Shaftesbury Theatre, Theatre in West End, London, Great Britain
The Shaftesbury Theatre is a protected building on Shaftesbury Avenue in the London Borough of Camden, with room for around 1,400 spectators. The interior is arranged across several levels with seating in the stalls, the circle, and the balconies, all grouped around the stage.
Architect Bertie Crewe designed the house, which opened in 1911 as the New Prince's Theatre and initially presented musical theatre and operettas. The building received its current name in 1963, after several decades of hosting different productions under changing managements.
The red facade with tall windows makes the building easy to spot during the day, while an illuminated canopy highlights the entrance in the evening. Visitors often gather on the wide pavement before performances, where the atmosphere of a premiere fills the street and draws passersby.
The venue sits in the heart of the West End and is accessible from several Underground stations, with entrances directly on the avenue. Accessible routes are available, and numerous restaurants nearby offer dining options before or after a performance.
In the 1970s, the building faced demolition, but a public campaign stopped the plans and led to its protection. Today, the preserved interiors with their decorative details reflect the original theatre design of the early 20th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
