmatians
A new musical adaptation of Dodie Smith's 1956 children's novel 101 Dalmatians is running at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. The musical has music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight and ran until 28th August 2022.
Yeast Nation (The Triumph of Life)
The bio-historical musical comedy about Yeast - yes, Yeast - set at the dawn of life itself had its European premiere at the Southwark Playhouse running until 27th August 2022.
The musical is written by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann and is a prequel to their other musical, Urinetown.
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