Entertainment in Southwark/ Waterloo (London)

Globe Theatre

Visit the glorious reconstruction of Shakespeare's original playhouse, built some four centuries later. This version of the Bards venue also boasts of the first thatched roof in London since the Great Fire. The partially open-air theater provides a standing area and some seating provisions. The Globe Theatre Company, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Globe Education work together to provide a historical and educational experience while putting on some of the finest performances in this fabulous theater. Come and soak up the atmosphere even if you are unfamiliar with the Bard's work. Tickets can be bought via the internet or directly from the Globe Box Office.

Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre was created in the 1960s, after the Festival of Britain in 1951 inspired renewed interest in the arts scene in the United Kingdom. Although it is one of the top cultural venues in the city, it typifies 60s architecture and is, therefore, not pretty. The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal National Theatre (comprising the Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe theaters), and the National Film Theatre which shows the cream of international art-house films. The South Bank district is home to many other galleries and attractions, such as Vinopolis.

The Old Vic Theatre

The Old Vic Theatre in London (not to be confused with the Bristol Old Vic theatre/drama school) is a medium-sized theater which holds 1,067 people and offers four bars. True to its name, the Old Vic was built nearly 200 years ago and was designed by Rudolph Cabanel. The theater has a resident theater company that puts on a range of productions in addition to the main West-End productions staged here, although shows tend to be put on quite sporadically - sometimes nothing is showing at all. It's very popular with tourists and theater goers, and the foyer is always busy.

Royal Festival Hall

The Royal Festival Hall is part of the South Bank Centre, and puts on an array of musical and dance performances of all styles and a lot of pop concerts are held here. From June to August there is a series of summer events always worth checking out, and an orchestral season runs from September to June. Each November sees the London Jazz Festival. The large hall holds around 3,000 people, but this can vary depending on the size of the performance. There are dining facilities that range from smaller cafes and snack bars to renowned eatery The People's Palace. Aside from the concerts themselves, the Royal Festival Hall often has several small photographic or contemporary art exhibitions on the go. They're often unpublicized, but if you happen to be on the South Bank, it's worth popping in to the hall to see if anything interesting is on show.

BFI Southbank

The BFI is a large complex that houses cinema screens, a museum, cafes and a shop. Although people often think that this cinema screens only arty, foreign and indie films, the repertoire can really only be described as comprehensive. Each month introduces themes focusing on specific actors, directors or writers, second-run films, classics, children's films and desert-island films - the last of which is chosen by BFI members for a birthday or other occasion. This is a wonderful theater with loads of surprises every month. Become an BFI member and receive a free monthly program, discounts and special offers (annual membership costs £15.95, £11 for concessions). The BFI is also the host for numerous film festivals, including the London Film Festival and the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

Royal National Theatre

One of Britain's most important theaters, the Royal National Theatre is made up of three auditoria: the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. The venue is famous for a number of its classical plays with a modern twist and an eclectic mix of artists wih different aspects unto themselves. Many a cutting-edge play has been performed alongside classics like Shakespeare, Ibsen, Gorky and Chekov and more modern playwrights are often in the repertoire. It forms part of the South Bank Centre.

Bankside Gallery

The artistic, modern creations by the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers can be seen at the Bankside Gallery. The gallery hosts art shows from these societies and exhibits a mixture of watercolors and prints in both themed shows or often single person shows. Come enjoy the refreshing display of artistic designs of societies. Now you can buy original pieces from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers too!

Swan at the Globe

Dine at the Swan at the Globe for a glorious view of the Thames and a delightful, English culinary experience. The menu varies every week and provides a satisfying meal. Try the Smoked Trout, Stake, and the Cheesecake for dessert, which are all reasonably priced. The wine list is impressive and the service, not too hasty, allows for some idle time to enjoy the view. The Swan at the Globe is also a popular entertainment venue, which often has reputed artists performing music that ranges from jazz to vintage music genres. Bar & Restaurant timings differ, kindly call for additional information.

National Theatre Olivier

The National Theatre Olivier is the largest of the three theaters in the Royal National Theatre, based at the South Bank Centre - a cultural center showcasing the best in music, theater, film and art. The theater holds around 1,150 people, depending on the production, and was named after actor Laurence Olivier. The fan-shaped layout of the seating is reminiscent of that in the Barbican's Theatre, and ensures that you'll have a good view of the stage wherever you're seated. The building has dining facilities, which are shared between the three theaters. These include two restaurants, three buffet bars and espresso bars. A range of productions are staged, with emphasis on high-quality and high-brow performances.

BFI London IMAX

Although this is London's second IMAX theater after the IMAX in the Pepsi Trocadero in the West End, the BFI-affiliated cinema has become a landmark, defining the start of the galleries and theaters of the Southbank area. A gigantic glass cylindrical building (it's 72 foot high and 132 foot wide) which cost 20 million to build, the BFI London IMAX puts on a curious blend of films, all of which are deemed especially suitable to be seen on a large screen. Screening timings may vary, check website for further details.

Young Vic

Young Vic is a smallish theater which holds around 500 people and here the seating arrangement depends on what is showing. The Young Vic is a young people's theater and puts on plays that suit its demography, including classics, contemporary plays and community theater. The Studio on the ground floor is reminiscent of a university lecture theater and stages experimental and new work. Prices are more reasonable than in most West End theaters, with the plays ranging from one to three hours in length. The theater also holds the Cut Bar & Restaurant which serves excellent refreshments.

National Theatre Lyttelton

The National Theatre Lyttelton is part of the Royal National Theatre based in the South Bank Centre, a cultural center showcasing the best in theater, music, film and art. The theater holds approximately 890 seats, and also has seats reserved for wheelchairs. The Lyttelton puts on a range of productions, with a lot of emphasis on quality, so it's a good place to visit if you want to see something a little different to the West End musical hits. The RNTs other two theaters are the Cottesloe and the Olivier.