London

A gilt statue of the late Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova is perched atop the charming Victoria Palace Theatre - a fitting decoration for a venue that became the long-running home of 'Billy Elliot the Musical' in March 2005. Even prior to hosting pirouetting boys in tights, the theatre had a reputation for solid musical entertainment with shows such as 'High Society', 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' and a revival of 'Kiss Me, Kate' all securing lengthy runs. In fact, though the Victoria Palace Theatre has been through various incarnations, its history as an arts venue is rooted in music, the first theatre on the site being Moy's Music Hall in 1832.