Gillian Lynne Theatre
Now Playing: My Neighbour Totoro
Studio Ghibli's gentle fantasy becomes a large-scale stage adventure about childhood, grief and forest spirits.
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What Visitors Say
We went to see My Neighbour Totoro and absolutely loved it! The large scale puppetry was amazing and really brought the story to life. Our seats were very comfortable, and the theatre amenities were great, with a few bars and well-managed queues that weren’t too bad. A fantastic overall experience. Also, Caravan Covent Garden opposite is a great place to stop for a bite before the show, which made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend!
I enjoyed my time at the Gillian Lynne Theatre to see one of the sought-after events of Gabrielle Bernstein's live event last in July 2025. The venue was easy to get to as it was walking distance from Holborn and Coven Garden stations. I arrived early and saw Gabby come out of a car, greeting us and amazed at all the people waiting in the queue. We were able to see her go into the theatre in preparation of the show. They also sold Gabby's new books. The seats were good. I enjoyed every moment of her live show. Such a memory.
My Neighbour Totoro was absolutely wonderful. The staging and puppetry were incredibly imaginative and a joy to watch. Because of a Tube delay, we arrived a few minutes late and had to watch the first 10–15 minutes on a screen, but the staff were incredibly helpful and escorted us to our seats as soon as we were allowed in. We didn’t feel like we’d missed much at all. We were seated in the very front row on the side, which gave us an amazing up-close view of the stage design and puppetry—seeing it so closely really enhanced the experience. I highly recommend this show.
Saw My Neighbor Totoro and honestly loved it. The seats in the upper circle were really good – comfy and I could see everything perfectly. I was honestly shocked at how good Totoro looked on stage, it was amazing! The acting was really strong, and everyone did such a great job bringing the characters to life. The singer and the musicians were incredible too – they added so much energy and really made the show feel magical. Definitely a brilliant night out and would totally recommend it!
Superb ! Friendly staff, we laid out bar area & clean facilities. The show was outstanding & incredible how the “magic” on stage is done. I’m a huge fan of Totoro story and this did not disappoint. The music is extremely atmospheric. Full credit to all those involved & brining together a true masterpiece.
About Gillian Lynne Theatre
Cats ran from 1981 to 2002, becoming the longest-running West End musical of its time.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Dance-heavy productions, big classic musicals, and fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Perfect for Covent Garden visitors, families and theatre lovers.
💺 Best Seats
Stalls central for full choreography and orchestra immersion. Dress Circle front rows for a wide panoramic view of large ensemble numbers.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Side Stalls close to the stage can limit views of choreography. Back Dress Circle may feel distant for detail in dance-heavy scenes.
Things to Know Before You Go
Which seats are worth prioritising at Gillian Lynne Theatre?
Stalls central for full choreography and orchestra immersion. Dress Circle front rows for a wide panoramic view of large ensemble numbers. For a safer booking, also note: Side Stalls close to the stage can limit views of choreography. Back Dress Circle may feel distant for detail in dance-heavy scenes. Use that as editorial guidance rather than a guarantee; always check the live seating plan and any seat notes before paying.
Is Gillian Lynne Theatre a good venue for seeing My Neighbour Totoro?
Yes, if you book with the production's scale in mind. My Neighbour Totoro is currently listed at Gillian Lynne Theatre, so choose seats that suit this staging rather than simply buying the cheapest available ticket. For a first visit, a central view is the least risky option.
What kind of night out does Gillian Lynne Theatre suit best?
Gillian Lynne Theatre works best for Dance-heavy productions, big classic musicals, and fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Perfect for Covent Garden visitors, families and theatre lovers. The right choice depends less on dress code and more on matching the room to the production: intimate plays reward proximity, while spectacle-led musicals usually benefit from a more centred overview.
What should I know about access before booking Gillian Lynne Theatre?
Check the venue's official access page or box office before booking wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, step-free routes, companion seats or assisted performances. London venues vary sharply by level, and the most comfortable choice is often a specific access seat rather than a general price band.
How early should I arrive at Gillian Lynne Theatre?
Aim to be at the doors around half an hour before the performance, and earlier if you need access support, cloakroom time, box-office collection or a quiet drink. For older West End buildings, late arrival can mean stairs, narrow foyers and a less relaxed start.
What is the easiest way to reach Gillian Lynne Theatre?
Holborn is the simplest station to check first. The venue address in our data is 166 Drury Lane. For weekend visits, check engineering works and leave a little extra time around the West End and major transport hubs.
Where is the Gillian Lynne Theatre located?
On Drury Lane, a short walk from Covent Garden and Holborn stations.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Covent Garden and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines). Tottenham Court Road is also nearby.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before the performance to pass through security and enjoy bars and foyer.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code. Smart-casual is common for evening performances.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Accessible seating and staff assistance are available — book in advance.
Does the theatre have a bar?
Yes, bars serve drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
Can I take photos?
Photos are fine in the foyer, but photography and recording are not allowed during the performance.
🤓 Fun Facts
Cats premiered here in 1981 and ran for 21 years, becoming the longest-running musical in West End history at the time.
The music video for Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ was filmed in the theatre in 1977, with a mini-concert for fans.
The theatre’s original venue was associated with Nell Gwynn in the 17th century.
It briefly served as a TV studio, hosting BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Eurovision selection shows.
The theatre was renamed in 2018 in honour of Dame Gillian Lynne, the choreographer of Cats — the first West End theatre named after a woman.
Nearby Places
Library and Museum of Freemasonry
2 min 👣
Shaftesbury Theatre
3 min 👣
Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
3 min 👣
Pushkin House
4 min 👣
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
4 min 👣
The Ship Tavern
4 min 👣
Cambridge Theatre
4 min 👣
Peacock Theatre
5 min 👣
Aldwych Theatre
5 min 👣
London Transport Museum
5 min 👣
Novello Theatre
5 min 👣Venue Location
Nearest Tube Stations
- Holborn Central, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.28 km
- Covent Garden Piccadilly Zone 1 0.29 km
- Tottenham Court Road Northern, Central Zone 1 0.55 km