When people speak of London's West End, it is difficult for them not to mention the plethora of theatre shows that are offered in the district.
Although there are plenty of other things to see and do in this area of London, theatre shows are the primary attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year from all over the world.
There is such a high concentration of live theatre entertainment in this district of London, that it is rated by many as the premier place in the world to go to the theatre.
Brevity is partially responsible for why London's West End is the best place in the world for theatre shows.
The district has been dedicated to live theatre since the year 1576, when the first permanent public playhouse was constructed.
A second was built soon thereafter, and both theatres were used by William Shakespeare's company.
This historical significance of the West End serves to enhance the world-class acting that can be experienced there.
Since that time, approximately forty venues for theatre were constructed and have thrived in the area which is located east of Regent Street, west of Kingsway, south of Oxford Street and north of The Strand.
Now known as 'Theatreland,' the majority of theatres in the area are of Edwardian or late Victorian architecture and are privately owned.
The beautiful buildings that comprise Theatreland are renowned for their magnificently maintained neo-classical, Victorian or Romanesque facades.
The interior designs and décors of these buildings are luxuriously detailed, and even though leg room can, at times, be in short supply, theatre patrons flock there each evening, by the dozen.
Because the buildings have been so meticulously restored and cared for, there are no plans afoot to expand them.
Not only does London's West End sport the most popular shows in London, they are the most in-demand theatre shows in the world.
Top name actors such as Kevin Spacey, Sam Mendes and Keira Knightely are regularly featured in Theatreland plays.
Each year, dozens of musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot and The Lion King are shown as well as top rate dramatic plays such as the cutting edge, Blithe Spirit or In a Forest Dark and Deep or War Horse.
The West End of London has some of the longest running plays in the history of theatre.
For example, 'The Mousetrap' at St.
Martin's Theatre is currently in its 58th year.
The Queen's Theatre is currently running 'Les Misérables' for the 25th year in a row, and the Fortune Theatre has been showing 'The Woman in Black' since 1989.
Any visitor to London's West End will not be disappointed in all the offerings that are available.