Theatres offer amenities for those queuing for the Queen's lying-in-state

Theatres along the route designated for the Queen’s lying-in-state queue are among those offering food and toilets for those lining up.

More than 1,000 volunteers, stewards and Metropolitan Police officers are set to be on hand to assist those queuing along the appointed route that has been laid out over a five-mile stretch.

Extra welfare facilities added along the route include toilets and water fountains at various locations such as the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe.

The entertainment venues will open their doors for extended hours to provide refreshments and comfort breaks to those queueing around the clock.

Michelle Terry, artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, said: "The passing of Her Majesty the Queen is an extraordinary moment in our shared history. Shakespeare, like so many of us, had only ever known female rule [until the death of Elizabeth I in 1603], and 400 years later, as the second Elizabethan Age comes to an end, we at Shakespeare’s Globe are proud of the role we’ll play in supporting people in paying their respects to the late Queen.

“The Globe will be extending our opening hours to 24 hours a day, and the theatre’s Groundling Gates will be adorned with a wreath of remembrance made of rosemary – a reference to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in homage to the Queen.”

The lying-in-state opens to the public at 5pm today (September 14) and will remain open 24 hours a day until 6.30am on September 19.

Most West End shows will close on the day of the Queen’s funeral. An official statement from the Society of London Theatre said: "Due to the scheduling of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and out of respect for all who are mourning, most shows in central London have now announced that they will be closing on September 19.

"Ticket holders will receive an email from their point of purchase with details regarding exchanges and refunds."