London's oldest theatres - Telegraph London's ten oldest theatres, plus information on what to see this summer, and where to stay nearby. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Opened May 7, 1663 What's on this summer Shrek: The Musical (until June 20, 2013) Where to stay One Aldwych, a converted newspaper office just off the Strand. Click here to read a full review. Read more London's West End travel guide These theatres are the ten oldest still operating on their original sites - although most of them have been rebuilt, some several times. The Lyceum, built in 1771 as 'a place of entertainment', was not originally licensed as a theatre.