Photos of the West End of London

London Theater: Page to Stage

November 10–15, 2025

Pricing: $6,950 per person; For a single room add $1,790

Please contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com to inquire.

Overview

Join Chautauqua Theater Company’s producing artistic director Jade King Carroll on an immersive journey into the heart of London’s theater scene. Unravel the mysteries of storied theaters and delve into the play development and writing processes. You will have the opportunity to go backstage literally and figuratively as you meet with theater professionals who all have a hand in making sure that the show goes on. As you learn about some of the building blocks that go into producing theater, each day will be punctuated by captivating performances on some of London’s most iconic stages. 

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Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 855-395-6100
CHQtravels@academic-travel.com

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Trip Highlights

  • Experience five performances on some of London’s most celebrated stages selected by Jade King Carroll. 
    • Punch by James Graham
    • My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and winner of six Oliver Awards
    • Unbelievers by Nick Payne
    • SIX The Musical
  • Hear and learn the inside stories of the history of London’s theaters. 
  • Explore backstage at the National Theatre and meet with a member of the creative team from one of its productions.
  • Learn about costumes from an expert at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 
  • Meet with a member of the literary staff at the Royal Court to discuss the writing process.

Trip Expert: Jade King Carroll 

Jade King Carroll is Producing Artistic Director of the Chautauqua Theater Company. She is a distinguished director specializing in new play development, with extensive collaborations with acclaimed playwrights like Dael Orlandersmith, Chisa Hutchinson, and more. She has fostered emerging writers at prestigious organizations such as the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and more. Carroll’s directorial portfolio includes new audio dramas for Audible, Marvel, and more. As the Artistic Associate at Second Stage Theatre, she worked on world premieres by prominent playwrights and managed 2ST’s education department.

Carroll’s expertise extends to directing classical productions, having directed over 50 productions nationwide at renowned venues including Primary Stages, Shakespeare Theatre DC, and others. Her commitment to expanding the cultural canon is evident through her numerous directing and teaching roles at institutions like Juilliard, Princeton, and NYU. Carroll’s accolades include the Paul Green Award, a 40 Under 40 award from SUNY New Paltz, and the 2020 Drama League Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the theatrical arts. Jade King Carroll has been appointed to the Tony Awards Nominating Committee for the 2025-2026 Broadway season. 

Jade King Carroll

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 1

Act I

Arrive on individual flights and transfer independently to your hotel in the posh Kensington neighborhood. Meet your fellow travelers and tour staff for a quintessentially English afternoon tea and welcome reception at your hotel. The evening is yours to see a show of your choice or get some rest.

Included Meal: Tea

Accommodations:The Kensington Hotel

Day 2

The Development Process

Gather with your Chautauqua expert this morning for a discussion about new plays and the process of selecting new plays. Then transfer by coach to South Bank for a backstage tour of the iconic National Theatre including a meeting with a member of the creative team of one of the current productions. Transfer to the West End and dine pre-show as a group. This evening, witness Punch a new play from Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham which after tremendous success at the Young Vic, has transferred to the West End.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations:The Kensington Hotel

Day 3

The Design Process

Meet with your Chautauqua expert for a discussion about the design process and collaborating with designers. Depart the hotel on foot with your travel director for a walking tour through London’s Theatreland as she relays some of the historical background of London’s iconic theaters. Enjoy lunch at leisure in Covent Garden. This evening, dine as a group before experiencing My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. A six-time Olivier Award-winner, this production tests the limits of a theater designer’s imagination.

Included Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: The Kensington Hotel

Day 4

The Writing Process

This morning, travel to the Royal Court, known as the “writer’s theater” to meet with a member of their literary staff to discuss the writing and dramaturgical process. After lunch as a group, take in a matinee of the world premiere of The Unbelievers by Nick Payne and directed by Marianne Elliott. After some time for dinner on your own, gather for the musical sensation Six, a modern take on the wives of Henry VIII. This show started at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has taken London and New York by storm.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: The Kensington Hotel

Day 5

Back to the Bard

Enjoy a relaxing morning after your two-show day. Later in the afternoon, travel to the other side of the Thames to Shakespeare’s Globe for a behind-the-scenes guided tour including a special talk about Shakespearean costumes. Dine at The Swan as a group, then enjoy a performance.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: The Kensington Hotel

Day 6

The Epilogue

Depart the hotel at leisure for independent transfers to London’s Heathrow Airport. Or stay and experience even more theater.

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Kensington Hotel

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations for the duration of the tour
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of a Chautauqua expert, ATA-hired travel director, and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
  • A group transfer from the airport for those arriving according to the
    designated itinerary
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

The Kensington Hotel, London
5 nights
The Kensington Hotel in London offers a luxurious and stylish stay in the heart of the city. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a refined restaurant. Ideally located near iconic attractions like Kensington Gardens, the Natural History Museum, and High Street Kensington, making it a perfect base for exploring London’s cultural landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.