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Engage with London's Theatrical Past and Present

Step behind the curtain and into the captivating world of the West End on our expert-led walking tours. Explore hidden streets and historic stage doors as our passionate guides share insider stories, backstage secrets, and legendary tales from theatre’s golden age to today.

Discover scandalous gossip, quirky traditions, and all the drama—on stage and off. Ever wondered if you’re a “twirl” or a “turn”? Fancy learning how to speak fluent "luvvie"? You’re in the right place.

Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or a curious newcomer, this is a show-stopping experience you won’t want to miss!

Step behind the curtain and into the captivating world of the West End on our expert-led walking tours. Explore hidden streets and historic stage doors as our passionate guides share insider stories, backstage secrets, and legendary tales from theatre’s golden age to today. Discover scandalous gossip, quirky traditions, and all the drama—on stage and off. Ever wondered if you’re a “twirl” or a “turn”? Fancy learning how to speak fluent "luvvie"? You’re in the right place.Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or a curious newcomer, this is a show-stopping experience you won’t want to miss!

Step behind the curtain and into the captivating world of the West End on our expert-led walking tours. Explore hidden streets and stop outside historic stage doors as our passionate guides share insider stories, backstage secrets, and legendary tales from theatre’s golden age to today. Discover scandalous gossip, quirky traditions, and all the drama—on stage and off. Ever wondered if you’re a “twirl” or a “turn”? Fancy learning how to speak fluent "luvvie"? You’re in the right place.Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or a curious newcomer, this is a show-stopping experience you won’t want to miss!

Our guide Erica, mid-tour

Our Tours

Welcome to Stage Door Tours, your ticket to the incredible magic of the West End! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with our specialised and enthusiastic guides as they share backstage stories, the thrilling history of London's iconic theatres and uncover hidden gems. Whether you're a die-hard theatre fan or gearing up for an exciting musical experience, our tours are bursting with captivating stories just waiting to be discovered. Book your tour today and dive into the vibrant heart of London's theatrical world!

Tour Options

Discover the wonder of the West End with our guided walking tours. Explore outside iconic theatres, learn about famous shows, and immerse yourself in the history of London's theatre district.

Theatreland's Shaftesbury Avenue

Tour Option 1

Theatre Land  and  Soho Tour

Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am

Come with us behind the scenes and into the beating heart of London’s entertainment world on our TheatreLand and Soho Tour— a captivating journey through the glamour, grit and rich history of the West End.

We begin our walk outside one of the most famous theatres in the country — the London Palladium — where countless stars have made their entrances and exits.

From here, we venture into the storied streets of Soho, a neighbourhood steeped in creativity, rebellion and colourful character.

Join us for a walk through the West End as you’ve never experienced it before — where every stage door has a story, and every street corner hums with theatrical history.

Highlights include:

  • The fascinating evolution of Soho: from seedy to stylish, bohemian to blockbuster.

  • The iconic theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue — their architecture, legacies and the legends who’ve graced their stages.

  • Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from famous West End shows, shared by those who know them best.

  • Hidden gems and quirky tales from lesser-known backstreets that hold secrets the average theatre-goer never sees.

  • Surprising stories of how world-famous productions were born, banned or brilliantly botched.

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🕰️ Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours

🪙 Cost: Introductory offer - £25 per person
📍 Start Point: Corner of Argyll Street and Great Malborough Street

(Nearest Tube - Oxford Circus)
🎟️ Perfect for: Theatre lovers, London explorers, curious minds

Book below!

Royal Opera House in Covent Garden

Tour Option 2

The Grand Theatre Tour

Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

Step into London’s grand theatrical past with this immersive walking tour through Covent Garden and the Strand.
Starting in the heart of the West End, this tour winds through historic streets and back alleys, stopping at some of the most celebrated stage doors in the West End — including the majestic Royal Opera House and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, (known as the most haunted theatre in the world!).

From ghostly sightings to opening night triumphs, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Seven Dials and the elegant theatres lining The Strand — including the Savoy, Vaudeville, and Adelphi.

Hear fascinating backstage tales, chilling ghost stories, and the lesser-known moments that shaped London's performing arts scene — from Victorian scandals to modern-day legends

Highlights Include:

  • The ghostly legends of Drury Lane, London’s oldest theatre site

  • The beauty and backstage stories of the Royal Opera House

  • A walk through the creative crossroads of Seven Dials

  • The golden age of theatre along The Strand

  • True tales of scandal, superstition and stardom

  • Secret alleyways where actors, playwrights and impresarios once gathered.

🕰️ Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours

🪙 Cost: Introductory offer - £25 per person
📍 Start Point: St Martin's Court - Opposite J Sheekey's

(Nearest Tube: Leicester Square)
🎟️ Perfect For: Theatre fans, London history lovers and ghost story enthusiasts
.

Book below!

Stage Door

Tour Option 3

Custom Tours

Available on request

Looking for something a little more tailored? Stage Door Tours offers custom tours designed around your interests, your pace and your perfect version of the West End.

Whether you want to explore the hidden corners of Soho, focus entirely on haunted theatres and ghost stories, dive deeper into the history of Covent Garden, or combine highlights from our TheatreLand and Grand Theatre Tours. We’ll create an experience that suits you.

 Your Tour, Your Way:

  • Want to see only the stage doors of London’s oldest theatres? We can do that.

  • Curious about the LGBTQ+ history of Soho's nightlife and its ties to performance? Let’s walk it.

  • Fancy a mix of musical theatre trivia, dramatic ghost stories and a few lesser-known legends? Just say the word.

Custom tours are perfect for:

  • Families or small groups

  • Theatre fans with niche interests (costume design, playwrights, musicals, etc.)

  • Birthday surprises or special occasions

  • Corporate or educational groups

📍 Start and end points can be arranged to suit you
🕰️ Flexible duration (typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours)
🎟️ Private, personalised and packed with stories that matter to you

 

Get in touch via email info@stagedoortours.net with your preferred dates, interests and group size — and we’ll take care of the rest.

Book Tours

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Inside the Royal Opera House, London

Our Story

Stage Door Tours offers in-person walking tours of London's Theatre Land, providing a unique experience led by the charismatic ex-performer, Erica Lawrence (aka West End Wendy!). She has also coached a huge number of current West End performers in her capacity as a teacher at leading vocational colleges and is a self-confessed history nerd! Stage Door Tours takes visitors on a journey through London's iconic theatre scene, stopping outside the Stage Doors of its most prestigious theatres and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the rich theatrical history of the city.

 

Erica's insider knowledge and personal anecdotes bring the stories of these legendary venues to life, offering a truly unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts. With a background not only in tour-guiding but also performing and teaching musical theatre, Erica brings a professional and classy touch to the tours, ensuring that every aspect of the experience is top-notch.

 

What sets Stage Door Tours apart is its exclusive focus on theatre, making it a must-visit for anyone with a passion for the performing arts. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a newcomer to the world of stage productions, the tours cater to all levels of interest and knowledge. From the moment you book your tour to the final "curtain call", you can expect nothing but the best from Stage Door Tours.

 

So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the magic of London's theatre scene and gain a deeper appreciation for its history and culture, look no further than Stage Door Tours. Let us guide you through the streets of Theatre Land and discover the secrets and stories hidden behind the stage doors.

Mission

To inspire visitors with engaging and fun insights into London's theatrical history.

Vision

To offer secure booking options and exceptional experiences for all theatre enthusiasts.

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Welcome to Stage Door Tours

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