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Queen’s Theatre London | Home of Les Misérables

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The Sondheim Theatre, previously known as the Queen's Theatre, is a popular West End theatre located in Shaftesbury Avenue in Westminster, London. The theatre was a twin to the neighbouring Gielgud Theatre, both of which were designed by W. G. R. Sprague. It was badly damaged in the September of 1940 when a World War II German bomb dropped directly on the building due to which the façade and front of house areas were destroyed. It was another twenty years before the damage was repaired and the theatre reopened. While the auditorium remained untouched, the exterior and foyer were rebuilt with a modern look.

Since April 2004, the theatre has played host to Cameron Mackintosh's production of Les Misérables which transferred after spending 18 years at the nearby Palace Theatre. The musical celebrated its 20th anniversary at the venue on 8 October 2005 and officially overtook Cats as the longest running musical of all time a year later on 8 October 2006.

Venue Details


Address: 51 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6BA, UK

Opened: 1907

Seating capacity: 1053
Stalls: 473
Dress Circle: 283
Upper Circle: 297

Seating chart: Check out the Sondheim Theatre London seating plan here.

Now Playing at the Sondheim Theatre


Les Misérables

queen's theatre london - les miserables tickets

Multi-award winning, smash-hit phenomenon Les Misérables has been stunning the audiences in London with a record-breaking run of 30 years at West End. With decades of stage time across Broadway, Toronto, Europe, Japan, and Australia, Les Misérables is arguably the most successful musical to date, featuring a Tony Award winning score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michael Schönberg.

London's production of Les Misérables is the world's second longest running musical and has been performed to over 60 million people worldwide. Featuring the songs “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”, and “On My Own”, this is one musical masterpiece you cannot afford to miss!

The Story

Set in late 19th century France at the time of the French revolution, Les Misérables is the timeless tale of love, loss, retribution, and redemption. The story follows Jean Valjean, a former criminal released from prison, who is trying to shed his ex-convict status and become Mayor, despite being hounded by policeman Javert. Along his way, he meets Fantine, who has turned to prostitution after being fired from working in one of his factories. Upon her deathbed he vows to take care of her daughter Cosette. Soon, Cosette is a grown woman and falls in love with young revolutionary Marius, and Valjean is forced to protect his family. All these plot threads come together spectacularly in the thrilling finale.

Cast

Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean
David Thaxton as Javert
Steven Meo as Thenadier

Show Timings

Mon - Sat: 7:30 PM
Wed & Sat: 2:30 PM

Running Time

2 hours and 50 mins, with 1 intermission

Practical Information


Accessible Seating

Entrance to the auditorium is through the fourth side door on Wardour Street. There are 18 steps from the foyer up to the rear Dress Circle and 21 steps from the foyer down to the Stalls. There are also 39 steps from the foyer to up the Upper Circle, making this area quite steep. Disabled patrons can transfer into seats in row D, but these may be unsuitable for low seated wheelchairs.

Available Facilities

Assistive Listening System: Infrared system with 12 headsets are available at the foyer kiosk with a valid ID. A £5 returnable deposit is required for the hire of the headsets. Please contact the theatre prior to booking.

Bar: Sondheim Theatre London has four licensed bars, located at the Foyer, Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.

Cloakroom: Sondheim Theatre has a cloakroom in which large bags and pushchairs can be checked.

Guide Dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed inside the auditorium, but the production does use loud sound effects (including gunshots). If your dog might be upset by this, the Theatre Management team can look after them during the show.

Toilets: Toilets are available on all levels including Foyer, Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. An adapted toilet is available in the foyer via a ramped corridor. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Handy Tips


  • The wheelchair accessible entrance is through the fourth side door on Wardour Street; ask a member of staff to help you open it.
  • The theatre now provides a visual tool for parents and carers to use with children and adults on the autistic spectrum and/or with learning difficulties.
  • Les Misérables is suitable for children aged 7 and upwards. There are, however, violence and sexually suggestive scenes, so book your tickets accordingly.
  • Parking places in Loge 1 and 2 also have level access. These will be suitable for wheelchairs which are maximum 1m in length and 64cm wide.
  • There is a no glass policy in the auditorium therefore drinks purchased from the bar are allowed in the auditorium so long as they are transferred into plastic containers.
  • Snacks can be brought into the auditorium but note that hot food will not be allowed inside.

Getting There


Tube: The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines).

Bus: Bus routes 14, 19 and 38 serve Shaftesbury Avenue, stopping close to the theatre. Around Piccadilly Circus, you can also find the following routes: 6, 12, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453. These stop at different points on Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus.

Restaurants near Sondheim Theatre London


Make your West End experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Sondheim Theatre London.

1. Bella Italia: This bubbly chain venue is perfect for Italian pasta, pizza and grill dishes, with a special children's menu.

2. Jamie's Italian Piccadilly: Celebrity chef's relaxed Italian chain, with rustic menu and antipasti bar.

3. Shuang Shuang: A special culinary experience! Add ingredients from conveyor belts to bowls of broth at this bustling Chinese hot pot specialist.

4. Mele e Pere: Upmarket modern trattoria with Murano glass window display, homemade vermouth and Italian wines.

5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co: Family-friendly restaurant for a seafood and American menu served in a Forrest-Gump-themed setting.

Frequently asked questions about Sondheim Theatre


Where is Sondheim Theatre, London located? 

 What is the seating capacity of Sondheim Theatre, London? 

Does Sondheim Theatre, London have accessible seating?

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