Venue

Strand, WC2R 0ET

Savoy Theatre

4.5 · 5.7k Google reviews Box office closed · opens 10am

The Savoy Theatre is a West End theatre in the Strand in the City of Westminster, London, England. The theatre was designed by C.

Book Paddington the Musical Open in Google Maps

Photos via Google. Attributions: Savoy Theatre, Neogly, Takashi Lu

Capacity

Around 1,150 (three levels)

Current attached shows

Google rating

4.5 ★ (5.7k)

Venue info

The Savoy Theatre is a West End theatre in the Strand in the City of Westminster, London, England. The theatre was designed by C.

History

Built on the site of the old Savoy Palace and opening on 10 October 1881, the Savoy Theatre was the first public building in the world to be lit solely by electricity. Its first production was Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience. The theatre would go on to present the final eight of their comic operas (such as The Mikado in 1885 and The Gondoliers in 1889), inspiring the phrase ‘Savoy Opera’ as a description for the genre.

The theatre would continue to host operatic performances until the early 20th Century. In December 1922, the theatre produced an adaptation of Treasure Island, which proved so popular it was revived every year until the beginning of the Second World War. After a brief closure in 1929, the theatre hosted regular seasons of Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as major non-musical works (for example, the premiere of Blithe Spirit in 1941, and the first public performances in England of Salome in 1931).

In 1990, a fire swept through the building, claiming everything except for the stage and backstage areas. Thanks to the preservation of the original plans, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1993. The 1990s and 2000s played host to a mixture of Gilbert and Sullivan revivals, and successful dramatic works (like The Importance of Being Oscar and Hay Fever). More recently the theatre played host to the West End premiere of Legally Blonde, which ran from 2010-2012.

Past performances

Guys and Dolls (December 2015 - March 2016

Gypsy (March 2015 - November 2015)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (March 2014 - March 2015)

Let It Be (2013-14)
Cabaret (October 2012 – January 2013)

The Sunshine Boys (April 2012 - July 2012)

Legally Blonde (January 2010 – April 2012)

Carousel (November 2008 – June 2009)

Never Forget (May 2008 – November 2008)

Box office hours

Box office closed · opens 10am

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

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

Charing Cross, Embankment

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521

Parking

Masterpark Trafalgar Square. Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

Seating plan and where to sit

For the best view at the Savoy Theatre, aim for the central Stalls, front to mid, just before the Dress Circle overhang begins. If you would rather sit a little further back and take in the whole stage, the front rows of the Dress Circle give a lovely panoramic view. The auditorium holds around 1,150 across three levels: the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle.

Level	Best for	Worth knowing
Stalls	Closest to the stage, with strong sightlines from the central seats	Set below street level; the rear rows sit under the Dress Circle overhang, and the very ends of rows angle towards the side.
Dress Circle	The best overall view, with a panoramic sweep from the front rows	The very front and rear seats can catch a safety rail, and the deeper rear rows lose a little of the stage top.
Upper Circle	The most affordable seats, with a full view of the stage from height	The highest tier, so it is a long way up; rows F and G sit behind a safety rail, and it may not suit anyone wary of heights.

Best seats at the Savoy Theatre

The sweet spot for Paddington the Musical is the central Stalls, roughly front to mid, where you are close enough to catch the detail before the overhang starts. The front of the Dress Circle is the pick if you want the full picture, with a clear panoramic view and a touch more legroom in the very front row. The Savoy stage is fairly deep, so the action still reads well from a good way back.

Seats to check before you book

The Savoy is a deep, narrow auditorium, so a few areas are worth a second look. The rear Stalls sit beneath the Dress Circle overhang, which can clip the top of the stage, and the far ends of the Stalls rows angle towards the side. In the Dress Circle, the very front and rear seats can catch a safety rail, and the deepest rear rows lose a little height. In the Upper Circle, rows F and G sit behind a safety rail, and the whole level is high up.

Best value

The Upper Circle is the value choice: it is the cheapest tier and, thanks to the deep stage, it still offers a clear view of the whole production despite the distance. The back rows of the Dress Circle are another sensible pick if you want to see the entire stage without paying front-section prices. 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 Paddington the Musical.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the dress circle.

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium on both loop and conventional 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

Musicals

Paddington the Musical

Savoy Theatre

Full what's-on listing for Savoy Theatre

Previous productions

Musicals

4.8

Mean Girls

Savoy Theatre

Show

Cabaret

Savoy Theatre

Off-West End

Carousel

Savoy Theatre

Show

Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 the musical

Savoy Theatre

West End

Dreamgirls (Marisha Wallace)

Savoy Theatre

West End

Dreamgirls Original London Cast Recording

Savoy Theatre

West End

Funny Girl with Natasha J Barnes

Savoy Theatre

West End

Student Performer of the Year and Stiles and Drewe Prize

Savoy Theatre

What visitors say

1.0 · a month ago

Review is about the theatre not the shows. The worst theatre I've ever been in for comfort. Seats narrow and have 0 leg room. Im 5ft 7 and was uncomfortable for the 3 hours. It was ridiculously hot. Everyone was suffering being on top of each other. We were in the Grand Circle and when we showed our tickets outside we felt the woman was rude. Very much "you are in the cheapest seats go round.." Signage would have saved the embarrassment. We asked if we could go to the bar as thats why we arrived early. She said we could but we would have to come back and use the other external entrance to get to our seats. Fine. It was only when we ordered at the bar did they put an announcement out to say there are actually bars and toilets on every level. Why she didnt point this out was just rude. We've never been here before. The Paddington Musical was exceptional. This is no reflection on the shows you will see.

— JENNIFER WISEMAN

4.0 · a month ago

We went to see Paddington the Musical which was great! Our seats were in the Grand Circle and the view was good even with the safety rail. The leg room was rather cramped though. The theatre itself was ornate and rather beautiful, and of course being right next door to The Savoy theatre also makes it rather special.

— Ann Harris

5.0 · 2 months ago

My partner and I watched Paddington The Musical at The Savoy Theatre and truly believe it’s one of the best experiences we’ve done! The entire cast were brilliant, the set design was mesmerising and we experienced every emotion possible! We 100% recommend this to anybody wanting to create a beautiful memory! ✨🐻

— Jack Daniel

5.0 · 2 months ago

Had a fantastic time seeing Paddington. An amazing production, the cast were all great - especially Paddington (very cute!). We were sat in seats C4 C5 in the Dress Circle, had a clear view of the entire stage - would recommend bringing a marmalade sandwich or two 🥪

— Karen Alexander

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭

14 October 2023

View listing

REVIEW: Austentatious, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭

1 October 2018

View listing

REVIEW: Dreamgirls (Marisha Wallace), Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

6 January 2017

View listing

REVIEW: Dreamgirls, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

14 December 2016

View listing

REVIEW: Funny Girl with Natasha J Barnes, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

28 June 2016

View listing

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Frequently asked questions

Where are the best seats at the Savoy Theatre?

The best seats are in the central Stalls, from the front to the middle of the section, just before the Dress Circle overhang begins. The front rows of the Dress Circle are the top choice if you prefer a panoramic view of the whole stage.

Which seats have a restricted view at the Savoy Theatre?

The rear Stalls sit under the Dress Circle overhang, and the far ends of the Stalls rows angle towards the side. In the Upper Circle, rows F and G sit behind a safety rail, and in the Dress Circle a safety rail affects some of the very front and rear seats. The deepest rear rows also lose a little of the stage top.

How many seats does the Savoy Theatre have?

The Savoy Theatre seats around 1,150 people across three levels: the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle. The Stalls are the largest section, followed by the Dress Circle and then the Upper Circle.

Does the Savoy Theatre have step-free or accessible seating?

Wheelchair access is to the Dress Circle via the Carting Lane entrance, which is at street level. The Stalls are reached by a long flight of stairs from the foyer and are not suited to anyone with limited mobility, so it is best to contact the box office in advance to arrange a suitable space and any assistance you need.

What is the best value section for Paddington the Musical?

The Upper Circle is the best value, offering the cheapest tickets and a clear view of the whole stage from height, helped by the theatre's deep stage. The back rows of the Dress Circle are also good value while still showing the full stage.

What's on at Savoy Theatre?

The current production at Savoy Theatre is Paddington the Musical. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to Savoy Theatre?

The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, Embankment.

Where is Savoy Theatre?

Savoy Theatre is located at Strand, WC2R 0ET.

What are the box office hours at Savoy Theatre?

The Savoy Theatre box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: Closed. Right now the box office is closed · opens 10am. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is Savoy Theatre accessible?

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

How big is Savoy Theatre?

Savoy Theatre has a capacity of Around 1,150 (three levels) — small enough to feel intimate but large enough to host major productions.

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Savoy Theatre

Venue info

History

Past performances

Box office hours

Transport