Located on the Strand in Westminster, the Vaudeville Theatre London is an old West End house famous for hosting, like the name suggests, vaudeville shows and musical revues. A genre of musical theatre, vaudeville is a variety of entertainment that originated at the end of the 18th century. Construction of the original building was completed in 1870 under the leadership of C J Phipps and was rebuilt twice with the seating capacity reducing with each subsequent renovation. In 1926, the theatre was closed and underwent another round of major renovation, this time focusing on the interior as designed by Robert Atkinson. During this renovation, the auditorium was redesigned from the traditional horseshoe shape to its current rectangle shape. The ownership of the theatre was passed around in the late 20th century and presently resides with Max Weitzenhoffer. The theatre interior features gold fleck wallpaper with a modest blue-grey paint.
In its 148 years of existence, the Vaudeville Theatre London has been home to some truly iconic productions. A few major productions include Present Laughter, Blithe Spirit, Shirley Valentine, Salad Days, Showtune, Kat and the Kings, Madame Melville, Swimming with the Sharks, The Deep Blue Sea, Private Lives, An Ideal Husband, What the Butler Saw, Great Expectations, Forbidden Broadway, Hand to God, Stepping Out, True West, and many others.
Venue Details
Address: 404 Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R 0NH, UK
Opened: 1870
Seating Capacity: 679
Stalls : 335
Dress Circle: 188
Upper Circle: 156
Seating Chart
Check out the Vaudeville Theatre Seating Plan here.
Now Playing at Vaudeville Theatre London
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Stalls: The stalls section can be accessed via 6 steps down from the foyer. There's a handrail in place and the steps to the section are highlighted to enable patrons ease of access. Patrons can also access the stalls through the secure AAT Major Stair Climber. This reclines on a flat surface down the six steps, allowing wheelchair users to access the theatre comfortably.
Dress Circle: The dress circle section can be accessed 22 steps up from the foyer. These steps come with a handrail with highlighted steps. There's a gap of three steps between each row in the section but there are no handrails available.
Upper Circle: The final section of the theatre can be accessed by taking 54 steps up from the foyer. Like the other two sections, this section also features handrails and highlighted steps. Do note that steps to the upper circle are very narrow and this section is not suitable for patrons with limited mobility.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair Accessible: Only the stalls section has seats available for wheelchair users. The six steps that lead to the stalls section can be accessed via the stair climber. Guests who need to use the stair climber should reach the theatre at least 45 minutes before the show's scheduled start time.
Restroom: There are two women's toilets located in the stalls and upper circle section. For men, two toilets are available in the dress circle and upper circle section. Unfortunately, the Vaudeville Theatre London doesn't have any accessible/adapted toilets and wheelchair users have to use the accessible toilets at the Adelphi Theatre.
Bar: There are two bars in the Vaudeville Theatre London, one each on the dress circle and upper circle sections. Patrons who are seated in the stalls section and are unable to access the bars can call for an at-seat service.
Assisted Listening Devices: A hearing assistance system is available for patrons who are hard of hearing. The infrared headset system is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please check with the theatre staff for availability of the headset upon arrival.
Handy Tips
- If you're bringing your own vehicle to the theatre, park it at a Q-Park to avail a special discount on the parking fee. Simply present the parking ticket at the theatre box office and get 50% off on the fee.
- Hearing and guide dogs are allowed at the theatre. Book your tickets in advance and mention that you would be bringing along a guide dog since the theatre staff can look after only two dogs during the performance. If you would like to bring the dog inside the auditorium, book a seat in the front row for maximum comfort.
- For blind and partially sighted patrons, audio description performances are available. These performances happen on select days and you can find out more about the dates by contacting the theatre staff.
- Make good use of the list of restaurants mentioned above because the Vaudeville Theatre London does not have any sit-down eating space. If you want to eat something during the show, the theatre serves small snacks.
- If you wish to purchase some show memorabilia or confectionery, there are many retail outlets available inside the theatre. Ice creams, programmes, and confectionery are all available.
- If you or your companion need special assistance for wheelchair transfer, please inform the staff when you book your tickets. This will allow the staff to make the necessary arrangements.
- For normal performances, there are no arrangements available for patrons with sight disabilities. There are binoculars available with the staff. Please collect your binoculars, if needed, before the show begins either at the box office or from a staff member.
Getting To Vaudeville Theatre London
The Vaudeville Theatre London is located in 404 Strand, London and there are many ways to reach the venue, both by way of public transport and private cabs. Here are the most popular options:
Tube: Charing Cross, which can be accessed via Bakerloo and Northern lines, is around five minutes away from the theatre. You can also alight at the Embankment station which is connected via the Bakerloo, District, Northern, and Circle lines.
Bus: The bus numbers that ply close to the theatre include 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 68, 76, 171, 176, and 188.
Vehicle: If you're bringing your car to the theatre, you can park it at the Q-Park in Chinatown and Soho or the NCP car park in Shaftesbury and Covent Garden.
Restaurants near Vaudeville Theatre London
1. Leon: This outlet of the health conscious food chain brings its menu together by taking inspiration from the Mediterranean.
2. Nando's: Visit this iconic chain restaurant for their Afro-Portuguese inspired delights including flame-grilled chicken in spicy chili sauce.
3. Clos Maggiore: Dine in this modern French restaurant, famous for its extensive selection of wine, flower-filled conservatory, and log fire.
4. Chez Antoinette: Gorge on Lyon-style tartines served throughout the day in this quaint, petite eatery with a French hangover.
5. Balthazar: In the mood for some light snacks? This bakery has artisan breads and patisseries all made in-house along with sandwiches and coffee.
6. Sticks'n'Sushi: Based on a famous Danish concept, this Japanese restaurant serves delicious sushi and grilled yakitori skewers.
7. Wahaca: Visit this lively Mexican chair diner for their small plates of authentic, market-style food and amazing cocktails.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
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