When I went: Autumn 2009

Shows seen there: La Cage aux Folles

Size: Medium

Typical price: Various (from around £20 for upper seating areas to £80 for best stalls seats)

Special points: Penchant for edgy shows

Where to eat beforehand: Balthazar

Comments:

The Playhouse has a thing for edgy shows, having hosted Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show and 1984, as well as more innocent fare like Footloose. Its location near Charing Cross makes it ideal for pre-theatre dining and shopping.