Adelphi Theatre

The Basics

Located on the Strand, just steps away from always-bustling Trafalgar Square, the Adelphi Theatre is one of London’s most prominent cultural venues. Though the present-day theater dates to the 1930s, it’s actually the fourth such venue to stand on the site, the earliest of which was the Sans Pareil, opened in 1806. Over the course of its history, the Adelphi has hosted numerous major productions, with a focus on musicals and comedies. Previous shows range from Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Damn Yankees to Sweeney Todd and Kinky Boots.

The Adelphi Theatre can be glimpsed on various walking and driving tours of London, given its convenient location in Covent Garden. It’s also simple to purchase advance tickets to one of its performances.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Adelphi Theatre is fully accessible to wheelchair users; assistance dogs are also welcome.

• The theater has a coatroom, which charges a small fee for each item checked.

• There are several bars and kiosks in the theater, should you wish to order refreshments during intermission; an in-seat service is also available for those with limited mobility.

• Advance tickets can be purchased by phone, online, or at the theater’s box office.

• The Adelphi has a roughly 1,400-person capacity, divided across three levels.

How to Get There

The Adelphi Theatre can be reached by numerous forms of transit. If using the London Underground, take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden station, the Northern or Bakerloo line to Charing Cross station, or the District or Circle line to Embankment station. Alternatively, take a mainline train to Charing Cross station; use bus line 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, or 176; or travel on foot, by bike, or by car.

When to Get There

The theater’s box office is open from 10am to 7:45pm, Monday to Saturday. It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime, to give yourself time to navigate the lines, check your coat, grab a drink, and find your seat.

Nearby Attractions

Looking to kill time before your performance? The Adelphi Theatre is conveniently located near many of the city’s top tourist destinations, including Trafalgar Square, Somerset House, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and Whitehall.

Ways to explore

While there aren’t any guided tours inside the theater to provide you with its history, London sightseeing tours often pass by, and the guides may offer some information about the theater, which was initially named Sans Pareil (meaning “without comparison”).

To take in the building’s Art Deco interiors, attend a musical, play, or concert at the venue. Arrive before showtime for a drink or snack at one of the on-site bars. Book online in advance for tickets to popular performances in the busy summer months. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets in person at the theater’s box office on the Strand.

Accessibility

The theater is accessible for wheelchair users, with a ramp on the right side of the entrance, wheelchair spaces at the Stalls level, and an accessible restroom.

Age limits

Some shows may have age restrictions.

What to pack

A small bag (large bags and backpacks are not allowed); credit card for buying programs, snacks, or drinks

What to wear

Some theater-goers dress up, but there is no required dress code.

Not allowed

Photography or filming during performances

Amenities

Restrooms, refreshments, merchandise stands, coatroom, ticket office

Address

The Adelphi Theatre is on the Strand, a busy street in the heart of central London. It’s an easy walk from neighborhoods such as Soho and Covent Garden, as well as attractions like Trafalgar Square and the Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Driving

While you can drive to the Adelphi Theatre, you need to pay the London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee, if applicable. Since the site is so central, it’s easier to use public transportation.

Public transportation

Take a train via the Northern or Bakerloo lines to Charing Cross, the closest station, or to Embankment (District and Circle lines) or Covent Garden (Piccadilly line). Alternatively, take a bus to the Strand, Aldwych, or Trafalgar Square.

Best times to visit

Most performances start around 7–7:30pm, but the matinees tend to be less busy and more family-oriented. Arrive around 30 minutes before showtime.

Best days to visit

Book a show on a weekday for the best chances of a cheaper ticket and wider choice of seats.

Best months to visit

It depends on the show, but generally, you can find lower-priced tickets for shows in the less-touristy months of October through November and January through May.