Skip to main content
‌‌‌‌

The Sondheim Theatre, formerly the Queen’s Theatre, is a West End landmark on Shaftesbury Avenue. The venue combines Edwardian charm with modern renovations, making it a comfortable and intimate setting for long-running musicals. Renamed in 2019 in honour of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, it has hosted acclaimed productions such as Les Misérables since 2004 and remains one of London’s most popular theater destinations. The Sondheim Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

Vertical Product Card Shimmer
Vertical Product Card Shimmer
Vertical Product Card Shimmer
Vertical Product Card Shimmer
Vertical Product Card Shimmer
Vertical Product Card Shimmer

About Sondheim Theatre

  • The Sondheim Theatre has a total of 1122 seats. 
  • They are distributed across different sections, namely the Stalls - with 478 seats, Dress Circle - with 326 seats, and Grand Circle - with 318 seats.

​Sondheim Theatre Seating Plan >

seatmap

Originally planned to be named the Central Theatre, the Queen's Theatre in London opened in 1907 with a comedy called The Sugar Bowl. The theatre was hit by a German bomb in 1940 but was restored in 1959 by Westwood Sons & Partners.

From 2004 to 2019, the theatre was home to the long-running production of Les Misérables, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. The musical celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Queen's Theatre in 2005 and became the longest-running musical of all time in 2006, surpassing Cats.

In 2019, the theatre underwent a £13.8 million refurbishment, during which it was renamed the Sondheim Theatre in honour of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The refurbishment included a new stage, additional dressing rooms, and improved audience seating and sight lines. The theatre reopened in January 2020 with a new production of Les Misérables.

  • The theatre was designed by architect W G R Sprague.
  • The Sondheim Theatre features a white and gold colour scheme on the roof and walls, with the interiors showcasing green accents in the carpets, hangings, upholstery, and tableau curtain along with red seating. 
  • Some major changes made during the 2019  reconstruction of the theatre include the addition of a curved rail and new boxes at the dress circle level along with the redecoration of the overhangs and ceilings on each tier.

The Sondheim Theatre has a rich history of notable productions since it opened in 1907. Tango Teas became popular in 1913 and in 1937 the Gielgud season brought many famous actors to the theatre. Notable productions after World War II include Stop the World I Want to Get Off in 1961, A Suite in Three Keys in 1966, and Wonderful Town in 1986. In 1996, Stephen Sondheim's musical Passion ran for 232 performances and in 1999 Maggie Smith starred in The Lady in the Van. The most notable production at the theatre is Les Misérables, which moved there in 2004 and celebrated its 14,000th performance in 2019.

Know Before You Go

  • Train: Charing Cross Station is the closest to the railway station.
  • Tube: Piccadilly Circus is the closest tube station to the theatre. Both the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines stop here. Leicester Square tube station is about a 7-minute walk from the theatre. This is served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
  • Bus: Bus routes 14, 19 and 38 stop close to the theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. You can also find the routes 6, 12, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453 around Piccadilly Circus. They have multiple stops on Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus.
  • Parking: The nearest car park is the 24hr Q Park Chinatown Car Park (20 Newport Place, WC2H 7PR).
  • Lost and Found: Lost property can be enquired about through customer services and will be kept at the theatre for one month.
  • Bars: There are four licensed bars in the theatre - Foyer, Stalls, Dress and Grand Circle.
  • Cloakroom: The cloakroom can accept coats and small bags for a fee, but not larger bags or suitcases.
  • Toilets: There are toilets on all levels of the auditorium, including an adapted toilet in the foyer.
  • Additional Storage Services: Bag storage services are available through ‘Stasher’ at nearby hotels and shops.
  • Security: Highly trained detection dogs from Global Support Services conduct additional security spot checks at the theatre.
  • Parking: The theatre itself does not have parking facilities. However, there are disabled bays nearby on Archer Street and Rupert Street.
  • Accessible Seating: Wheelchair access is available through the fourth side door on Wardour Street. The Schönberg Loge has step-free access and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs with companions. Wheelchair transfer seating is also available in the Dress Circle.
  • Toilets: There is an adapted toilet in the foyer via a ramped corridor and toilets on all levels of the auditorium. An access host can offer guidance and assistance.
  • Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium, and staff are available to dog sit during the performance if required.
  •  Hearing Enhancement Aids: The theatre provides two different types of hearing enhancement aids.
  • Limited Mobility: The theatre has stairs up to the rear Dress Circle, down to the Stalls, and up to the Grand Circle.
  • Autism and Visual Stories: Visual stories are available to help ease anxiety and provide reassurance for those with autism or other sensory needs.
  • Reach Early: Be sure to arrive at the theatre ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to get your tickets, obtain refreshments, and locate your seat without feeling rushed.
  • Dress Nicely: It's always a good idea to dress nicely for a show; although not necessarily formally, smart-casual attire is recommended.
  • Phone: Before the performance begins, make sure that your phone is on silent or switched off to respect other viewers and the performers.
  • Theatre Etiquette: During the show, it's important to adhere to theatre etiquette such as not talking, rustling candy wrappers, making any disturbances that may disturb other spectators or leaving before the cast takes a bow.
  • Book Advance Tickets: To avoid disappointment, consider getting your tickets beforehand, particularly for popular shows such as Les Miserables.
  • Accessibility: The Sondheim Theatre is accessible to all but make sure you look into any special requirements beforehand.
  • Dishoom: Located on Upper St. Martin's Lane, this Bombay-style café offers delicious Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Directions to Dishoom
  •  Hawksmoor Seven Dials: Situated on Langley Street, Hawksmoor is a must-visit for steak lovers. They also serve delicious seafood and classic British dishes.
  • Directions to Hawksmoor Seven Dials
  •  Balthazar: This French brasserie, located on Russell Street, is known for its stylish décor and classic French cuisine. The menu features dishes like steak frites, escargots, and coq au vin.
  • Directions to Balthazar
  •  Opera Tavern: Just a short walk from the theatre on Catherine Street, Opera Tavern is a Spanish-inspired tapas bar that offers a range of small plates and delicious wines.
  • Directions to Opera Tavern
  •  The Ivy Market Grill:  Located on Henrietta Street, this chic brasserie offers modern British cuisine in a stylish setting. The menu includes dishes like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and grilled chicken with truffle mash.
  • Directions to Ivy Market Grill

Frequently Asked Questions About Sondheim Theatre

The Sondheim Theatre is located at Shaftesbury Ave in London, United Kingdom.