Prince of Wales Theatre

The Prince of Wales Theatre is a prominent West End venue on Coventry Street, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The present building, designed by Robert Cromie, opened in 1937 and replaced the original Prince’s Theatre, which had occupied the site since 1884.

The theatre has a long association with revue, variety and musical theatre. Productions have ranged from The World of Suzie Wong and Funny Girl to Aspects of Love and MAMMA MIA!, which became the venue’s longest-running show in 2007.

The auditorium, foyers and bars were extensively refurbished in 2003–04. Today, the theatre has two licensed bars and a step-free street-level foyer leading to the rear of the Stalls.

The Prince of Wales Theatre has a step-free street-level foyer, with wheelchair spaces at the rear of the Stalls. Visitors who remain in their wheelchair can use positions in Stalls rows T or U, with companion seating nearby. Stalls J34 is available for a visitor who transfers, and wheelchairs or scooters can be stored in the foyer.

An adapted toilet is in the Delfont Bar and is reached by lift. The Delfont Room is also lift-accessible; the American Bar involves steps from the Dress Circle foyer.

Hearing assistance, assistance dogs and assisted performances are available through DMT’s Access service. Contact the access team before booking to confirm the most suitable entrance, route and seating.

The Prince of Wales Theatre is on Coventry Street, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Charing Cross is the nearest mainline station, while Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Charing Cross are the nearest Underground options.

Nearby bus routes include 6, 9, 14, 19 and 38. The theatre has no parking; the venue lists Q-Park Theatreland and a car park on Whitcomb Street, with Blue Badge bays on Rupert Street and Whitcomb Street. Check live travel and parking information before setting out.

The original Prince’s Theatre was designed by C. J. Phipps and opened in the nineteenth century. Its early successes included Dorothy, which became one of the longest-running musical productions of its era, and the building later became known for French-style revues.

The present theatre was designed by Robert Cromie. Gracie Fields laid its foundation stone in June 1937, and it opened on 27 October that year with Les Folies de Paris et Londres.

Later milestones include The World of Suzie Wong and the long-running musical Aspects of Love. The auditorium, foyers and bars were extensively refurbished in 2003–04, before the theatre reopened at a charity gala in June 2004.

Doors normally open around 45 minutes before the performance. Allow time for security and bag checks, as latecomers may have to wait for a suitable break before being admitted.

The theatre has two licensed bars: the American Bar in the Dress Circle and the Delfont Room in the Stalls. They serve drinks and snacks, but not hot food. Outside food and drink are not permitted, and allergen information is available from staff. The venue is cashless.

A cloakroom is available for coats and small bags, subject to space and a small charge. Store large bags or suitcases elsewhere before arrival. Check the production page and official visitor information for current age guidance, running times and show-specific arrangements.