Shaftesbury Theatre

The Basics

You can purchase tickets for shows at Shaftesbury Theatre online or at the on-site box office—booking in advance means getting the best seats at the cheapest price. VIP packages, which combine premium seats with canapes and Champagne, are also available. The theater offers guided tours of the historic building, but these may be affected by ongoing refurbishment works; check online beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shaftesbury Theatre is a must-visit for theater lovers.

• The Royal Circle is accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

• There is a bar on site, selling snacks and drinks.

How to Get There

The closest underground stations are Tottenham Court Road (on the Northern and Central lines), Holborn (on the Piccadilly and Central lines), and Covent Garden (on the Piccadilly Line). The theater is well served by multiple bus routes that stop within a short walking distance.

When to Get There

Performances are typically held from Monday through Saturday evenings and on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons—aim to arrive at least half an hour before the start time in order to clear security and find your seat. The box office is open from Monday through Saturday, 10am until 7:30pm.

Production History

The theater opened in 1911 with a production ofThe Three Musketeers. Since then, its most notable long-running productions have beenHair, which ran from 1968 through 1974 and only had to close because part of the ceiling fell;Follies, from 1987 to 1989; andMotown the Musical, from 2016 to 2019.

Ways to explore

Designed by the theater architect Bertie Crew, the Shaftesbury Theatre is a Grade II–listed building (which signifies that it’s a structure of architectural or historic interest). Despite this, there are no backstage or architectural tours for the public, though there are London West End theater tours that pass by to give fun facts about the venue and its shows.

For most people, the way to experience the Shaftesbury Theatre is to attend a performance. While it seats around 1,400 people, which makes it one of the West End’s larger theaters, it’s always worth booking in advance. You can do this online or in-person at the box office.

Accessibility

There is an elevator to the stalls; this level has wheelchair-accessible seating (which can be booked online), accessible restrooms, and an accessible bar. The theater also has a wheelchair available, which can be booked via the box office in advance.

Age limits

No children under 3 are allowed. Children under 16 must sit with an adult.

What to pack

A small bag (there are size restrictions), credit or debit card for buying snacks, or drinks in the intermission

What to wear

Many theatergoers like to dress up for a show, but there aren’t any rules. Comfy shoes are recommended for the stairs.

Not allowed

Food and drink brought from outside, large bags, latecomers (you’ll need to wait until the intermission to enter), photography or filming during performances

Amenities

Air conditioning, bars, booster seats (on a first-come, first-served basis), merchandise kiosks, restrooms, ticket office

Address

The Shaftesbury Theatre is walkable from Covent Garden and Soho in central London, and is roughly midway between the Holborn and Tottenham Court tube stations.

Driving

If you’re driving there, you’ll need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. As Shaftesbury Theatre is so centrally located, it’s best to leave the car behind.

Public transportation

Take the Central, Elizabeth, or Northern line to Tottenham Court Road; the Central or Piccadilly line to Holborn; or the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden. The #14 and #38 central London buses also stop on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Best times to visit

Most shows start around 7-7:30pm, but the matinee options (after lunchtime) are often less busy. Doors open an hour before the show starts.

Best days to visit

Weekday shows are less in-demand, allowing you the chance to find cheaper tickets and a better selection of seats.

Best months to visit

Shows at the Shaftesbury Theatre take place throughout the year, so just be sure to book ahead, especially during busy travel seasons.

Special events

The Shaftesbury Theatre is sometimes featured as part of London’s Open House Festival, an annual event in September that celebrates the city’s architecture and interesting buildings.