Designed by W. G. R. Sprague, the Aldwych Theatre is paired with its elegant neighbour, the Novello Theatre. Its early days were marked by the uproarious Aldwych Farces, which kept audiences in stitches throughout the early 20th century.
The theatre gained prestige when Laurence Olivier directed Vivien Leigh in "A Streetcar Named Desire," captivating audiences with their electrifying performances. The Aldwych then became synonymous with high-caliber productions during the Royal Shakespeare Company's 21-year tenure starting in 1960, making it a crucible for theatrical excellence.
Today, under the auspices of the Nederlander Organization, which acquired it in 1982, the Aldwych Theatre continues entertain audiences with musical theatre. Recent hits include "Beautiful – The Carole King Musical," chronicling the life of the legendary songwriter, and the high-energy "Tina – The Tina Turner Musical," celebrating the queen of rock 'n' roll.
Inside, the theatre boasts a three-tiered auditorium: the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle.
Over its history, the Aldwych has hosted a myriad of notable productions. From the literary brilliance of Tom Stoppard’s "Jumpers" to the heartfelt performances in "Tom and Clem" by Sir Michael Gambon and Alec McCowen. Sam Mendes' acclaimed production of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," featuring Dame Judi Dench and Lesley Manville, further cemented its reputation as a cradle of theatrical artistry.
The 2000s saw the Aldwych transform into a musical theatre haven, with long-running sensations like "Dirty Dancing" and acclaimed shows such as "Top Hat," "Wolf Hall," and "Bring Up the Bodies," all gracing its stage. Currently, the theatre is home to the critically acclaimed "Tina – The Tina Turner Musical," which has been thrilling audiences since its world premiere in 2018.
Details
- Address:
- 49 Aldwych
- WC2B 4DF
- Transport:
- Bus numbers: (Aldwych) RV1, X68, 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243; (Strand) 4, 9, 15, 26, 76, 176, 341 Tube: Temple, Covent Garden, Holborn Train Station: Waterloo