The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a theatre steeped in centuries of Royal history.
It holds the distinction of being the only theatre in the world still operating under a genuine royal charter, with two Royal Boxes, and has been visited by every reigning monarch since the Restoration in 1663.
This historic gem, located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, has recently undergone a £60 million restoration by Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd Webber and was reopened in June 2021 by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort (as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall).
Limited-Edition Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea
To celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in 2023, The Lane has launched a limited-edition Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea.
The Afternoon Tea, exclusively curated by London-based baker Lily Vanilli, will be served in the beautifully restored Grand Saloon from 19th April to the 10th May.
The tea will feature an array of savoury bites, warm scones with salted whipped butter, cream and homemade jams, as well as decadent cakes decorated with hints of royalty, topped with gold crowns, to pair with your favourite tea by Rare Tea Company. Prices start from £59 per person.
Immersive Theatre Tours
The Lane’s Coronation season also features dedicated immersive Theatre Tours that highlight the theatre’s rich royal history. These tours take guests on a journey through nearly four centuries of royal history, including moments such as an assassination attempt on King George III in 1800, and the building of two separate entrances and Royal boxes in 1809 to avoid any royal fisticuffs.
The tours will visit the King’s Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room and Secret Tunnels, which are otherwise out-of-bounds areas. Guided tours run daily, except Tuesdays and last for 1 hour and 15 minutes, priced at £22.50 per person.
Royal Moments and National Musical Significance
Apart from its celebrated Royal history, Theatre Royal Drury Lane has also played host to moments of national musical significance.
In 1755, the UK National Anthem had its first play at The Lane, and Rule Britannia was played for the first time as part of the score for Dr. Arne’s Alfred in 1750. In the recent restoration, signage and seat covers were reintroduced to denote the “King’s” and “Prince’s” sides, paying homage to its intriguing Royal past.
Conclusion
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a historic gem that holds centuries of Royal history. It’s the only theatre in the world still operating under a genuine royal charter and has been visited by every reigning monarch since the Restoration in 1663.
The Lane’s Coronation season offers a selection of exclusively curated experiences, including festive bunting decorations, a reimagined Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli, and immersive Theatre Tours that take you on a Royal journey through the ages.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Royal history at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.