Theatre Royal Drury Lane has announced a range of new food and drink offerings – available to everyone, whether coming to a show or not – to celebrate the forthcoming season of Shakespeare plays directed by Producer/Director Jamie Lloyd. The start of this season fulfils a long-held ambition of The Lane’s owner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, to bring Shakespeare back to The Lane for the first time since Peter Brook’s production, which closed in 1957.
To mark Shakespeare’s return, The Lane is offering its Christmas-themed Regency Afternoon Tea. It includes scones and sweet treats curated by baker Lily Vanilli and savoury bites from The Lane’s in-house chefs. Christmas Afternoon Tea is served daily from noon in The Grand Saloon.
The Lane is also unveiling a range of festive experiences this season. The Terrace, an outdoor venue adorned with festive lights and decorations, offers a winter retreat overlooking Covent Garden, complete with a menu of seasonal favourites, warming cocktails, nibbles, and sharing boards. The Live at The Lane series invites guests to explore the venue in new ways with ticketed events and workshops, including flower pressing, book clubs, calligraphy, and cocktail masterclasses. At the Cecil Beaton Cocktail Bar, visitors can enjoy signature creations like the Storm in a Tea Cup, inspired by The Tempest and the life of Cecil Beaton.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “When I was nine years old, I was taken to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to see Peter Brook’s legendary production of The Tempest with John Gielgud as Prospero. It made a profound impression on me. At the final performance, Gielgud broke Prospero’s staff and pronounced that Shakespeare would never again be performed at the Theatre Royal as it would be “lost to musicals”. Ever since I owned the Theatre Royal, I have been determined to prove him wrong. It is, therefore, a massive joy that Jamie Lloyd is bringing back Shakespeare to The Lane and even more wonderful that the first of two Shakespeare plays will be The Tempest.”
Shakespeare’s plays have been performed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane throughout its 350-year history. David Garrick – who took over management of the theatre in 1747 – reintroduced Shakespeare into popular consciousness in the 18th century after restoring the original texts for performances. His structural and managerial changes brought three decades of success to the theatre, with several Shakespeare plays performed on stage receiving critical acclaim.
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