Sondheim Theatre

Capacity1130 Seats

Seating Tiers4 Levels

Venue SizeMedium

Theatre GroupDelfont Mackintosh Theatres

Theatre Website

About The Venue

The Sondheim Theatre, originally the Queen's Theatre, opened in 1907 and was designed by the renowned W.G.R. Sprague in an elegant Edwardian Baroque style. Despite suffering bomb damage during WWII, it was meticulously restored and reopened, maintaining its grand West End charm. Renamed in 2019 to honour the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, it is now famously home to the long-running production of Les Misérables, offering a classic theatrical experience.

Seating

The Stalls are on the ground floor, offering an immersive experience close to the stage. The rake is generally good, providing clear sightlines over the heads of those in front. Rows A-C are very close to the stage, requiring an upward gaze which can be uncomfortable for some people during longer performances. Central seats from Row D to M typically offer excellent, unobstructed views. Legroom is generally decent in the central block but can be more restricted in the side blocks and the very front rows. The Dress Circle overhang begins to affect the top of the stage from approximately Row P/Q onwards, potentially cutting off the very top of tall sets or lighting rigs, becoming more noticeable towards the back of this section. Side seats in the front rows may have a slightly restricted view of the extreme sides of the stage due to the proscenium arch.

Toilets

Gents and Ladies on all levels (Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle); Accessible toilet in the foyer via a ramped corridor.

Bars

Four licensed bars: Foyer, Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Circle.

Cloakroom

Accepts coats and small bags for a small charge; unable to accept larger bags/suitcases; subject to availability.

Box Office

2.5 hours before show until 15 mins after curtain up; remains open between performances on matinee days.

Stage Door

On Winnett Street, to the right of the main theatre entrance, then first left onto Winnett Street, in front of a pub.

Location

Open in Maps

51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA

Directions

The Sondheim Theatre is conveniently located in the heart of the West End. The nearest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines), which is approximately a 2-minute walk, and Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), about a 5-minute walk. Numerous bus routes serve Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street, with stops very close to the theatre.

At this Venue

Now Playing

Musical

Les Misérables

Closing 13 Mar 2027