Theatre Royal Drury Lane, in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, has centuries of Royal credentials. Not only is it the only theatre in the world still operating under a genuine royal charter, it also has two Royal Boxes and theatres on its site have been visited by every reigning monarch since the Restoration in 1663.

Following a £60 million restoration by Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd Webber, The Lane was reopened by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort in June 2021 (as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall).

In true regal style, over this 2023 Coronation period, a selection of exclusively curated experiences will be on offer at this jewel in Covent Garden’s crown, including festive bunting decorations, a reimagined Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea by London-based baker Lily Vanilli and immersive Theatre Tours that take you on a Royal journey through the ages. In the beautifully restored Grand Saloon, a marble-lined Regency room with twinkling chandeliers and a fine art collection, a special version of the already-popular Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli will run from 19th April to the 10th May.

The Lane’s Coronation Tea by Lily Vanilli will include a generous 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. Of course it wouldn't be royal with a limited edition Coronation chicken pie.

Elsewhere in The Lane, our immersive theatre tours will take guests on a journey through nearly four centuries of royal history.

Amongst other seismic royal moments in this theatre history, The Lane was witness to an assassination attempt on King George III in 1800, and, after a long-standing feud with his son, the Prince Regent, in 1809 two separate entrances and Royal boxes were built to avoid any royal fisticuffs. Today, The Lane remains the only theatre in the world with two Royal boxes. As part of the recent restoration, and a nod to an intriguing Royal past, signage and seat covers to denote the “King’s” and “Prince’s” sides were reintroduced.

As well as its celebrated Royal history, The 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.

The Lane’s theatre tours will visit the King’s Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room and Secret Tunnels, which are otherwise out of bounds areas. While not Royal, who knows, one of Drury Lane’s famous ghosts may even appear…!

Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea and Theatre Tour experiences are both available to book online.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane's Royal History