School Theatre Trips to London
London School Theatre Trips & Tours
From the magic of a West End show to interactive dance or theatre workshops or debating at the Royal Courts of Justice, a school theatre trip to London is guaranteed to inspire your pupils!
Whether your group is interested in performing arts, drama, English or literature, you'll find it all on an English school tour to London! Plus, we work closely with theatres and agencies in the capital to give you access to great group prices, fantastic theatre seats and great availability on the most popular West End shows so you can be sure to get great value for your school theatre trip.
Specialist Workshops
Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.
Morning flight from Ireland Blue Badge Guided tour by coach. Check into your accommodation Coca-Cola London Eye
West End Workshop of your choice Shakespeares Globe Exhibition & Tour West End Show
Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter Return flight to Ireland
Morning flight from Ireland
Blue Badge Guided tour by coach. Check into your accommodation
West End Workshop of your choice
Shakespeares Globe Exhibition & Tour
West End Show
Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
Return flight to Ireland
On-tour support
On-tour support includes...
Services of a See Off Representative at your departure airport
Pre-booked meals at great group prices
Pre-booked and pre-paid London Underground tickets
A choice of packed lunches for your group throughout your stay
Popular options in London
MEININGER Hotel London Hyde Park
Premier Inn London Hanger Lane
YHA London Thameside
This is only a sample of our entire range, so for expert advice on accommodation to suit your group's specific needs, speak to one of our team.
Top shows & productions in London
Disney's award-winning musical combines dazzling staging and wildly creative costumes, masks and puppets. The result is a theatrical experience like no other, which is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of your students and to teach them about the wonderful world of live theatre.
On show at: The Lyceum Theatre
Times: Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm
Running time: 2hrs 30mins
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings, Wednesday matinees.
Educational packs available.
Following a sensational sell-out season at The Courtyard Theatre, the RSC's production of Matilda the Musical has now opened in London to extraordinary critical acclaim. Roald Dahl's much-loved story bursts into life on stage. Your group will be delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
On show at: Cambridge Theatre
Times: Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday at 7.30pm. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3.00pm
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings and Wednesday matinees.
Matilda the Musical School Workshops are available and are designed to introduce your group to the story of Matilda, the key characters and the creative process of bringing it to life on stage. Led by RSC practitioners, these active 90-minute sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of students of all ages. Available Wednesdays at 10.30am. Groups are advised to book early.
Cameron Mackintosh's legendary production is indisputably the world's most popular musical seen by over 70 million people worldwide. This spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.
On show at: Queen's Theatre
Times: Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm
School prices available: Monday - Thursday evenings, Wednesday matinees.
The popular set text is now in its 25th terrifying year on stage. Over 7 million people have lived to tell the tale of one of the most exciting, spooky, gripping and successful theatre events ever staged.
On show at: The Fortune Theatre
Times: Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8.00pm, Tuesday and Thursday matinees at 3.00pm and Saturday matinees at 4.00pm
Running time: 2hrs
School prices available: Tuesday – Thursday evenings and Tuesday and Thursday matinees.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Performance
Located on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside's Cultural Quarter, Shakespeare's Globe welcomes groups to experience world renowned productions of Shakespeare every day.
We have worked closely with Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for many years and are an official 'Friend of the Globe'. We offer fantastic group prices on tickets for strongly curriculum-linked Shakespeare performances.
Furthermore, as there is a requirement in the new curriculum for students to study two Shakespeare plays, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce your group to various Shakespeare texts.
Call us for details and further information regarding current Globe productions.
Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. The spectacular production and incredible story inspires discussion about propaganda, tolerance, bullying and friendship.
On show at: The Apollo Victoria Theatre
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins returns to its original West End home from 23rd October 2019. The magical story of the world's favourite Nanny is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the original film.
On show at: Prince Edward Theatre
Times: Wednesday 7.00pm. Thursday-Monday 7.30pm. Thursday, Saturday & Sunday matinees 2.30pm.
What if Juliet's famous ending was really just her beginning? What if she decided to choose her own fate?
Join Juliet on this sensational journey of self-discovery and second chances, told through some of the most glittering pop anthems of the last three decades from legendary songwriter Max Martin, including …Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, Roar, Love Me Like You Do and Can't Feel My Face, all brilliantly arranged by the Tony and Grammy Award-winning orchestrator Bill Sherman.
Brought to life by an award-winning creative team in an explosive fusion of styles, this vibrant and vital brand-new West End musical is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber and stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour.
& Juliet is the hilariously irreverent new musical that proves when it comes to love, there's always life after Romeo…
On show at: Shaftesbury theatre
School rate available: Monday - Thursday
Leopoldstadt
Starting 25th January 2020 - Vienna in 1900 was the most vibrant city in Europe, humming with artistic and intellectual excitement and a genius for enjoying life. A tenth of the population were Jews. A generation earlier they had been granted full civil rights by the Emperor, Franz Josef. Consequently, hundreds of thousands had fled from the Pale and the pogroms in the East and many found sanctuary in the crowded tenements of the old Jewish quarter, Leopoldstadt.
Regarded as Britain's greatest living playwright, Tom Stoppard's new play, directed by Patrick Marber, is an intimate drama with an epic sweep; the story of a family who made good. "My grandfather wore a caftan," says Hermann, a factory owner, "My father went to the opera in a top hat, and I have the singers to dinner."
It was not to last. Half a century later, this family, like millions of others, has re-discovered what it means to be Jewish in the first half of the 20th century.
On show at: Wyndham Theatre
Times: Monday-Saturday 7:30pm. Matinees Thursday & Saturday 2:30pm
School rates available: Monday-Wednesday 7:30pm, Thursday 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Critically-acclaimed across the UK, Six tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII presented as a pop concert.
The six wives take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Our school groups simply love this lively and uplifting show.
On show at: Arts Theatre
Times: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at 8pm / Thursday at 6.30pm & 9pm / Saturday & Sunday at 4pm & 8pm
Running time: 1 hr 15 mins (no interval)
Starting 5th February 2020 - journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
Based on the acclaimed DreamWorks Animation film, The Prince of Egypt is an exhilarating, powerful and joyous celebration of belief and the human spirit.
On show at: Dominion Theatre
Times: Monday-Saturday 7.30pm. Matinees Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm.
School rates available: Monday-Wednesday 7.30pm, Thursday 2.30pm & 7.30pm.
Top visits in London
All Visits
National Theatre Backstage Tour
Go backstage at Britain's largest theatre complex to discover the secrets behind bringing productions to the stage. Your group will get exclusive access to unseen parts of the building, including the workshops where sets and props are created, on a tour led by an experienced and enthusiastic guide.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Tour
Through the stage door is the UK's first interactive theatre tour! History is brought to vivid life through key characters, writers and actors from the theatre's 300 year past.
Royal Opera House Backstage Tour
Visit the backstage and the front of house areas as the Royal Opera House prepares to open its doors for an evening performance. Your group will enjoy an introduction to the colourful history of this theatre, its magnificent backstage technology and redevelopment.
Les Misérables Theatre Tour
Step behind-the-scenes of one of the longest running shows in West End history!
Stage School Theatre Workshop – West End 101
A popular and versatile interactive workshop designed to enhance the participants' night in the West End. In a fun and relaxed environment, students are taught skills and techniques used by professional actors inspired by the themes of the show they see.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Step by Step
A fun, interactive session that will immerse your group in the music and movement of the show. It will provide them with new knowledge and skills plus some serious moves that they can perform again and again.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Stage Combat
Your group will learn about the relationship between acting and fight choreography. Discover how fights are choreographed and hone your collaboration skills whilst creating your own combat.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Note by Note
Learn singing techniques and how to act through song with a West End musical director. Share all you have learnt in a performance for a cast member from the show you are seeing. You can suggest a song of your choice or one can be picked for you - it's up to you!
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – A Song & Dance
Apply singing, dancing and acting! Work with a pianist and cast member from the show your group is seeing and gain an insight into a true West End rehearsal. You'll even have the chance to rehearse a song and create your own choreography.
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – Puppetry Now
A West End show has multiple ways of conveying meaning and communicating different moods and effects. Puppetry is one of those ways; it stimulates your imagination, encourages creative play and is a wonderfully interactive way to introduce narrative. This workshop is highly recommended for groups seeing War Horse.
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – Audition Essentials
Develop your group's audition techniques by performing material for a West End casting director and watching a West End professional perform. You'll get to spend an hour with a West End director/casting director and enjoy a 30 minute Q&A session with a West End professional.
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – In the Spotlight
Take this opportunity to ask questions of a performer from the show your group is seeing. Includes a piano-accompanied private performance from your workshop guest artist.
Rambert Dance Experience
Dance has the power to transform lives. Rambert delivers a range of activities that will engage your group in contemporary dance. Workshops, led by a Company Animateur (a professional dancer and teacher), can be tailored to meet your group's needs and focus on a selected piece of work from Rambert's existing repertoire including Christopher Bruce's Ghost Dances and Swansong. Each workshop contains:
A contemporary dance warm-up
Repertoire – an opportunity to learn sections of the focus work
Choreography – students follow set tasks to choreograph their own work
Sharing – students perform and discuss their work together
Karen Hardy Studios Dance Experience
Karen Hardy Studios has designed a fun and structured children's dance programme that teaches a wide range of dance styles and promotes all the important life skills necessary for a child's development.
Classes are designed to build confidence and raise awareness of health and fitness. Beginner and intermediate routines are designed by experienced teachers personally trained by former Strictly champion, Karen Hardy.
Students will enjoy a fun structured 90-minute workshop, made up of half choreography and half technique to ensure each child leaves having had fun and developed a new life skill.
Stage School Dance Workshop – West End Dance
Exclusive to NST
Whether it's ballet or ballroom, flamenco or freestyle, tango or tap, there's a dance class for you! Tell us what dance style your group would like to explore and we'll do the rest.
You'll be provided with a West End studio and a dance instructor who specialises in the style of your choice.
Learn about the stylistic features of the dance, the development of techniques and its representation in the West End. Guaranteed to get your energy pumping. Workshops can be introductory, intermediate or advanced.
Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tours
Open all year round, the Globe guided tour gives you an opportunity to learn more about this unique building and its most famous playwright, Shakespeare.
Expert guides will take you on a fascinating tour of the iconic Globe Theatre, bringing the space to life with colourful stories of the 1599 Globe, of the reconstruction process in the 1990s, and of how the 'wooden O' works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space.
Shakespeare's Globe Live Demonstrations
If you're planning on visiting the Shakespeare's Globe, why not add on an interesting live demonstration for your group. Options include:
Stage Fighting - Watch an exciting demonstration of Elizabethan stage combat techniques. This includes an explanation of how stage fighting was used by Shakespeare and his contemporaries in Early Modern plays. Demonstration includes a Q&A session.
Elizabethan Dressing - Using clothes from the theatre wardrobe, your tour guide will dress a member of your group as a character from a Shakespeare play and explain the intricacies of dressing. Demonstration includes a Q&A session.
Shakespeare's Globe Lively Action Workshop
This 90-minute session, led by a Globe Education Practitioner, includes:
A 30-minute guided visit to the theatre
A one hour workshop based on a Shakespeare play of your choice. Through practical exploration, students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of Shakespeare's characters and stories, and to engage with the text as a script for performance. Different dramatic techniques are used to explore Shakespeare's plays and deepen your group's critical understanding. Alternatively, students at a higher level may concentrate their workshop time on the performance conditions at the Globe, by exploring how this shapes playing style and language and by making connections between time and literary traditions.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – Making a Scene
Work from a scripted scene from a show or play of your choice. Students will learn how to bring the text to life in a truthful, imaginative way. Explore acting methods, vocal techniques and character development designed to encourage bold and creative acting choices.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – Theatre Improvisation
This team-orientated collection of non-stop theatre games is perfect for high energy groups. After physical and vocal warm-ups, students stay active through team-building and improvisational games designed to heighten focus, creativity and sensitivity to others.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – The Director's Chair
This interactive workshop introduces students to the art of directing theatre. Focusing on textual analysis and stage craft, group members will examine techniques for working with actors and staging scenes too.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – Behind the Mask
Your group will learn the rules of the mask and explore different mask performance techniques through improvisation and non-verbal communication. Content in this workshop is non show-specific.
The Royal Courts of Justice - Court In Session
Suitable for KS3-5, this exciting visit to the historic Royal Courts of Justice will have your group talking for weeks! You can choose from a wide range of quality learning experiences.
This two-hour session takes place in a working court room and around the courts.
Students will:
Be introduced to the Royal Courts of Justice and what happens there
Prepare and enact a trial based on an ex-offender's experiences
Explore roles in a court room and meet a legal professional where possible
Discuss and debate real sentencing options
The Royal Courts of Justice - Motion To Appeal
Prepare for and debate an appeal case which has been heard at the Royal
Courts of Justice (this can be a broader debate or one that focuses on a particular point of law)
Explore roles in a court room and meet a legal professional, where possible
Charles Dickens Museum & Workshop
Charles Dickens lived in this house - now museum - from 1837 until 1839 and wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby whilst living here. This museum offers students the chance to experience what Dickens' home would have been like, as well as learn more about the life and works of the great novelist and social commentator. Here, you will find one of the most important collections of his artefacts in the world.
Workshops available:
A Christmas Carol: Creating Scrooge
Using copies of original draft manuscripts from our archival collection, students will look at why Dickens's celebrated and ever popular Christmas story has secured such an enduring place in the English speaking world's literary consciousness, with a myriad adaptations on stage, screen and print.
Dickens's social conscience: Oliver Twist and poverty in Victorian Britain
Whilst living here at 48 Doughty Street, Dickens wrote one of his most famous novels - Oliver Twist. In this session students will explore this celebrated book as well as excerpts from his non-fiction writing, in order to explore poverty in the Victorian era and Dickens's life and work as a social reformer.
Crime & Punishment: Exploring Victorian Justice through Dickens's Eyes
In this engaging session, students look at a variety of archival resources and ephemera from our collection at Doughty Street to build up a picture of justice, crime and punishment in Victorian Britain through the eyes of man committed to social justice and reform.
Great Expectations: Miss Havisham revisited
Great Expectations is one of Dickens's best loved and critically acclaimed works. Using the text, objects and documents from our own archival collection, students will explore aspects of Dicken's own life and experiences that may have influenced this work. In particular they will focus on one of Dickens's more notorious and memorable characters – Miss Havisham; looking again at whether the common perceptions about her are justified…or not!
Exploring A Christmas Carol in the social context of Victorian Britain
Through a consideration of the text and archival material held here at Doughty Street, students will extend their knowledge of A Christmas Carol, by considering how Dickens used the story's themes and characters to highlight what he saw as some of the most pressing social problems and issues in the Victorian Britain of his day.
Dr Johnson's House & Workshop
Dr Johnson's House is a charming 300-year-old townhouse, nestled amongst a maze of courts and alleys in the historic city of London. Samuel Johnson, the writer and wit, lived and worked here in the middle of the 18th century, compiling his great Dictionary of the English Language in the garret.
Johnson's Dictionary & Language Change
This KS5 workshop will put Johnson, his Dictionary and the language of the period into context for your pupils and will introduce them to Johnson's Dictionary, its predecessors and its long-term impact. The curator-led workshop is structured around a tour of Johnson's former home which is interspersed with language activities.
Step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series. Tread the original stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all eight films were produced.
A programme of educational workshops has been created to complement the Studio Tour. These workshops are delivered in a purpose-built classroom and use the Harry Potter™ film series as an example of the wider context and theories surrounding filmmaking. You'll even get access to free downloadable pre- and post-visit resource packs to use in the classroom.
Workshop options include:
Instructional Writing
Script to Screen
Costume Characterisation
The Distressing Process
Camera Choices
Teaching resources for all workshops available online - https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/schools
Standing tall on the south bank of the River Thames, nothing says iconic like The Coca-Cola London Eye.
Because we're right in the heart of the city, you get closer views of London's most spectacular landmarks from Big Ben to The Houses of Parliament and even Windsor Castle on a clear day! Go one better than looking at the iconic skyline, move through it.
Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and the excellent Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history with over 300 wax figures, including David Beckham, Lady Gaga, the Queen and many, many more. So, who do you want to meet?
Star Wars at Madame Tussauds
Created in close collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm, Star Wars at Madame Tussauds is a unique, immersive experience starring extraordinarily life-like wax figures of the favourite heroes and villains of Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The figures appear in authentic walk-in sets inspired by key scenes from the movies. Dynamic special effects add to the immersion, as you can step right into, and star in, some of the most iconic moments in film history.
Take in London's best-loved sights on this enjoyable cruise. Your students will gain an insight into the many layers of history that have built up along the river, from the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge to the Coca-Cola London Eye.
Highlights of London Blue Badge Guided Tour
See the major sights of the city. An expert Blue Badge Guide will join you on your coach and bring the Capital to life for your group. Sights may include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
The View from The Shard offers a unique education experience – it is the only place where students can see the entire city at once; both old and new! Two high speed kaleidoscopic lifts will transport your group to the viewing platforms on Level 69 and Level 72 where you can encourage your student's fascination with the history of London and enjoy the unparalleled 360 degree views.
Educational visits can support learning across both the National and London Curriculum, including History, English, Maths, Geography, and Art and Design.
Wembley Tour
Visit the new stadium and take a 90-minute tour. See England's changing rooms, the players' warm-up zone, VIP reception area, the Royal Box, dugouts, the post-match interview area, press conference room, treatment rooms and the Bobby Moore Statue. You can even 'Lift the Cup'!
Explore Covent Garden
A trip to the capital isn't complete without a little shopping time! We recommend Covent Garden as a suitable area for groups to explore and watch the street performers.
Disney's The Lion King Education Workshops
Everyone from beginners to professionals can experience the thrill of the West End through these hands-on explorations of theatrical performance that are led by expert Disney teaching artists. Options include:
Spotlight on Acting - ages 9 +
Spotlight on Movement & Music - ages 7 +
Spotlight on Singing - ages 12 +
Spotlight on Dancing - ages 14 +
Mary Poppins Educational Workshops - NEW!
Sing, dance and perform scenes from the new magical Mary Poppins production during these exciting hands-on, 90-minute education workshops! Plus to get the most from your workshop, supporting teaching resources are available at www.marypoppinsonstage.co.uk
Movement and Music Workshop is a general musical theatre workshop, adapted for all ages and ability levels, and suitable for primary school or secondary school.
The content is very upbeat, celebratory and focuses on rhythm and ensemble movement.
- All group types, mixed group experience levels and ages
- Groups looking to explore musical theatre and build on performance skills
- Ages 7 and up
Spotlight On Acting Workshop is an excellent session for drama students or group producing their own musical. Recommended for Ages 9 and up, participants should be confident readers as they will be working with script extracts from the show and asked to read their parts aloud to the group. Teachers should be on hand to give extra support to these within the group that need extra help with reading.
- Groups looking to hone their acting skills
- They are not expected to memorise lines, just read the script
- Group focus on characterisation, voice and moment, objective and intention, comedy and more
Evening activites
Host a quiz at a function room
We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we'll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
Your own dedicated NST contact
Bespoke tour itineraries
Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Curriculum linked visit programmes
Great value for money - no hidden costs
Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits
Whilst you're away
Exceptional standards of coaching
On-tour support from our reps on the ground
Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
24/7 support just a call away
Extensive group travel insurance
On your return
Priority rebooking services
Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
School travel company of choice since 1996
Refer a friend to NST and receive €250/£250. Find out more.
Multi tour bonus
Receive a bonus for your school of €500/£500. Click here for more information.
Visit before you go
Enjoy a two night complimentary B&B stay for two people in your group's chosen accommodation before your trip. This offer does not include flights. Find out more.