QUEEN'S THEATRE
51 Shaftesbury Avenue,
London, W1D 6BA
The Queen's Theatre opened in October 1907, which was almost ten months after its twin the Globe (now the Gielgud Theatre) which is on the adjoining corner of Shaftesbury Avenue.
The architect for both theatres was W.G.R. Sprague, with the Queen's being the seventh West End theatre he designed. It is built in Edwardian Renaissance style and seats over 1,000. After some debate it was called the Queen's and a portrait of Queen Alexandra was hung above the fireplace in the grand entrance foyer. An earlier idea was to call it the Central Theatre causing George Bernard Shaw to remark that is sounded as if it were a criminal court or a railway terminus.
In September 1940 the Queen’s received a direct hit during a bombing raid and the stone dome, grand staircase and foyer spaces were almost completely obliterated, resulting in the theatre going dark for nearly 20 years.
Westwood Sons & Partners were the architects who oversaw the reconstruction of the theatre at a cost of £250,000, with Sir Hugh Casson acting as décor consultant. The auditorium retained its Edwardian look while the foyers, bars and theatre exterior were given a modern look.
On 3rd April 2004 Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Miserables transferred from the Palace Theatre where it had run for more than 18 years.
HOW TO GET TO THE QUEEN'S THEATRE
 |
Tube :Piccadilly Circus ( 250 metre walk) Train: Charing Cross |
 |
14, 19, 38 |
 |
MasterPark at Poland Street and China Town. This theatre participates in the Theatreland Parking Scheme - find out more about the great discounts offered by clicking on the link. |
DISABLED ACCESS TO THE QUEEN'S THEATRE
 |
Infra-red system with 12 headsets – free hire upon production of ID. Collected from foyer kiosk. Please contact 0844 482 5137 prior to booking |
 |
Guide dogs are permitted inside the auditorium |
 |
Entrance to the auditorium is through the fourth side door on Wardour Street – ask a member of staff to open this for you. One 5cm step up to two wheelchair or scooter parking spaces in C1 and C25 in the Dress Circle. |
 |
Adapted toilet with Radar lock in foyer via a ramped corridor. Please ask a member of staff for assistance. Disabled access lavatory at Dress Circle level with street access from Catherine Street |
