Located in St Martin's Lane, the Duke of York Theatre was built over a century ago in 1892. Initially known as the Trafalgar Square, then just Trafalgar. The theatre was renamed the Duke of York’s Theatre, to honour the future King George V.
The theatre is a Grade II listed building and is steeped in history, most notably it played a huge part in introducing and popularising ballet for the British public with appearances from Markova and Dolin.
Past and present productions at The Duke of York’s Theatre
The current production at The Duke of York is Noel Coward’s hilarious Hay Fever, starring Felicity Kendal, who gives the performance of a lifetime in her role as Judith Bliss, a once glamorous star of the London stage.
Other key productions include:
-Eh Joe – Samuel Beckett’s play starring Michael Gambon had a short but well-received run in 2006
-Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense – based on PG Wodehouse’s Code of the Woosters, this production ran for almost a year from November 2013
-Ghost Stories – Jeremy Dyson (of League of Gentleman fame) and Andy Nyman created this play and audiences enjoyed being spooked for almost a year between 2010 and 2011
What’s the best way to reach the theatre?
Getting to the Duke of York’s Theatre is fairly easy due to its central location in the heart of London’s Theatreland.
Tube
The nearest tube station is Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), which is approx. 300m away, or there’s Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), which is also approx. 300m away.
By Rail
Charing Cross Railway Station is approx. 300m away.
By Bus
For the Strand: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 91 or 139. For Charing Cross: 24, 29, 47 or 176.
By Bike
Santander bike hire docking stations can be found close by the theatre and around Leicester Square.
Where are the best places to eat near Trafalgar Square?
Wahaca, 66 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HG
Wahaca is a great place to get some good value Mexican food that won’t disappoint. Here, you’ll find a great atmosphere, friendly staff and food that is served promptly and tastes great.
Côte Brasserie - Saint Martin's Lane, 51 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4EA
This French brassiere is popular with tourists and locals alike due to the varied menu of traditional and regional specialities they serve here, all day every day.
Simpson's-in-the-Strand, 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW
This Zagat rated restaurant is something of an institution and unbeatable if you’re after an authentic English dining experience. An elegant, old school restaurant that harks back to a different time and place.
I want to make a weekend of it, where can I stay?
Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE
If you intend to check out the British Museum during your stay then this striking hotel is your best bet. Featuring fantastic views over Russell Square, the hotel is also close to London’s shopping hub, Oxford Street
Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9HB
Coffee lovers should consider booking a stay at the Covent Garden Hotel due to it’s location, a stone’s throw from one of London’s top coffee purveyors – Monmouth.
Haymarket Hotel, 1 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
Just two minutes’ walk from Trafalgar Square; the Haymarket hotel is ideal for anyone visiting the Duke of York’s Theatre.
What nearby sights and attractions should I also visit?
National Gallery, London, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
A visit to the National Gallery should be a priority when in Trafalgar Square. The historic museum is a national treasure where you’ll find one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world.
St. James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ
When the hustle and bustle of the city gets too much, take a slow walk through St. James’s Park where your batteries will recharge as you take in the pleasant leafy surrounds.
Covent Garden
If you want to go shopping during your stay then a trip to Covent Garden should be on your to-do list. Here you’ll find everything from market stalls to designer clothes shops.
