Ambassadors Theatre

The Basics

Book in advance to secure your seats, as the Ambassadors can fill up quickly. You can easily combine your visit with an exploration of nearby Leicester Square, Covent Garden, or Seven Dials, where shops, cafés, and restaurants provide plenty to do before or after a show. Or, stroll among several landmark theaters and learn about the area’s history and architecture on a tour of London’s West End, aka Theatreland.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The theater isn’t wheelchair-accessible; patrons able to transfer to seats must store their wheelchairs in the foyer.

• Headsets for hearing-impaired guests must be booked in advance.

• There are no disability-adapted toilets on-site.

• Availability in the cloakroom is limited; large luggage can’t be accommodated.

How to Get There

The Ambassadors Theatre is about a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations. Several local buses—including numbers 14, 29, and 176—serve Charing Cross Road. Q-Park Chinatown provides a 50 percent parking discount to theatergoers with a box-office-validated ticket, though it’s best to avoid driving in London—especially on weekdays when the Congestion Charge applies.

When to Get There

Unlike many of its sister theaters, the Ambassadors typically stages limited runs and short-term transfers, in order to extend some of Britain’s best theater to West End audiences before it’s gone for good. If something catches your eye, book quickly, as it may not stay for long.

The West End’s Smallest Theaters

If intimate auditoriums and immersive theatrical experiences entice you, consider visiting some of the Ambassadors Theatre’s neighbors as well. Check out the 432-seat Fortune Theatre, where the long-runningWoman in Black is sure to raise hairs, and the 350-seat Arts Theatre, an independent venue known for its modern and avant-garde productions.

Ways to explore

It’s best to book tickets in advance to secure your seats, as the Ambassadors Theatre can fill up quickly. You can easily combine your visit with an exploration of nearby Leicester Square, Covent Garden, or Seven Dials, where shops, cafés, and restaurants provide plenty to do before or after a show. Alternatively, stroll among several landmark theaters and learn about the area’s history and architecture on a tour of London’s West End, aka Theatreland. Other stops on these tours typically include Leicester Square, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the London Coliseum.

Accessibility

The theater has step-free access and two wheelchair positions. There is an accessible restroom in the Stalls Bar area.

Age limits

Age restrictions vary per production, but shows are typically recommended for children ages 5 and over, with babies and toddlers not permitted.

What to pack

Small bag, contactless payment method

What to wear

Casual and comfortable clothing, extra layers

Not allowed

Outside food, cash payments, large suitcases and backpacks

Amenities

Bar, air-conditioning, restrooms

Address

The theater is on West Street, in London’s West End, not far from Leicester Square and Covent Garden. It’s best to get to the theater by public transportation, although many pass by on foot during a West End walking tour.

Driving

Driving in central London can be busy, stressful, and expensive due to congestion charges. It’s much better to take public transportation, but if you’re driving, Q-Park Chinatown is the closest place to park.

Public transportation

The theater is about a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden, served by the Piccadilly line, and from Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines). Also, several local buses—including numbers 14, 29, and 176—serve Charing Cross Road.

Best times to visit

To skip the crowds, explore the area on a guided morning tour after rush hour, or see a matinee show.

Best days to visit

Saturdays can be popular, so come on a weekday if you can. Mondays through Thursdays are typically the least busy.

Best months to visit

There are shows at the theater year-round, but London weather may be better between June and September.

Special events

A visit to the theater district can feel especially magical during the winter holidays. London—especially Covent Garden—is festively decorated at Christmas time.