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Duke of York's Theatre

St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4BG, UK

The Duke of York's Theatre in St Martin's Lane, in the City of Westminster, was originally built for Frank Wyatt and his wife, Violet Melnotte. Today, this Theatre is the London headquarters of the Ambassador Theatre Group and is a part of their portfolio including eight other venues. It is also the producing office of Sonia Friedman Productions. Seating Capacity: 640 Duke of York's Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

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About Duke of York's Theatre

  • The Duke of York's Theatre has a seating capacity of 650 people — 363 Stalls, 129 Royal Circle and 158 Upper Circle. 
  • The Stalls have the best seats while the Royal Circle offers amazing unrestricted views of the stage.
  • Avoid sitting too close to the stage since it is high.
  • The seats at the back might offer obstructed views due to the overhang, which is why it is best to check the seating plan before booking.

​Duke of York's Theatre Seating Plan >

seatmap

The Duke of York’s Theatre originally opened as the Trafalgar Square Theatre on 10 September 1892 with a comic opera called The Wedding Eve by Frédéric Toulmouche. In 1894, its name was changed to Trafalgar Theatre and then to the Duke of York’s Theatre in the following year to honour the future King George V.

The theatre staged several musical comedies and plays and was also Grade II listed by English Heritage in September 1960. In the 1970s, Capital Radio bought the Duke of York’s Theatre. It was closed for renovation in 1979 and reopened the following year with a production of Rose starring Glenda Jackson.

The Ambassador Theatre Group bought the theatre in 1992 and made it their headquarters in London. The Duke of York’s Theatre is also home to the producing offices of the group's subsidiary Sonia Friedman Productions, which was behind the production In Celebration starring Orlando Bloom.

  • The Duke of York’s Theatre was designed by architect Walter Emden and constructed by Frank Kirk for actor and playwright Frank Wyatt and his wife Violet Melnotte, who was the owner of the theatre until her death in 1935.
  • The original interior had been painted in cream colour and gold with yellow tints while the corridors were initially adorned with portraits of well-known actresses. There was a large vestibule, a saloon, and a balcony facing the roadway on the upper circle tier of the theatre. The 1950 redecoration largely conserved the original designs. 
  • After a series of other renovations, notably in 1979 much of the auditorium was reconstructed, in October 2014, the facade was renovated and repainted. New gold leaves were added, and the signwriting was replaced.

The Duke of York’s Theatre has staged several popular and iconic productions since it opened its doors in 1892. From musicals and plays to comedies, this theatre has hosted it all. A few notable productions include:

  • Go-Bang (1894)
  • Madame Butterfly (1900)
  • Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up (1904)
  • Sherlock Holmes (1905)
  • The Rocky Horror Show (1994-1995)
  • Embers (2006)
  • Eh Joe (2006)
  • In Celebration (2007)
  • Summer and Smoke (2018) 
  • King Lear (2018)
  • Rosmersholm (2019)

Know Before You Go

  • Bus: Take bus routes 24, 29 or 176 and get off at St. Martin’s Place (Stop K). The theatre is a few minutes walk from the bus stop.
  • Rail: Take a train to Charing Cross Station. The Duke of York's Theatre is a 10-minute walk from here.
  • Tube: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) stations are the closest to the theatre. The Duke of York’s Theatre is a 5-7 minute walk from these stations.
  • Recommended Mode of Transport: Take the bus to St. Martin’s Place (Stop K) because the theatre is just a 3-minute walk from the stop.
  • Parking: If you’re travelling by car, you can park at the Q-Park Chinatown and Trafalgar Square car parks. Daily congestion charges apply.
  • Food & Drink: Snacks and drinks in plastic containers are allowed inside the auditorium. You can buy ice cream from ushers during the interval.
  • Bars: There is a cocktail bar inside the theatre as well as bars serving non-alcoholic beverages in the Stalls and Upper Circle.
  • Washrooms: Toilets are located on every level of the Stalls.
  • Gift Shop: There are several kiosks selling merchandise and confectionery inside the theatre. 
  • Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom available for guests.

Auditory & Speech  

  • The theatre has a sound amplification system called ​MobileConnect that can operate with hearing aids. You can also download the app on your Android or Apple device.
  • The theatre also offers captioned performances that help guests with hearing impairments understand the performance. 

Motor/Mobility

  • The theatre has two seats dedicated to wheelchair users as well as a designated transfer seat in the Royal Circle for patrons who want to be transferred to seats from their wheelchairs. Guests must book them in advance.
  • The entrance to the theatre is on street level, therefore, has step-free access. The box office, main foyer, access toilets, and cloakroom are also located close to the entrance.

Others

  • 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, including access requirements. 
  • The theatre features accessible toilets located on the right side of the main foyer area.
  • The theatre welcomes guide dogs.
  • Book Online: Book your tickets online and much in advance to avoid worrying about tickets getting sold out.
  • Reach Early: Make sure you reach at least 15-20 minutes before the show’s scheduled time because the theatre does not entertain latecomers. Even if they do, you’ll have to wait for a suitable break to enter the auditorium.
  • Photography Policy: Photography, videography, and the recording of audio is strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. You can, however, take pictures outside of the theatre and inside the main theatre concourse.
  • Gift Shop: Get your hands on merchandise, confectionery, and souvenirs from the several kiosks located inside the theatre.
  • No Glass: Carrying glass inside the auditorium is strictly prohibited. Drinks purchased at the bar must be transferred into plastic containers or cups before entering the auditorium.
  • Fumo: This elegant and chic Italian bar and restaurant serves delicious Milanese food using fresh produce and ingredients from the region.

  • La Roche: This Mediterranean restaurant serves an array of lip-smacking Lebanese and Moroccan dishes. It also has a breakfast menu, if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Angus Steakhouse Leicester Square: This popular steakhouse serves the juiciest and delicious steaks along with appetisers, burgers, pork ribs, breakfast, dessert, wine and cocktails.

  • Directions

    to Angus Steakhouse Leicester Square

  • Browns Covent Garden: This all-day brasserie and bar with a grand cafe setting serves British food, lobsters, and afternoon tea.

  • The Marquis: This iconic 17th-century pub serves beer and food, and has a fireplace, as well as an outdoor seating area. Did you know Charles Dickens was a regular here?

Frequently Asked Questions About Duke of York's Theatre

The Duke of York's Theatre is located in St Martin's Lane in the City of Westminster, London.