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Venue

166 Drury Lane, Camden WC2B 5PW

Gillian Lynne Theatre

4.7 · 7.2k Google reviewsBox office closed · opens 12pm

Gillian Lynne Theatre är en av Londons populära scener som bevakas här på British Theatre. Här kan du utforska kommande föreställningar, läsa praktisk information om teatern och få tips inför din biljettbokning. Platsen där det moderna New London Theatre ligger har huserat värdshus och varietéteatrar ända sedan elisabetansk tid. På den tiden låg här ett värdshus vid namn The Great Mogul, som ofta förknippas med Nell Gwynne. Under 1800-talet rymde platsen The Mogul Saloon (byggd 1847), som blev Middlesex Music Hall 1851, och som i sin tur byggdes om till New Middlesex Theatre of Varieties 1911. År 1919 såldes teatern, renoverades och öppnade på nytt som Winter Garden Theatre. Här sattes produceringar som Kissing Time, A Night Out, Sally, Primrose, Funny Face (med Fred Astaire i huvudrollen), On The Rocks, Hotel Paradiso och The Iceman Cometh upp innan den stängdes för gott 1959. New London Theatre slog upp portarna den 2 januari 1973 med uppsättningen av Unknown Soldier and His Wife, följt av Grease (med Richard Gere som Danny). Under 1997 började teatern användas som tv-studio under några år innan den återgick till scenkonst. Teaterns största succé var musikalen Cats, som spelades från 1981 till 2002 med totalt 8 949 föreställningar. Den innehade rekordet som den musikal som spelats längst i West End fram till 2006, då Les Misérables passerade den. År 2018 meddelade Andrew Lloyd Webber, vars Really Useful Group har ägt byggnaden sedan 1991, att teatern skulle döpas om till Gillian Lynne Theatre – den första teatern i London att namnges efter en kvinna. Dame Gillian Lynne inledde sin danskarriär som ballerina i Sadler’s Wells Ballet under andra världskriget, och gjorde sitt första stora soloframträdande vid nyinvigningen av Royal Opera House i London på sin 20-årsdag. Hon gick vidare till Royal Ballet och blev senare dansare i West End, där hon medverkade som stjärndansare på London Palladium och i stora uppsättningar som Can Can på London Coliseum. Lynne blev snabbt känd som koreograf och regissör och arbetade med produktioner för English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company samt mängder av shower i West End och på Broadway. Hon är kanske mest känd för sitt samarbete med Andrew Lloyd Webber: hon koreograferade musikalerna Cats (som hade premiär på New London Theatre 1981), The Phantom of the Opera (den näst längsta musikalen i West Ends historia) och Aspects of Love (som spelades i både West End och på Broadway). Lynne mottog ett specialpris vid Olivier Awards 2013 för sina betydande insatser för teatern, och 2014 adlades hon till Dame i drottningens nyårslista. Teatern är för närvarande hemvist för den hyllade uppsättningen av Andrew Lloyd Webbers <a href="https://www.britishtheatre.com/shows/school-of-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">School Of Rock</a>. Show Boat (april 2016 – War Horse (28 mars 2009 – mars 2016)Imagine This – En helt ny musikal (19 november 2008 – 14 juni 2008)Borta med vinden – En helt ny musikal (22 april 2008 – 14 juni 2008)Måsen (21 november 2007 – 12 januari 2008)Kung Lear (14 november 2007 – 12 januari 2008)Blue Man Group (10 november 2005 – 24 juni 2007)Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2 mars 2003 – 3 september 2005)Umoja (6 september 2002 – 8 februari 2003)CATS (11 maj 1981 – 11 maj 2002) 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, 171, 188, 242, 243, 521 Hiss för rullstol, särskilda platser och möjligheter att flytta över till ordinarie säte finns tillgängliga Det finns tillgång till en handikappanpassad toalett TILLGÄNGLIGHETSANPASSADE FÖRESTÄLLNINGAR:Finns det hjälpmedel för hörselskadade? Det finns ett IR-system installerat i hela salongen (6 st headset finns att låna) Är ledarhundar och/eller assistanshundar tillåtna? Assistanshundar är välkomna in i salongen. Personalen kan även hjälpa till med hundpassning vid behov. Vänligen kontakta teatern direkt för ytterligare information. Royal Shakespeare Companys fantastiska dramatisering av Studio Ghiblis hyllade animerade film spelas nu på Gillian Lynne Theatre. Denna 'djupt magiska upplevelse' (Elle), som belönats med hela sex Olivier Awards, väcker Hayao Miyazakis förtrollande berättelse till liv med spektakulära dockor – däribland den oförglömliga Totoro och den legendariska Kattbussen. En gripande pjäsupplevelse om uppväxt och barndomens gränslösa fantasi. Var först med de bästa biljetterna, exklusiva erbjudanden och de senaste nyheterna från West End. Du kan nu00e4r som helst avsluta din prenumeration. Integritetspolicy

Photos via Google. Attributions: Gillian Lynne Theatre, Raza Khan, Fabrizio Sala

Capacity

Around 1,295 (two levels)

Current attached shows

1

Google rating

4.7 ★ (7.2k)

Venue info

Gillian Lynne Theatre är en av Londons populära scener som bevakas här på British Theatre. Här kan du utforska kommande föreställningar, läsa praktisk information om teatern och få tips inför din biljettbokning. Platsen där det moderna New London Theatre ligger har huserat värdshus och varietéteatrar ända sedan elisabetansk tid. På den tiden låg här ett värdshus vid namn The Great Mogul, som ofta förknippas med Nell Gwynne. Under 1800-talet rymde platsen The Mogul Saloon (byggd 1847), som blev Middlesex Music Hall 1851, och som i sin tur byggdes om till New Middlesex Theatre of Varieties 1911. År 1919 såldes teatern, renoverades och öppnade på nytt som Winter Garden Theatre. Här sattes produceringar som Kissing Time, A Night Out, Sally, Primrose, Funny Face (med Fred Astaire i huvudrollen), On The Rocks, Hotel Paradiso och The Iceman Cometh upp innan den stängdes för gott 1959. New London Theatre slog upp portarna den 2 januari 1973 med uppsättningen av Unknown Soldier and His Wife, följt av Grease (med Richard Gere som Danny). Under 1997 började teatern användas som tv-studio under några år innan den återgick till scenkonst. Teaterns största succé var musikalen Cats, som spelades från 1981 till 2002 med totalt 8 949 föreställningar. Den innehade rekordet som den musikal som spelats längst i West End fram till 2006, då Les Misérables passerade den. År 2018 meddelade Andrew Lloyd Webber, vars Really Useful Group har ägt byggnaden sedan 1991, att teatern skulle döpas om till Gillian Lynne Theatre – den första teatern i London att namnges efter en kvinna. Dame Gillian Lynne inledde sin danskarriär som ballerina i Sadler’s Wells Ballet under andra världskriget, och gjorde sitt första stora soloframträdande vid nyinvigningen av Royal Opera House i London på sin 20-årsdag. Hon gick vidare till Royal Ballet och blev senare dansare i West End, där hon medverkade som stjärndansare på London Palladium och i stora uppsättningar som Can Can på London Coliseum. Lynne blev snabbt känd som koreograf och regissör och arbetade med produktioner för English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company samt mängder av shower i West End och på Broadway. Hon är kanske mest känd för sitt samarbete med Andrew Lloyd Webber: hon koreograferade musikalerna Cats (som hade premiär på New London Theatre 1981), The Phantom of the Opera (den näst längsta musikalen i West Ends historia) och Aspects of Love (som spelades i både West End och på Broadway). Lynne mottog ett specialpris vid Olivier Awards 2013 för sina betydande insatser för teatern, och 2014 adlades hon till Dame i drottningens nyårslista. Teatern är för närvarande hemvist för den hyllade uppsättningen av Andrew Lloyd Webbers School Of Rock. Show Boat (april 2016 – War Horse (28 mars 2009 – mars 2016)Imagine This – En helt ny musikal (19 november 2008 – 14 juni 2008)Borta med vinden – En helt ny musikal (22 april 2008 – 14 juni 2008)Måsen (21 november 2007 – 12 januari 2008)Kung Lear (14 november 2007 – 12 januari 2008)Blue Man Group (10 november 2005 – 24 juni 2007)Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2 mars 2003 – 3 september 2005)Umoja (6 september 2002 – 8 februari 2003)CATS (11 maj 1981 – 11 maj 2002) 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, 171, 188, 242, 243, 521 Hiss för rullstol, särskilda platser och möjligheter att flytta över till ordinarie säte finns tillgängliga Det finns tillgång till en handikappanpassad toalett TILLGÄNGLIGHETSANPASSADE FÖRESTÄLLNINGAR:Finns det hjälpmedel för hörselskadade? Det finns ett IR-system installerat i hela salongen (6 st headset finns att låna) Är ledarhundar och/eller assistanshundar tillåtna? Assistanshundar är välkomna in i salongen. Personalen kan även hjälpa till med hundpassning vid behov. Vänligen kontakta teatern direkt för ytterligare information. Royal Shakespeare Companys fantastiska dramatisering av Studio Ghiblis hyllade animerade film spelas nu på Gillian Lynne Theatre. Denna 'djupt magiska upplevelse' (Elle), som belönats med hela sex Olivier Awards, väcker Hayao Miyazakis förtrollande berättelse till liv med spektakulära dockor – däribland den oförglömliga Totoro och den legendariska Kattbussen. En gripande pjäsupplevelse om uppväxt och barndomens gränslösa fantasi. Var först med de bästa biljetterna, exklusiva erbjudanden och de senaste nyheterna från West End. Du kan nu00e4r som helst avsluta din prenumeration. Integritetspolicy

History

The site of the modern New London Theatre previously held taverns and music hall theatres since Elizabethan times. In those times, it was tavern called The Great Mogul and it was associated with Nell Gwynne. In the 19th Century, the site held The Mogul Saloon (built in 1847), which became the Middlesex Music Hall in 1851, and in turn was rebuilt as the New Middlesex Theatre of Varieties in 1911. In 1919 the theatre was sold, refurbished, and reopened as the Winter Garden Theatre, where it produced productions such as Kissing Time, A Night Out, Sally, Primrose, Funny Face (starring Fred Astaire), On The Rocks, Hotel Paradiso, and The Iceman Cometh before it was permanently closed in 1959. The New London Theatre opened on 2 January 1973 with a production of the Unknown Soldier and His Wife, followed by Grease (starring Richard Gere as Danny). In 1997, the theatre began being used as a television studio for several years before return to theatrical productions. The theatre’s biggest hit was the musical Cats, which ran from 1981 to 2002 for a total of 8,949 performances. It held the record for longest running West End musical until 2006 when Les Miserables surpassed it. In 2018, Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose Really Useful Group have owned the building since 1991, announced the theatre would be renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre, the first London theatre to be named after a woman. Dame Gillian Lynne started her dancing career as a ballerina, joining the Sadler’s Wells Ballet during the Second World War, and performing her first major solo at the opening of London’s Royal Opera House on her 20th birthday. She went on to join the Royal Ballet, and became a dancer in the West End, appearing as a star dancer at the London Palladium, and major productions such as Can Can at the London Coliseum. Lynne quickly became renowned as a choreographer and director, working on productions with the English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company and many West End and Broadway shows. She may be best-known for her collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber: she choreographed the musicals Cats (which opened at the New London Theatre in 1981), The Phantom of the Opera (the second-longest running West End musical) and Aspects of Love (which ran in the West End and Broadway). Lynne received a Special Award at the 2013 Olivier Awards for her continued services to theatre, and in 2014, she was made a Dame in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. The theatre is currently host to the critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's School Of Rock

Past performances

Show Boat (April 2016 -War Horse (28 March 2009 - March 2016)
Imagine This – A New Musical (19 November 2008 – 14 June 2008)
Gone With The Wind – A New Musical (22 April 2008 – 14 June 2008)
The Seagull (21 November 2007 – 12 January 2008)
King Lear (14 November 2007 – 12 January 2008)
Blue Man Group (10 November 2005 – 24 June 2007)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2 March 2003 – 3 September 2005)
Umoja (6 September 2002 – 8 February 2003)
CATS (11 Mat 1981 – 11 May 2002)


Box office hours

Box office closed · opens 12pm

  • Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 5:45 PM

These are the box office (ticket desk) hours supplied by Google. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — always check your ticket for the performance start time. You can book online any time through British Theatre.

Transport

Tube

Covent Garden, Holborn

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, 171, 188, 242, 243, 521

Parking

NCP Parker Mews. Chinatown (Q Park scheme)

Seating plan and where to sit

For the best all-round view at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, aim for the central Stalls, a few rows back from the front where you sit roughly level with the thrust stage. If you want to be closer, the front and centre of the Stalls puts you right at the action, though the stage height can crop the lowest sightlines. The auditorium holds around 1,295 across two levels, the Stalls and the Circle (sometimes called the Dress Circle).

LevelBest forWorth knowing
StallsThe best overall views, close to a wraparound thrust stageSteeply raked with no pillars, so sightlines hold up well to the rear. The side blocks face the stage at an angle, and safety rails sit around the mid-Stalls aisles.
CircleA raised, elevated overview and strong value in the central rowsNarrow and curved, so the far sides look at the stage side on. A safety rail runs along the front row and handrails border the side sections.

Best seats at the Gillian Lynne Theatre

The finest seats for My Neighbour Totoro are in the central Stalls, roughly the middle rows of the central block, where you are square to the thrust stage and close enough to catch the puppetry and detail without craning. Because the Stalls are well raked and free of pillars, even seats further back keep a clean, central view. The central rows of the Circle also give a lovely elevated take on the staging.

Seats to check before you book

This is a thrust stage venue, so the auditorium wraps the stage in a horseshoe and the seats down the far sides of both levels face the action side on, seeing less of the full picture. In the Stalls, safety rails cross the aisles around the middle of the level and the very front row sits low against the stage. In the Circle, a safety rail runs along the front row and the side sections have handrails, so it is worth checking a seat view photo before committing to an end or side seat.

Best value

The sweet spot for value is the central Stalls a little further back, where prices ease but the raked, unobstructed sightlines stay strong, and the central rows of the Circle, which give a good elevated view for less than the premium Stalls. Side seats in both levels are cheaper again if you are happy with an angled view. If you are not sure which level suits you, our West End seating guide explains how the levels compare. Compare live prices and seat availability across every section at My Neighbour Totoro.

Gillian Lynne Theatre seating plan

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair escalator, spaces and transfer seats available

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium (6 headsets)

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Shows currently at this venue

Full what's-on listing for Gillian Lynne Theatre

Previous productions

What visitors say

5.0· a month ago
We went to see My Neighbour Totoro and absolutely loved it! The large scale puppetry was amazing and really brought the story to life. Our seats were very comfortable, and the theatre amenities were great, with a few bars and well-managed queues that weren’t too bad. A fantastic overall experience. Also, Caravan Covent Garden opposite is a great place to stop for a bite before the show, which made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend!
— Paula Santkiewicz
5.0· a month ago
I enjoyed my time at the Gillian Lynne Theatre to see one of the sought-after events of Gabrielle Bernstein's live event last in July 2025. The venue was easy to get to as it was walking distance from Holborn and Coven Garden stations. I arrived early and saw Gabby come out of a car, greeting us and amazed at all the people waiting in the queue. We were able to see her go into the theatre in preparation of the show. They also sold Gabby's new books. The seats were good. I enjoyed every moment of her live show. Such a memory.
— Hamida Khanom
5.0· 2 months ago
My Neighbour Totoro was absolutely wonderful. The staging and puppetry were incredibly imaginative and a joy to watch. Because of a Tube delay, we arrived a few minutes late and had to watch the first 10–15 minutes on a screen, but the staff were incredibly helpful and escorted us to our seats as soon as we were allowed in. We didn’t feel like we’d missed much at all. We were seated in the very front row on the side, which gave us an amazing up-close view of the stage design and puppetry—seeing it so closely really enhanced the experience. I highly recommend this show.
— Chiho Sharp
5.0· 4 months ago
Saw My Neighbor Totoro and honestly loved it. The seats in the upper circle were really good – comfy and I could see everything perfectly. I was honestly shocked at how good Totoro looked on stage, it was amazing! The acting was really strong, and everyone did such a great job bringing the characters to life. The singer and the musicians were incredible too – they added so much energy and really made the show feel magical. Definitely a brilliant night out and would totally recommend it!
— Ashley Thompson

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: Standing At The Sky's Edge, Gillian Lynne Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

4 March 2024

View listing

REVIEW: Crazy For You, Gillian Lynne Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

7 July 2023

View listing

Nearby venues

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best seats at the Gillian Lynne Theatre?

The best seats are in the central Stalls, a few rows back from the front, where you sit square to the thrust stage with a clear, close view. The Stalls are steeply raked and free of pillars, so central seats further back also keep excellent sightlines. The central rows of the Circle offer a good elevated alternative.

Which seats have restricted views at the Gillian Lynne Theatre?

Because the stage thrusts into the auditorium, seats down the far sides of both the Stalls and the Circle face the action side on and see less of the full staging. Safety rails cross the mid-Stalls aisles, a rail runs along the front row of the Circle, and handrails border the Circle side sections, so it is worth checking a seat view before booking an end or side seat.

How many seats does the Gillian Lynne Theatre have?

The Gillian Lynne Theatre seats around 1,295 people across two levels, the Stalls and the Circle. The Stalls are the larger level and the Circle sits above with a raised, curved view of the stage.

Is there step-free access and accessible seating at the Gillian Lynne Theatre?

Yes, there is step-free access to the venue and a lift gives level access to the Stalls for access patrons. There are dedicated wheelchair spaces with companion seats in Row P of the Stalls, and staff can advise on seats suitable for transferring from a wheelchair.

What is the best value section for My Neighbour Totoro?

The best value is the central Stalls a little further back, where prices ease while the raked, unobstructed sightlines stay strong. The central rows of the Circle are also good value, giving an elevated view for less than the premium Stalls, and angled side seats in either level are cheaper again.

What's on at Gillian Lynne Theatre?

The current production at Gillian Lynne Theatre is My Neighbour Totoro. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to Gillian Lynne Theatre?

The nearest tube station is Covent Garden, Holborn.

Where is Gillian Lynne Theatre?

Gillian Lynne Theatre is located at 166 Drury Lane, Camden WC2B 5PW.

How can I contact Gillian Lynne Theatre?

You can call Gillian Lynne Theatre on 020 3925 2998. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

What are the box office hours at Gillian Lynne Theatre?

The Gillian Lynne Theatre box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Thursday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Friday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Saturday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Sunday: 12:00 – 5:45 PM. Right now the box office is closed · opens 12pm. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is Gillian Lynne Theatre accessible?

Gillian Lynne Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets, wheelchair-accessible parking. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

How big is Gillian Lynne Theatre?

Gillian Lynne Theatre has a capacity of Around 1,295 (two levels) — small enough to feel intimate but large enough to host major productions.