Designed in 1930 by Edward Stone (also an architect for Piccadilly theatre), and named after Prince Edward (then the Prince of Wales, briefly Edward VIII and later Duke of Windsor), the Prince Edward theatre opened its doors on April 3, 1930 with a performance of the musical Rio Rita. Originally a large draper’s store, this art deco styled theatre was converted to a dance and cabaret hall, being renamed the "London Casino", and renamed again as the "Queensberry All Services Club" in 1942. After the war, where it was badly damaged and lost all of its windows, it became the London Casino once again and in 1954 was converted to a cinema using Cinerama technology from New York, reopening as "Castino Cinerama Theatre".
Eventually in the 1970’s, after the demand for Cinerama died down, the theatre became known as a house for musicals, hosting shows like Evita, Chess, Anything Goes, Crazy For You, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins and Miss Saigon. Having renovated the theatre for nearly three million pounds, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Ltd. continues to renovate the theatre between productions, making the facilities exemplary and one of the most desirable spaces in the West End.
Our Prince Edward Theatre London guide is designed to give you all the information you need to pick the best seats in the theatre.
Venue Details
Address: Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4HS, UK
Opened: 1930
Seating Capacity: 1653
Stalls: 858
Dress Circle: 389
Grand Circle: 397
Seating Chart
Check out the Prince Edward Theatre London Seating Plan here.
Now Playing At Prince Edward Theatre
Practical Information
Accessible Seating
Disabled access is available through the entrance to the auditorium through a double EXIT door opening outwards on Greek Street, then up a very short ramp to Box 1 where there are 2 spaces for wheelchair users and 2 companions.
Transfer seating is available to row A. The theatre is able to store a maximum of 2 wheelchairs and one scooter per performance, next to the EXIT door.
Available Facilities
Assistive Listening System: Headsets are available from the Access attendant for a £5 refundable deposit.
Bar: There are 5 licensed bars, and staff are also happy to bring drinks to disabled customers.
Cloakroom: Large items cannot be stored in the cloakroom – the staff will be happy to help you find a suitable storage solution elsewhere in the city.
Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are allowed in to the auditorium. Alternatively, staff are happy to dog sit.
Other: There are special visual tools and social stories available for download for people with autism, who may find social situations difficult.
Parking: 1 parking space available for disabled badge holders on Frith Street.
Toilets: There are Men’s and Women’s toilets on all levels, and Adapted toilets on right-hand side of foyer.
Handy Tips
- Prince Edward Theatre is air conditioned, and therefore can get chilly – be sure to dress accordingly!
- Aladdin is recommended for kids above 6 years of age. Children under 3 years of age will not be admitted. Those under 16 years of age will need to be seated next to an adult.
Getting There
Tube: The nearest tube station is the Tottenham Court Road station (Central Line and Northern Line - Charing Cross) and Leicester Square (Picaddilly Line).
Bus: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453.
Restaurants near Prince Edward Theatre
1. Ceviche: At London’s first Peruvian restaurant, enjoy the speciality Ceviche, as well as grilled skewers of beef, marinated chicken, salmon or braised octopus, etc.
2. Bun House: Bun House, a joint venture from husband and wife Alex Peffly and Z He, serves Chinese steamed buns, ideal for affordable 'quick eating'.
3. Bar Italia: Bar Italia is a near 24-hour traditional Italian cafe in the heart of Soho with a continental feel and a great atmosphere.
4. Café Boheme: Owned by Nick 'Soho House' Jones, Café Boheme is open 7:30 AM - 3 AM weekdays, so it's open for breakfast, lunch, and a late night dinner or drink.
4. L'Escargot: L’Escargot is Marco Pierre White’s famous restaurant, and was the first establishment in London to serve fresh snails.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
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