Aldwych Theatre
Venue Information
- How to book (Phone)
- 020 7836 5537
- [email protected]
- Guide dogs
- Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff can also dog-sit, returning them to the owner during the interval and at the end of the performance.
- Wheelchairs
- Entrance to the auditorium is through a double EXIT door on Drury Lane, over a slight edge and down a ramp inside the door (handrail on the left-hand side), into a corridor which leads to the right-hand side of the Dress Circle. 2 spaces for wheelchair users plus one companion in Box D, through an outer door (76 cm wide) and inner door (69 cm wide). The doorway is too narrow for motorised wheelchairs. You will not be able to see some of the stage. Alternative space for a wheelchair user beside C1 in the Dress Circle, on a slight slope. Transfer seat at C1. Wheelchairs stored in the lobby. Each wheelchair user must bring a non-disabled companion.
- Sound amplification
- Sennheiser Mobile Connect
- Audio description
- 1 step then 5 more up to the main entrance which has double doors opening outwards, with 4 handrails. Box Office counter on the right. No steps from the foyer to the front of the Dress Circle, or 15 steps up to the back (2 steps between rows). 26 steps down from the foyer to the Stalls, and 50+ up to the Upper Circle. All steps are highlighted, with a handrail to the left-hand side on staircases. Theatre opens 30 mins before performance.
- Street to foyer
- Level access from access entrance on Drury Lane
- Foyer to seat
- 22 stairs to back of Dress Circle, 26 to Stalls, 50+ to Grand Circle
- Level access
- To front of Dress Circle from access entrance on Drury Lane.
- Bars
- 4 licensed bars. Dress Circle bar 24 steps up from the foyer. Further bars at the back of the Stalls and Upper Circle level.
- Toilets
- Mens and Womens throughout. There is an accessible toilet located in the Foyer.
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Yes
- Accepts Theatre Tokens
- Yes
The Aldwych Theatre was designed by the Australian-born theatre architect W.G.R Sprague and first opened its doors in 1905.
During its lifetime, the theatre has been the venue of many noteworthy performances including the first ever performance of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard in England; A Streetcar Named Desire starring Vivien Leigh; Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers, Hapgood and Indian Ink, all featuring Felicity Kendall; Tom And Clem starring Sir Michael Gambon and Alec McCowen; and Amy’s View with Dame Judi Dench.
In 1982, the theatre was acquired by the Nederlander Organization, who still own and run the theatre, after 21 years of ownership by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Located near Covent Garden underground station, this Grade II listed building has an impressive capacity of 1,200 split over three levels.
In the 2000s, it became a popular musical theatre venue housing Fame, Dancing In The Streets and Dirty Dancing, which went on to become the longest-running show at the Aldwych, with a five-year run.
Notable productions in recent years have included Irving Berlin’s Top Hat, as well as Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies, both based on Hilary Mantel’s award-winning books, and the Olivier Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical made its world premiere at Aldwych Theatre in 2018.