Duchess Theatre
3-5 Catherine Street , Covent Garden, London, Greater London, WC2B 5LA
The Duchess Theatre—with a capacity of around 500 seats—is one of the smallest West End theaters that has a proscenium arch (that’s the traditional “picture frame” style stage that separates performers from the audience). Dating back to 1929, this historically and architecturally interesting theater hosts plays in an intimate setting. Over the years, it has welcomed a range of productions, from serious dramas to long-running comedies such as The Play That Goes Wrong.
The Basics
The intimate venue often sells out, so it’s worth booking in advance to secure your seat. You can choose from a range of packages to suit your schedule and budget, safe in the knowledge that the cozy auditorium boasts some of the best sightlines in London. The Duchess specializes in contemporary drama and performances, and the annual program typically offers performances to appeal to a range of audiences, from families to those into dark humor.
Things to Know Before You Go
The theater is wheelchair accessible via AAT Major Stair Climber.
Headsets for hearing-impaired guests are provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
There is a bar and cloakroom on site.
Fans of farce will appreciate the long-running show,The Play That Goes Wrong, which also is appropriate for families.
How to Get There
Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly Underground line, is a 5-minute walk from the theater. Several local buses serve Aldwych and the Strand; hop-on hop-off services also stop nearby. Q-Park’s Theatreland Parking Scheme offers parking at half price for theatergoers who validate their parking tickets at the box office. The closest participating lot is in Chinatown, though it’s best to avoid driving during Congestion Charge hours.
When to Get There
Evening shows play daily, Tuesday through Sunday. Matinees take place on Saturdays, Sundays, and some Thursdays. In summer, spend an afternoon soaking up the sun in picturesque Covent Garden before cooling off with an evening show at the Duchess. In winter, choose a matinee and keep the evening free to explore London’s festively lit streets after dark.
Record-Holding Venues
Theater buffs may know that on the other side of London’s Theatreland, St. Martin’s Theatre is home to the world’s longest-running production,The Mousetrap, while the Garrick Theatre is the first theater to be named after an actor. The Duchess also proudly holds a West End record: In 1930, the venue hosted the shortest run in history whenThe Intimate Revue permanently closed after barely half a performance.
Ways to explore
As the Duchess Theatre is such a small venue compared to other West End theaters, tickets can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book tickets in advance. The best seats are in the Stalls, ideally in the center, such as rows C to G. The Dress Circle also offers great seats, especially in rows A to C, in seats 6–16. There’s also the Grand Circle: Though further away, it nonetheless offers great seats if you’re in rows A and B, ideally in the center.
Accessibility
The theater is wheelchair-accessible.
Age limits
Varies per show; for example, The Play That Goes Wrong is recommended for children ages 8 and older.
What to pack
Contactless payment method, small bag
What to wear
Comfortable clothing, extra layers (such as a light sweater)
Not allowed
Large bags and suitcases, outside food and drink
Amenities
Bar, restrooms, air-conditioning, cloakroom
Address
The Duchess Theatre is located on Catherine Street, just a 5-minute walk from the Covent Garden Station. Theatergoers typically arrive by tube or bus and then stroll through the lively Covent Garden area to reach the venue.
Driving
Most visitors opt for public transportation to reach the theater, as the nearby roads can become congested, and parking is limited. If you choose to drive, the nearest parking lot is NCP at Upper St. Martins Lane.
Public transportation
Public transportation is by far the easiest way to get to the theater. If traveling on the London Underground, Covent Garden—on the Piccadilly line—is a 5-minute walk away. Bus lines 6, 11, 23, 59, and 68 stop nearby.
Best times to visit
If you can, get tickets to a matinee performance, which may offer better availability than evening shows.
Best days to visit
Consider visiting the theater on a weekday, Tuesday through Thursday, as weekends can be busy in Covent Garden. The theater is closed on Mondays.
Best months to visit
The theater is open year-round, but Covent Garden is particularly fun to explore during the warmer months, from June through September.
Special events
Performances vary throughout the year, so check the events calendar before visiting. In December, the area around Covent Garden is decorated with Christmas lights.
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