Piccadilly Theatre

The Piccadilly Theatre stands in the City of Westminster at the corner of Denman Street and Sherwood Street, close to Piccadilly Circus. It opened in 1928 and was designed by Bertie Crewe and Edward A. Stone, with an Art Deco interior by Marc-Henri Levy and Gaston Laverdet. The auditorium seats 1,232 and is decorated in shades of pink. The theatre briefly became a cinema in the late 1920s, showing films like *The Singing Fool* with Al Jolson. It reopened in 1929 with *The Student Prince* and soon returned to live productions. The Piccadilly has hosted many notable premieres and revivals. Noël Coward’s *Blithe Spirit* opened here in 1941, running for nearly 2,000 performances. John Gielgud starred in a wartime production of *Macbeth*, designed by Michael Ayrton and John Minton. Later musicals included *Guys and Dolls*, *Grease*, and *Moulin Rouge!*, while plays ranged from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller. The stage has seen actors such as Ian McKellen, Angela Lansbury, and Julie Walters. Visitors find a grand auditorium with ornate Art Deco details and a warm pink colour scheme. The theatre’s foyer and bars retain their original design, offering a glimpse of 1920s glamour. Programme notes often highlight its history, from wartime hits to modern revivals. The West End location means it sits among shops, restaurants, and other theatres, making it easy to combine with a night out. The atmosphere remains lively, whether for a classic play or a new musical.