I first visited London as a young performer, fresh off a contract at sea. My arrival happened to coincide with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee — celebrating 50 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign — and the city was alive with British patriotism. I was awestruck by the incredible diversity of cultures, all gathering to honor the Queen on London’s bustling streets.
During that visit, I booked tickets for my first West End show, Blood Brothers, a powerful musical by Liverpudlian playwright Willy Russell. The story follows twin boys separated at birth and raised in vastly different circumstances in 1960s Liverpool. The performance was spellbinding, brought to life by a superb cast. I can still recall completely losing myself in the drama, momentarily forgetting everything beyond the theater walls. That’s exactly what great theater should do: transport you to another world without ever leaving your seat.
It was an unforgettable experience; one I wholeheartedly recommend. If you find yourself in London for just one evening before setting sail on one of our remarkable Northern Europe voyages, there’s no better way to spend it than in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
The West End is London's version of Broadway, a vibrant district packed with historic theaters, world-class productions and an electric energy that fills the streets each night. The name comes from its location — west of the original Roman and medieval City of London — where, centuries ago, aristocrats built their grand homes and entertainment venues followed suit. Today, the West End stretches through neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Soho, home to famous venues such as the Royal Opera House, the Lyceum Theatre and the Palladium.
Spending an evening in the West End before embarking on your voyage is the perfect way to set the tone for your journey. Whether you have a passion for musicals, a love of drama or simply want to soak up the city’s atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Imagine this: You land in London, drop your bags at a nearby hotel and take a leisurely stroll to a pre-theater dinner at one of the city’s charming brasseries. Perhaps you opt for a traditional shepherd's pie or a meal at a cozy bistro tucked away in Covent Garden. Then, as the sun sets, you make your way to the theater, tickets in hand, ready to be transported into another world.
Shows like The Lion King, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera have been delighting audiences for decades, while new productions, from Shakespearean revivals to blockbuster musicals, keep the lineup fresh. Even if you think you’ve "seen it all," trust me, there’s always something thrilling about seeing a show in London, where the standards of performance, set design and storytelling are second to none.
The beauty of pairing a West End show with a Regent voyage is that the high-quality entertainment continues on board. Throughout your journey, enjoy dazzling production shows and musical performances — many created, produced and choreographed by professionals who come from the West End and Broadway. The same goes for the extraordinary people on stage. Our world-class singers, dancers and musicians ensure that every night is just as spectacular as your night in the city.
So, if you have just one evening in London before setting sail, make it count. Book a West End show, lose yourself in the magic of live performance and start your journey with an unforgettable night of theater. Trust me, once the curtain rises, you’ll be glad you did.
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