Sondheim Theatre

The Sondheim Theatre stands on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Wardour Street in the City of Westminster. It opened in 1907 as the Queen’s Theatre, designed by W. G. R. Sprague as a twin to the nearby Hicks Theatre. The building was Grade II listed in 1972 and retains its Edwardian decor despite wartime damage. In 2019 it was renamed after Stephen Sondheim following a major refurbishment. The theatre’s original colour scheme featured white and gold walls with green carpets and upholstery. The theatre is worth the journey for its role in West End history. It hosted the world’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables, for fifteen years before and after its 2019 restoration. The 2019 work recreated the auditorium’s Edwardian style and added new boxes named after Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. A custom chandelier and cherub designs in plaster were also introduced. The stage was lowered and extra dressing rooms created from a former substation. Visitors find a spacious entrance hall with a marble staircase leading to the dress circle. The auditorium has three tiers with a total capacity of about 1,200 seats. The refurbishment improved sight-lines and comfort while preserving the original Edwardian features. The theatre’s location on Shaftesbury Avenue places it close to other West End venues and Soho’s theatres.