If the walls of the Adelphi Theatre could talk, they'd regale you with stories of theatrical triumphs, ghostly apparitions, and a touch of scandal, all found within the iconic Art Deco facade on London's Strand. Co-owned with the Nederlander Group, the Adelphi Theatre, now a Grade II listed building, is the fourth theatre to grace this historic site since its opening over two centuries ago.
The story begins in 1806 when businessman John Scott opened the Sans Pareil, primarily to showcase his daughter Jane Scott's talents. And talents she had! Jane dazzled audiences with over 50 original works, from farces to melodramas, forever altering the British theatre landscape by making it accessible to all social classes. When Jane retired in 1819, her father sold the theatre, and it was reborn as the Adelphi, named after the Adelphi Buildings opposite.
In the early 19th century, the Adelphi became infamous for its sensational melodramas, dubbed the "Adelphi screamers." The theatre thrived on controversy, drawing in crowds with productions like Pierce Egan's "Tom and Jerry; or Life in London," which outraged Methodists but delighted the public. Dickensian adaptations became a staple, cementing the Adelphi's reputation as a hotspot for compelling drama.
The theatre saw significant changes under the Gatti brothers in 1901, who rebuilt it entirely. This era heralded the arrival of musicals, with hits like "The Quaker Girl" and "Evergreen" taking the stage. Despite a near-miss with being turned into a Woolworths in 1955, the Adelphi survived and thrived, becoming synonymous with musical theatre in the late 20th century under Andrew Lloyd Webber's ownership.
Today, the Adelphi continues to host a variety of blockbuster shows. From the record-breaking "Chicago" to the Olivier Award-winning "Kinky Boots," and the electrifying "Back to the Future: The Musical," the theatre remains a vibrant part of London's West End. And if you feel a chill down your spine, remember the ghost of actor William Terris might just be keeping an eye on the proceedings.
Access at The Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi Theatre is dedicated to understanding the potential access requirements of all visitors and committed to improving accessibility.
How do I book an accessible seat?
By Phone
Please call 020 3925 2998 to be put through to the relevant Box Office. Phone lines are open from 10am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday.
In Person
The Adelphi Theatre is open from midday on show days.
By Email
Please email: access@lwtheatres.co.uk and a member of the Box Office will get back to you as soon as possible.
Online
Members of the LW Theatres Access Scheme can book tickets for a companion, and Personal Assistant tickets online for all Resident Musical productions as well as for most Gigs and Concerts. For a step by step guide on how to book online please visit the Access Scheme Page. Details about becoming a member of the LW Access scheme can be found here on our LW Access Scheme page.
Further Information: Adelphi Theatre | Official Box Office | LW Theatres
Details
- Address:
- 18-20 Maiden Lane
- WC2E 7NA
- Contact:
- 020 7344 0055
- Transport:
- Railway station: Charing Cross Bus numbers: (Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176