Aldwych Theatre

Aldwych Theatre is an Edwardian Baroque playhouse in Westminster, built at the start of the 20th century. The auditorium holds roughly 1,200 seats arranged across three levels with no pillars blocking the view of the stage.

Architect W.G.R. Sprague designed the building, which opened on 23 December 1905. The first performance of Blue Bell launched a tradition of theatre that continues today.

This theatre is named after a medieval settlement that once stood nearby, and the street carries the same name. For many years in the late 20th century, productions by a major repertory company shaped the identity of the venue within London's theatrical scene.

The venue has wheelchair spaces on the Dress Circle level and in selected boxes, with step-free entry available from Drury Lane. Several underground stations lie within walking distance, making the location easy to reach.

In February 1913, Serge Diaghilev and Vaslav Nijinsky held the first rehearsals of Le Sacre du Printemps inside this building before the ballet premiered in Paris. The run-throughs happened here in calm London surroundings, months before the work caused uproar at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

Location: City of Westminster

Architects: W. G. R. Sprague

Official opening: 1905

Architectural style: Edwardian architecture

Capacity: 1200

Website: http://aldwychtheatre.com

GPS coordinates: 51.51330,-0.11794

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27