Sondheim Theatre

Sondheim Theatre is a London theatre venue featured on British Theatre. Explore upcoming shows

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and ticket-booking insights before your visit.

The Sondheim Theatre (formerly The Queen’s Theatre) opened on 8 October 1907. Its inaugural play

a comedy entitled Sugar Bowl

closed after 36 performances and follow-up shows faired equally poorly. The theatre changed hands in 1909 and finally had a big hit in 1914 with Potash and Perlmutter. The 1920s brought controversial productions of The Fanatics and The Trial of Mary Dugan (where the theatre was altered to look like a courthouse)

as well as John Mills’ West End debut playing Hamlet. The theatre continued to put on successful productions (including a season of plays presented by John Gielgud in 1937) until it received a direct hit during a German bombing raid in 1940. The lobby areas were completely destroyed

and the theatre remained closed until its restoration 20 years later. The 1960s and 1970s brought many memorable productions

including A Suite of Three Keys (Noel Coward’s final stage appearance)

the first European production of The Odd Couple

The Card

The Old Country and The Dresser. 1982 brought the transfer of Another Country

which featured a cast that included (at various points in its run) Kenneth Branagh

Daniel Day-Lewis

Colin Firth

and Rupert Everett. The theatre has hosted Les Miserable since 2004

after it transferred from the Palace Theatre following an 18-year run. In 2019

Les Miserables moved a few doors down to the Gielgud Theatre in an all-star concert version so that renovations on the theatre could be carried out. At that time it was announced by Delfont Mackintosh (the theatre's owners) that the theatre would be re-named the Sondheim Theatre in honour of legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim). An all-new production of Les Miserables opened in December 2019 replacing Trevor Nunn and John Caird's award-winning original RSC production.

Les Misérables (12 April 2004 - Present)

The Tamer Tamed (22 January 2004 - 6 March 2004)

The Taming of the Shrew (15 January 2004 - 6 March 2004)

Cyberjam (23 September 2003 - 3 January 2004)

The Rocky Horror Show (23 June 2003 - 5 July 2003)

Contact (23 October 2002 - 10 May 2003)

Umoja: The Spirit of Togetherness (18 June 2002 - 31 August 2002)

Mysteries (26 February 2002 - 18 May 2002)

The Hobbit (28 November 2001 - 9 February 2002)

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the foyer.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium. Sign interpreted and captioned performances available.

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.