Gielgud Theatre
London
An Edwardian West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, presenting major plays, musicals, comedy and concert productions.
Reviewed by Nandini J ·
AddressShaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6AR, UK
Official websitedelfontmackintosh.co.uk
About
The Gielgud Theatre is an Edwardian West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Piccadilly Circus. Opened in 1906, it has hosted drama, comedy, musicals and concert performances under several names. Today it is operated by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres (DMT) and has five licensed bars, including the Sprague Terrace.
Its central position makes it convenient for Soho, Chinatown and the wider West End. The auditorium is arranged across several levels; check the official access information before booking if stairs or wheelchair access are important.
Access
Wheelchair access is through the third side exit on Rupert Street. Let staff know at the main entrance so an access host can assist. A ramp is available for the 12 cm step to the front of the Dress Circle, and removable seats can provide up to four wheelchair positions with companion seating.
An adapted toilet is in the foyer near the bar. The official access information lists 15 steps to the Stalls, 23 to the Dress Circle and 45 to the Grand Circle, so contact the venue before booking if you need a particular route or seat. DMT’s Access hub also covers hearing enhancement, assistance dogs and assisted performances.
Getting there
Piccadilly Circus is the nearest Underground station, and Charing Cross is the nearest mainline station. Nearby bus routes include 14, 19 and 38.
The theatre has no parking. The venue lists Q-Park Theatreland and NCP Lexington Street, with Blue Badge bays on Archer Street and Rupert Street. Central London travel conditions can change, so check your route before setting out.
History
The theatre opened on 27 December 1906 as the Hicks Theatre, named after actor-manager Seymour Hicks. It became the Globe in 1909 and hosted a long line of major plays and performers; John Gielgud first appeared there in 1928.
In 1994 it was renamed the Gielgud Theatre, both to honour Sir John Gielgud and to distinguish it from Shakespeare’s Globe. Delfont Mackintosh Theatres took operational control in 2006.
Before you go
Doors normally open around 45 minutes before the performance. The venue carries out security and bag checks, and latecomers may have to wait for a suitable break, so allow plenty of time.
Outside food and drink are not permitted. The theatre has five licensed bars serving drinks and snacks rather than hot food, and allergen information is available from staff. A cloakroom is available for coats and small bags, subject to space; larger luggage should be stored elsewhere before arrival.
For the latest opening, access and visitor information, check the official Gielgud Theatre page before travelling.
Nearby guides
- Where to eat and drink near Gielgud Theatre
A practical mix of sit-down meals, quick bites and drinks close to the Gielgud Theatre in the heart of Soho.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gielgud Theatre located?
Where is Gielgud Theatre located?
It is on Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR, in the central West End; the operator lists Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross as the nearest Underground stations.
What kind of work is Gielgud Theatre known for?
What kind of work is Gielgud Theatre known for?
The official production highlights show a varied repertoire spanning drama, contemporary plays, comedy, musicals and concert productions, rather than one single specialist genre.
What is distinctive about the venue’s facilities?
What is distinctive about the venue’s facilities?
The theatre lists five licensed bars, including the Sprague Terrace, with separate foyer and Stalls bars.
Is there a step-free accessible entrance to the Gielgud Theatre auditorium?
Is there a step-free accessible entrance to the Gielgud Theatre auditorium?
The page directs wheelchair users to the third side-exit door on Rupert Street and says a ramp is available for the 12 cm step at the front of the Dress Circle; it does not describe a lift or a wholly step-free route to every level.
How many wheelchair spaces are available?
How many wheelchair spaces are available?
Seats A3–6 and A30–33 are removable to accommodate up to four wheelchairs with a companion. Visitors may remain in their wheelchair or transfer into the venue seat.
Is there an accessible toilet?
Is there an accessible toilet?
Yes. An adapted toilet is in the foyer near the bar, and toilets are situated on all auditorium levels.
How do I ask about access arrangements?
How do I ask about access arrangements?
Contact the Access Department on 0344 482 5137 or at access@delfontmackintosh.co.uk.
Which stations are nearest to the Gielgud Theatre?
Which stations are nearest to the Gielgud Theatre?
The venue lists Charing Cross as the nearest railway station, and Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross as the nearest Tube stations. It does not state the Tube lines or a walking route/time.
Which buses stop near the Gielgud Theatre?
Which buses stop near the Gielgud Theatre?
The venue says nearby bus stops are served by routes 14, 19 and 38.
Where can drivers or Blue Badge holders park?
Where can drivers or Blue Badge holders park?
The theatre has no parking of its own. The venue lists Q-Park Theatreland and NCP at Lexington Street; it also says nearby disabled bays are on Archer Street and Rupert Street.
When did the Gielgud Theatre open, and what was it originally called?
When did the Gielgud Theatre open, and what was it originally called?
It opened on 27 December 1906 as the Hicks Theatre, with The Beauty of Bath. The official history says it was named after Seymour Hicks.
When did it become the Gielgud Theatre?
When did it become the Gielgud Theatre?
It was renamed the Gielgud in 1994 as a tribute to Sir John Gielgud and to distinguish it from the newly opened Shakespeare’s Globe.
What was the theatre’s longest-running production?
What was the theatre’s longest-running production?
The official history identifies There’s a Girl in My Soup, which opened on 15 June 1966 and transferred to the Comedy Theatre more than three years later, as the longest-running production.
Who took over operational control of the theatre?
Who took over operational control of the theatre?
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres took over operational control from Really Useful Theatres in 2006.
When should I arrive at the Gielgud Theatre?
When should I arrive at the Gielgud Theatre?
The venue says additional security checks will take place and asks visitors to leave plenty of time to arrive. It does not publish a separate auditorium-door opening time.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Can I bring my own food or drink?
No. Food or drink purchased elsewhere cannot be brought into the theatre. The five licensed bars serve drinks and snacks, but not hot food.
Does the Gielgud Theatre have a cloakroom?
Does the Gielgud Theatre have a cloakroom?
Yes. It accepts coats and small bags for a small charge, but cannot accept larger bags or suitcases.