Claim: Laurence Olivier performed in England.

West End theatre is a common term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of `` Theatreland '' in and near the West End of London . Along with New York City 's Broadway theatre , West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world . Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London .   In 2013 , ticket sales reached a record 14.4 million , making West End theatre the largest English-speaking audience in the world . Famous screen actors , British and international alike , frequently appear on the London stage .