Adelphi Theatre

Next Show: Back to the Future 
First preview 20th August 2021
Booking until 13th February 2022
Running time: Awaiting information

Address: 411-412 Strand, London WC2R 0NH

Website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/adelphi

Air Conditioning: Yes

Current Owner: LW Theatres & The Nederlander Group

General booking

Visit LW Theatres official website

Box Office: +44 (0) 20 7087 7754
 

Discounts, Day seats, Rush tickets & Lotteries

Awaiting information.

Box Office: +44 (0) 20 7087 7754

Stage Door: +44 (0) 20 7836 1166

Email: customerservices@adelphitheatre.co.uk

 

Many of London’s theatres are accessed from below or above street level. If you need to avoid steps, it is advisable to contact the theatre directly by telephone or email as they will be able to advise you on which seats are most easily accessed. Many have specially adapted wheelchair spaces.

Theatres may be able to provide additional facilities for customers with a hearing or visual impairment and some shows may also offer specific, adapted performances. It’s best to check with the venue directly via one of the following methods:

Access Bookings: +44 (0) 20 7087 7966

Email: access@adelphitheatre.co.uk

Society of London Theatre also offers useful information for visitors with a disability or specific access need.

Nearest Tubes: Charing Cross, Covent Garden, Embankment

Buses: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176

Check out Transport for London’s excellent TFL Journey Planner

Luxury: Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

Mid: Amba Hotel Charing Cross, Strand, London WC2N 5HX

Budget: Hub by Premier Inn, 110 St Martins Lane, London WC2N 4BA

Although it oozes history, The Strand’s Adelphi Theatre is actually the fourth theatre on this site. The first was built by a Mr Jay to designs by Samuel Beazley and was owned by wealthy merchant John Scott. Named the Sans Pareil (Without Care), the first production in 1806 was called “Miss Scott’s Entertainment” and starred the theatre owner’s daughter, Jane Scott. It never hurts if your Dad owns the place. In 1819, the theatre was sold and re-opened on 1 October 1819 as The Adelphi (the phrase means “brothers” and was taken from the Adelphi buildings opposite).

In 1829 the theatre changed its name to The Theatre Royal Adelphi and subsequently featured many adaptations of Charles Dickens’ early works, and even appears in The Pickwick Papers (you’ll have to read them to check!). In 1840 a new facade was added (designed once again by Samuel Beazley) and although in summer 1858 the first Adelphi was demolished, this grand lady of the Strand did not lay down for long.

On Boxing Night 1858 the second Adelphi Theatre opened, built by J Wilson to a design by T H Wyatt. Further renovations followed in 1879 and 1887 to designs by Spencer Chadwick. Larger and more comfortable, the second Adelphi hosted a number of popular French operettas and works by Sir Arthur Sullivan. During this period, the Adelphi was expanded under the ownership of the Gatti family. The Gattis, originally from Switzerland (you know, like Roger Federer and cows with bells on), owned both the Adelphi and Vaudeville theatres and were pivotal in the electrification of the West End and the founding of the Society of West End Theatre Managers.

In November 1900, the Adelphi was once again demolished (although the stage remained largely intact), rising again in 1901 in its third incarnation as The Century Theatre. Built by Frank Kirk to designs by Ernest Runtz, The Century’s name lasted only three years before reverting once again to The Adelphi. Home to a number of successful musical comedies in the early twentieth century and despite its huge improvements, within 30 years, the theatre was rebuilt yet again.

The fourth (and present) building opened in December 1930 as The Royal Adelphi Theatre, with a production of the Rodgers & Hart musical Evergreen. Built by Pitcher Construction company and designed by Ernest Schaufelberg in the Art Deco style, by 1940 the theatre’s name had once again reverted to The Adelphi (note to future owners – just stick to the name as it will clearly end up being called The Adelphi anyway). Despite the threat of closure of many theatres by the GLC in the 1960s, The Adelphi was saved by the Save London’s Theatres Campaign and on 1 December 1987 was granted Grade II Listed status.

The Adelphi is currently co-owned by LW Theatres & the Nederlander Group.

  • Waitress
  • Kinky Boots
  • Made In Dagenham
  • Jackie Mason – Ready to Rumble
  • Whose Line Is It Anyway
  • The Bodyguard
  • Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  • One Man, Two Gunvnors
  • Love Never Dies
  • The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas
  • Derren Brown: Enigma
  • Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  • Evita
  • Chicago

Disclaimer: We take care to provide accurate information. Records prior to internet age can be difficult to verify so we only list productions back as far as the year 2000, however we hold some records prior to this date offline. If you would like more information, or are aware of any errors, please contact us here“One night only” productions and private theatre hires are not listed.

Arthur Lloyd’s Theatre Website offers an encyclopaedic insight into the history of the West End’s theatres.

Theatricalia is a database of past & future theatre productions.

Thisistheatre also offers interesting insights into the history of London’s theatres.

The Theatres Trust offers information and support for our nation’s theatres.

London Theatres by Michael Coveney & Peter Dazeley, is available from Waterstones and Amazon and provides stunning photography and commentary on London’s iconic theatres.