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About Ambassadors Theatre

  • The theatre has a seating capacity of 444 seats, spread over 2 sections — Stalls and Circles.
  • Visitors can find the best seats in the Stalls and the front two rows of the Circle.
  • The theatre is an intimate and small one, which means that even the back rows of the Circle offer amazing views of the stage and performance.
  • The Circle overhang encroaches into the Stalls restricting the view of those seated in a few of the back rows of the section.
  • If you’re looking for discounted seats with a decent view and enough legroom, book seats in the last four rows of the Circle.

​Ambassadors Theatre Seating Plan >

seatmap

The Ambassadors Theatre was designed by W. G. R. Sprague and built by Kingerlee and Sons of Oxford. Previously known as the New Ambassadors Theatre, it opened on 5 June 1913 with a production of Panthea by Monckton Hoffe. The theatre was Grade II listed by English Heritage in March 1973. The Ambassador Theatre Group bought the venue in 1996 and split it into two small studios to accommodate the Royal Court Theatre.

However, the venue was renovated and returned to its original layout in 1999 and renamed the New Ambassadors. The theatre staged niche and iconic works and plays, especially dramas and shows for adults, that normally thrive in small fringe venues. Within a few years, it began hosting commercially viable shows before being sold to Stephen Waley-Cohen on 4 April 2007. The new owners refurbished the theatre and renamed it The Ambassadors. Waley-Cohen sold it back to the Ambassador Theatre Group in 2018 and it has remained with the group since then.

  • The Ambassadors Theatre was designed by W. G. R. Sprague and built by Kingerlee and Sons of Oxford.
  • At the time of its opening, the theatre had been decorated in the Louis XVI-style and majorly done up in white and gold, which was in contrast to the warm colours generally used to decorate venues.
  • Above the Stalls is the Dress Circle, and on the same level is the Family Circle or Upper Boxes, which are elevated and form a separate section.
  • The ceiling has beautifully crafted moulding work with a huge antique chandelier in the middle. The proscenium and the walls, too, have intricate carvings.

The Ambassadors Theatre has staged several famous and successful productions since it opened its doors in 1913. A few notable ones include:

  • Deburau (1921)
  • The Emperor Jones (1925)
  • The Mask of Virtue (1935)
  • Spring Meeting (1938)
  • The Mousetrap (1952-1974)
  • Some Explicit Polaroids (1999)
  • Spoonface Steinberg (2000)
  • Stones in His Pockets (2000-2004)
  • The Vagina Monologues (2001)
  • Sweeney Todd (2004)
  • Waiting for Godot (2006)
  • Love Song (2006)
  • Stomp (2007)

Know Before You Go

  • Bus: Take bus numbers 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 or 176 to Leicester Square or Haymarket. The theatre is a short walk from both stops.
  • Train: Take a train to Charing Cross Station. The theatre is a 15-20 minute walk from there.
  • Tube: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) is the closest tube station to the theatre. You can also take a tube to Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines) or Covent Garden (Piccadilly line). The venue is a short walk from both stations.
  • Recommended Mode of Transport: Take the tube to Leicester Square and then walk down to the theatre from the station.
  • Parking: Parking facilities are available in Chinatown and Soho. Congestion charges apply. The theatre is a part of Q-Park’s Theatreland scheme, which offers 50% off to theatregoers. Parking is available at Newport Place too. You must display a validated parking ticket and theatre ticket to avail of the discount. You are also required to get your tickets validated by the box office to claim the discount.
  • Bars: There are two bars inside the theatre — the Stalls Bar and the Circle Bar.
  • Food & Drink: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the theatre and can be carried inside the auditorium as long as they are in plastic containers.
  • Booster Cushions: The theatre provides booster cushions for children.
  • Washrooms: Toilet facilities for both men and women are available in both the Stalls and Circle sections.
  • Pre-Order: You can pre-order your interval drinks and food directly to your seat instead of waiting in line during the interval.

Visual

  • The theatre regularly hosts audio-described performances for the visually impaired and has designated seats in the auditorium for the best signal.
  • It also organises touch tours and offers at-seat services for guests with special needs.

Auditory & Speech  

  • The Ambassadors Theatre hosts Captioned and BSL Interpreted performances from time to time and can also recommend the best seats for the same.
  • It provides a hearing enhancement system to those hard of hearing.
  • The theatre has an infrared system enabled in the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets. Make sure to book your headsets in advance.

Motor/Mobility

  • The theatre has two wheelchair spaces in the Stalls that can be accessed via a platform lift in the foyer. 
  • You can also transfer from your wheelchair into a theatre seat, which is accessible via the lift. The theatre staff will store your wheelchair in a nearby location and bring it to you when you need it.
  • Step-free access is available in the Stalls via the lift.
  • At seat service is available for patrons who cannot access the bars.

Others

  • The theatre organises orientation visits for those with special needs, such as an autism spectrum condition, that may cause anxiety prior to their visit.
  • The venue also offers companion tickets for disabled patrons who need someone to accompany or assist them. The seats are located right next to the accessible seat ticket.
  • There is dedicated staff at the theatre to help you with anything that you might need.
  • The venue has an access-adapted toilet in the Stalls Bar area.
  • The theatre welcomes guide or assistance dogs. They are allowed inside the auditorium. The staff can dog sit if informed beforehand.
  • Book Online: Book your tickets online and in advance to avoid the issue of tickets getting sold out.
  • Reach Early: Make sure you reach the theatre at least 30 minutes before the show begins.
  • No Hot Food: The theatre strictly prohibits hot food inside its premises.
  • No Glass: Like other West End theatres, the Ambassadors also observes a strict no-glass policy. Therefore, ensure you are not carrying any glass items.
  • Photography Policy: Photography, videography, and the recording of audio is strictly prohibited.
  • Air Conditioning: The auditorium is air-conditioned. Please carry a light jacket or something warm in case it gets chilly.
  • The Ivy: This celebrity haunt done up in Art Deco style serves modern British food and a pre-theatre menu.

  • Dishoom: This Indian restaurant with vintage decor and upscale touches serves Bombay-style street food.

  • Heliot Steak House: Head to Heliot for prime steaks and an extensive and amazing wine list.

  • Louie: This sophisticated French restaurant with a bar and terrace serves lavish international platters, oysters, and Creole dishes.

  • Thai Square Covent Garden: This contemporary restaurant with bronze Buddhist sculptures and traditional carvings serves delicious Thai food, a pre-theatre menu, fine wine, and desserts.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ambassadors Theatre

The Ambassadors Theatre is located on West Street on Charing Cross Road in the City of Westminster, London.