ABOUT THE THEATRE
One of the West End’s most revered and storied venues; the Sondheim Theatre on Shaftsbury Avenue has enjoyed a long and enormously successful association with Les Misérables in recent years. But there’s far more to the famous old venue than Les Mis, even if Cameron Mackintosh's London production of the show has been synonymous with the theatre for over a decade.
Sondheim Theatre Theatre actually opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1907, nearly 100 years before Les Misérables arrived. At the time, it was designed as one half of a pair with the nearby Gielgud Theatre (then known as the Hicks Theatre) by the esteemed architect W.G.R. Sprague, who was also responsible for the Aldwych, Wyndham's and Novello theatres.
Originally, it was going to be called the Central Theatre, but it was eventually named the Queen’s Theatre – and it is a portrait of Queen Alexandra that hangs the foyer of the theatre. It was announced in July 2019 that it is to become the Sondheim Theatre, in honour of the legendary composer and lyricist’s 90th birthday year. Sondheim will become the only living artist to have a theatre named in his honour both in the West End and on Broadway.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
How do I get to the Sondheim Theatre?
Situated on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of London’s Theatreland, The Sondheim Theatre is accessible via a variety of transport links.
By Tube
The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), followed by Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
By Rail
Charing Cross rail station is the nearest and about a 10 minute walk from the venue.
By Bus
Nearby bus stops can be found on Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street:
Shaftesbury Avenue: 14, 19 & 38
Regent Street: 6, 13, 15, 23, 88, 139, 159 & 453
By Bike
Nearby Santander bike hire docking stations can be found a minutes’ walk away on Wardour Street (near the junction with Old Compton Street) and five minutes away in Golden Square.
