London's West End comprises roughly
40 major theaters, most of them historic buildings that have been continuously operating for well over a century. West End theater represents the highest level of commercial theater in the United Kingdom and, along with New York City's Broadway theater, the highest level of commercial theater in the English-speaking world.
London's theatreland evolved in the 16th century at a time when a young man called William Shakespeare was making his mark as a playwright. The West End, however, was established as Britain's premier theatergoing district by a huge cast of distinguished actors, writers, managers, and designers who are collectively responsible for producing some of the most celebrated plays in the history of theater, performed in some of the most revered playhouses in the UK's capital.
In this gallery, we explore the origins of West End theater and profile the early stars who helped set the scene in making London's theatreland one of the most glittering and dynamic in the world. Click on to continue reading.