Shaftesbury Theatre

Address:
Holborn end of Shaftesbury Avenue
London,

BUILT: 1911

SEATING CAPACITY: 1300

Shaftesbury Theatre History

The Shaftesbury was the last theatre to be built on Shaftesbury Avenue and was originally named The Princes Theatre. Opening in 1911, it has seen many notable productions and famous faces over the last century and it’s now the largest independent theatre in the West End. Notable shows over the earlier decades include Sarah Bernhardt in Daniel (1921), Sybil Thorndike and Henry Ainley in Macbeth (1926) and Funny Face with Fred Astaire (1928). Then followed a period of change when manager Firth Shepard produced successful shows described as a ‘medley of mirth and music’ like Merrie England (1934 and 1945), Fun and Games (1941) and The Shepard Show (1939 and 1946). The Theatre remained open, despite two occasions of bomb damage, during the Second World War, offering audiences a cultural programme of international talent such as Serge Diaghaleff’s Ballet featuring Margot Fonteyn and the Sadler’s Wells Opera and Ballet.

Shows at the Shaftesbury Theatre

DATES PRODUCTION

3/20/2026 - 8/29/2026 Avenue Q (2026)
Click Here to Buy Tickets

5/12/2023 - 4/26/2025 Mrs. Doubtfire (2023)

6/30/2021 - 9/5/2021 Be More Chill (2021)

11/2/2019 - & Juliet (2021)

2/11/2016 - 10/22/2016 Motown the Musical (2016)

9/30/2013 - 1/1/0000 From Here to Eternity (2013)

3/6/2013 - 1/1/0000 Burn the Floor (2013)

8/31/2011 - 1/17/2013 Rock of Ages (2011)

9/24/2010 - 1/15/2011 Flashdance The Musical (2010)

10/11/2007 - 3/28/2010 Hairspray (2007)

9/21/2006 - Daddy Cool (2006)

10/10/2005 - 1/21/2006 High Society (2005)

4/14/2005 - 9/17/2005 The Far Pavilions (2005)

8/18/2004 - 1/15/2005 Bat Boy (2004)

10/21/2003 - 6/26/2004 Thoroughly Modern Millie (2003)

6/26/2003 - 9/20/2003 Calamity Jane (2003)

9/17/2002 - 1/11/2003 125th Street (2002)

8/20/2001 - 10/13/2001 Peggy Sue Got Married (2001)

10/17/2000 - 2/3/2001 Napoleon (2000)

12/13/1999 - 2/26/2000 Casper (1999)

5/12/1998 - 10/30/1999 Rent (1998)

3/5/1996 - 2/8/1997 Tommy (1996)

11/23/1994 - 11/23/1994 Out of the Blue (1994)

9/16/1993 - 3/27/1994 Carousel (1992)

10/20/1992 - 7/17/1993 Kiss of the Spider Woman (1992)

7/21/1987 - 2/4/1989 Follies (1987)

12/17/1983 - 2/4/1984 Aladdin (1983)

10/1/1980 - 5/8/1982 They're Playing Our Song (1980)

1/1/1979 - 1/1/1979 Irma La Douce (1979)

12/7/1977 - 12/7/1977 Drake's Dream (1977)

10/12/1977 - 10/12/1977 Maggie (1977)

6/8/1976 - 6/8/1976 Liza of Lambeth (1976)

10/1/1975 - 10/1/1975 Dad's Army (1975)

9/27/1968 - 9/27/1968 Hair (1968)

12/20/1965 - 12/20/1965 Twang! (1965)

12/22/1964 - 12/22/1964 Our Man Crichton (1964)

3/28/1963 - 3/28/1963 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1963)

9/14/1937 - 9/14/1937 Crazy Days (1937)

1/13/1936 - 1/13/1936 Fritzi (1935)

11/14/1934 - 11/14/1934 Lucky Break (1934)

4/4/1928 - 4/4/1928 Will o' the Whispers (1928)

6/29/1927 - 6/29/1927 Castles in the Air (1927)

11/17/1926 - 11/17/1926 My Son John (1926)

9/8/1926 - 9/8/1926 Just a Kiss (1926)

4/3/1926 - 4/3/1926 Betty in Mayfair (1925)

2/17/1926 - 2/17/1926 Wildflower (1926)

8/25/1925 - 8/25/1925 Dear Little Billie (1925)

6/9/1925 - 6/9/1925 Clo-Clo (1925)

5/12/1924 - 5/12/1924 Toni (1924)

8/30/1923 - 8/30/1923 Katinka (1923)

5/30/1923 - 5/30/1923 Stop Flirting (1923)

9/27/1920 - 9/27/1920 Oh, Julie (1920)

9/25/1919 - 9/25/1919 Baby Bunting (1919)

9/6/1917 - 9/6/1917 Arlette (1917)

12/22/1916 - 12/22/1916 Three Cheers (1916)

9/14/1916 - 9/14/1916 The Light Blues (1916)

3/1/1916 - 3/1/1916 My Lady Frayle (1916)

6/4/1914 - 6/4/1914 The Cinema Star (1914)

9/25/1913 - 9/25/1913 The Pearl Girl (1913)

2/18/1913 - 2/18/1913 Oh! Oh! Delphine (1913)

5/11/1912 - 5/11/1912 Princess Caprice (1912)

9/9/1911 - 9/9/1911 The Mousmé (1911)

4/28/1909 - 4/28/1909 The Arcadians (1909)

5/1/1907 - 5/1/1907 Lady Tatters (1907)

3/17/1906 - 3/17/1906 Mr. Popple of Ippleton (1905)

5/16/1903 - 5/16/1903 In Dahomey (1903)

1/21/1903 - 1/21/1903 From Sword of Song (1903)

7/11/1900 - 7/11/1900 The Casino Girl (1900)

4/25/1900 - 4/25/1900 The American Beauty (1900)

1/1/1900 - 1/1/1900 The Mystical Miss (1900)

4/9/1899 - 4/9/1899 The Fortune Teller (1899)

4/12/1898 - 4/12/1898 The Belle of New York (1898)

3/31/1897 - 3/31/1897 The Yashmak (1897)

4/13/1893 - 4/13/1893 Morocco Bound (1893)

1/14/1893 - 1/14/1893 La Rosière (1893)

12/22/1892 - 12/22/1892 Joan of Arc (1892)

- Lautrec (2000)

- Kismet (1978)

- Memphis (2014)

- Motown the Musical (unknown)

- Laughing Eyes (1919)

- My Sister and I (1931)

News

Cast Set For ROMEO & JULIET and THE LITTLE MERMAID at Greenwich Theatre This Summer Photo

Cast Set For ROMEO & JULIET and THE LITTLE MERMAID at Greenwich Theatre This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026

Greenwich Theatre Productions announced casting for its inaugural season, featuring rep productions of ROMEO & JULIET and THE LITTLE MERMAID: SONG OF THE SEA, starring Ava Honey, Blossom Timothy, Nikita Johal, and Charlotte Harwood.

Tickets on Sale This Week For & JULIET in Vancouver Photo

Tickets on Sale This Week For & JULIET in Vancouver
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026

Broadway Across Canada has announced that tickets for & Juliet will go on sale this week for eight performances this fall in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

& JULIET Tickets to Go on Sale at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Photo

& JULIET Tickets to Go on Sale at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 2, 2026

Broadway Across Canada announced tickets for the North American tour of & JULIET will go on sale for an Edmonton engagement at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Tom Francis Joins Cast of Apple Series THE OFF WEEKS Photo

Tom Francis Joins Cast of Apple Series THE OFF WEEKS
by Josh Sharpe - May 26, 2026

Tom Francis, who received a Tony nomination for his performance as Joe Gillis in the acclaimed Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard, will appear in a recurring role in Apple TV's upcoming limited series The Off Weeks.

AVENUE Q Extends Limited Run at The Shaftesbury Theatre Photo

AVENUE Q Extends Limited Run at The Shaftesbury Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2026

The 20th anniversary production of AVENUE Q has extended its limited run at London's Shaftesbury Theatre, with Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson Productions citing popular demand.

Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden Will Lead UK Tour of CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN T Photo

Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden Will Lead UK Tour of CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026

Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden will play Chris' parents in a new UK tour of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, opening at Birmingham Rep before touring nationally.

Photos: First Look at Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham in RIDE OR DIE Photo

Photos: First Look at Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham in RIDE OR DIE
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2026

Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham are starring and executive producing Ride or Die, a new action comedy series. Take a look at new photos from the series, which will debut all eight episodes on July 15.

Cast Set for LGBTQIA+ Musical MAY DAY at King's Head Theatre Photo

Cast Set for LGBTQIA+ Musical MAY DAY at King's Head Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026

Olivier Award nominee Jo Foster will lead the cast of MAY DAY, a new LGBTQIA+ musical at King's Head Theatre, joined by Tylan Grant, Gracie McGonigal, Joni Ayton-Kent, and Dillon Scott-Lewis.

Full Cast Set for HERCULES Final Extension at Theatre Royal Drury Lane Photo

Full Cast Set for HERCULES Final Extension at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

Disney Theatrical Group announced the full company for the final extension of HERCULES at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with Bradley Gibson leading as the title character alongside newly announced cast members joining the production.

John Partridge Will Star as Hannibal Lecter in World Premiere UK Tour of THE SILENCE Photo

John Partridge Will Star as Hannibal Lecter in World Premiere UK Tour of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

John Partridge, known for EastEnders and West End roles, will star as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the world stage premiere of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, adapted by Gina Gionfriddo and directed by Nikolai Foster.

RENT Will Return to the West End to Celebrate 30th Anniversary Photo

RENT Will Return to the West End to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026

A new production of Rent is set to open in the West End in Autumn 2026. The show was teased with an Instagram post on the official account for the forthcoming production.

Samantha Barks, Cedric Neal, John Owen-Jones, and More Will Lead THEATRE ROYALTY DRUR Photo

Samantha Barks, Cedric Neal, John Owen-Jones, and More Will Lead THEATRE ROYALTY DRURY LANE Concert
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2026

A one-night-only concert, THEATRE ROYALTY DRURY LANE, hosted by Brian Conley, will bring together West End stars including Samantha Barks, John Owen-Jones, and Rachel Tucker at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 20, 2026- SCHMIGADOON! First Look and More Photo

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 20, 2026- SCHMIGADOON! First Look and More
by - Apr 20, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 20, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

Review Roundup: AVENUE Q Returns to The West End Photo

Review Roundup: AVENUE Q Returns to The West End
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Apr 17, 2026

On Avenue Q, puppets and people intermingle in this show about the trials and tribulations of life as a grown-up: love, sex, money, race, and how to tell your roommate he’s gay. After two decades, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q has returned to the West End in all its glory. With original Broadway director Jason Moore and original puppet designer Rick Lyon, a brand new cast takes on the puppet show with a difference.

Review: AVENUE Q, Shaftesbury Theatre Photo

Review: AVENUE Q, Shaftesbury Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Apr 17, 2026

The puppet show pumped full of profanity is back. Jason Moore's outrageous Avenue Q premiered in the West End two decades ago, bringing issues such as racism, the housing crisis and youth identity crisis to the stage in a unique and incredibly clever format. Oh yes, and there is explicit puppet sex too.

Jamie Muscato and Joy Woods Will Lead CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB in London Photo

Jamie Muscato and Joy Woods Will Lead CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB in London
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026

New casting has been announced for the West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB. West End star and Olivier Award nominee Jamie Muscato will play Emcee and Tony and Grammy Award nominated Broadway star Joy Woods will play Sally Bowles.

Photos: AVENUE Q Returns to the West End Photo

Photos: AVENUE Q Returns to the West End
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2026

All new photos have been released for the West End return of AVENUE Q, bringing the original Broadway puppets to the Shaftesbury Theatre for a strictly limited season. Check out the photos below!

LOVE NEVER DIES in Concert Will Return to the London Palladium Photo

LOVE NEVER DIES in Concert Will Return to the London Palladium
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2026

The concert production of Love Never Dies directed by Shaun Kerrison, will return, playing at the London Palladium on 16 & 17 October 2026. Learn more about the production here!

Interview: Fabiola Caraballo Quijada of & JULIET at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place De Photo

Interview: Fabiola Caraballo Quijada of & JULIET at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place Des Arts
by Noelle Hannibal - Mar 16, 2026

Born in Venezuela and raised in Texas, Fabiola Caraballo Quijada is starring as Juliet in the National Tour of the hit Broadway musical, & JULIET. I had the chance to chat with the three-time Jimmy Award Nominee & Winner of the 2025 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress just prior to & JULIET landing in Montreal, where it will run at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X 1Y9 from March 17 – March 22.

Photos: AVENUE Q In Rehearsal Ahead of West End Return at Shaftesbury Theatre Photo

Photos: AVENUE Q In Rehearsal Ahead of West End Return at Shaftesbury Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2026

Rehearsal images have been released for the West End return of AVENUE Q, which will play a strictly limited season at the Shaftesbury Theatre beginning Friday 20 March 2026.

Shaftesbury Theatre Frequently Asked Questions

What show is currently in Shaftesbury Theatre?

Shaftesbury Theatre's current show is Avenue Q which began performances on 03/20/2026

What when was Shaftesbury Theatre built?

Shaftesbury Theatre was built in 1911.

How many seats does Shaftesbury Theatre have?

Shaftesbury Theatre has 1300 seats.

What were the longest running shows at Shaftesbury Theatre?

Motown the Musical which ran from 02/11/2016 to 04/20/2019, Hairspray which ran from 10/30/2007 to 03/28/2010, Rock of Ages which ran from 09/27/2011 to 11/02/2013, and Mrs. Doubtfire which ran from 05/12/2023 to 04/26/2025

What show is next for Shaftesbury Theatre?

Shaftesbury Theatre's next show is Avenue Q which begins performances on 3/20/2026.

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Shows at the Shaftesbury Theatre
DATES			PRODUCTION
3/20/2026	-	8/29/2026	Avenue Q (2026) Click Here to Buy Tickets
5/12/2023	-	4/26/2025	Mrs. Doubtfire (2023)
6/30/2021	-	9/5/2021	Be More Chill (2021)
11/2/2019	-		& Juliet (2021)
2/11/2016	-	10/22/2016	Motown the Musical (2016)
9/30/2013	-	1/1/0000	From Here to Eternity (2013)
3/6/2013	-	1/1/0000	Burn the Floor (2013)
8/31/2011	-	1/17/2013	Rock of Ages (2011)
9/24/2010	-	1/15/2011	Flashdance The Musical (2010)
10/11/2007	-	3/28/2010	Hairspray (2007)
9/21/2006	-		Daddy Cool (2006)
10/10/2005	-	1/21/2006	High Society (2005)
4/14/2005	-	9/17/2005	The Far Pavilions (2005)
8/18/2004	-	1/15/2005	Bat Boy (2004)
10/21/2003	-	6/26/2004	Thoroughly Modern Millie (2003)
6/26/2003	-	9/20/2003	Calamity Jane (2003)
9/17/2002	-	1/11/2003	125th Street (2002)
8/20/2001	-	10/13/2001	Peggy Sue Got Married (2001)
10/17/2000	-	2/3/2001	Napoleon (2000)
12/13/1999	-	2/26/2000	Casper (1999)
5/12/1998	-	10/30/1999	Rent (1998)
3/5/1996	-	2/8/1997	Tommy (1996)
11/23/1994	-	11/23/1994	Out of the Blue (1994)
9/16/1993	-	3/27/1994	Carousel (1992)
10/20/1992	-	7/17/1993	Kiss of the Spider Woman (1992)
7/21/1987	-	2/4/1989	Follies (1987)
12/17/1983	-	2/4/1984	Aladdin (1983)
10/1/1980	-	5/8/1982	They're Playing Our Song (1980)
1/1/1979	-	1/1/1979	Irma La Douce (1979)
12/7/1977	-	12/7/1977	Drake's Dream (1977)
10/12/1977	-	10/12/1977	Maggie (1977)
6/8/1976	-	6/8/1976	Liza of Lambeth (1976)
10/1/1975	-	10/1/1975	Dad's Army (1975)
9/27/1968	-	9/27/1968	Hair (1968)
12/20/1965	-	12/20/1965	Twang! (1965)
12/22/1964	-	12/22/1964	Our Man Crichton (1964)
3/28/1963	-	3/28/1963	How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1963)
9/14/1937	-	9/14/1937	Crazy Days (1937)
1/13/1936	-	1/13/1936	Fritzi (1935)
11/14/1934	-	11/14/1934	Lucky Break (1934)
4/4/1928	-	4/4/1928	Will o' the Whispers (1928)
6/29/1927	-	6/29/1927	Castles in the Air (1927)
11/17/1926	-	11/17/1926	My Son John (1926)
9/8/1926	-	9/8/1926	Just a Kiss (1926)
4/3/1926	-	4/3/1926	Betty in Mayfair (1925)
2/17/1926	-	2/17/1926	Wildflower (1926)
8/25/1925	-	8/25/1925	Dear Little Billie (1925)
6/9/1925	-	6/9/1925	Clo-Clo (1925)
5/12/1924	-	5/12/1924	Toni (1924)
8/30/1923	-	8/30/1923	Katinka (1923)
5/30/1923	-	5/30/1923	Stop Flirting (1923)
9/27/1920	-	9/27/1920	Oh, Julie (1920)
9/25/1919	-	9/25/1919	Baby Bunting (1919)
9/6/1917	-	9/6/1917	Arlette (1917)
12/22/1916	-	12/22/1916	Three Cheers (1916)
9/14/1916	-	9/14/1916	The Light Blues (1916)
3/1/1916	-	3/1/1916	My Lady Frayle (1916)
6/4/1914	-	6/4/1914	The Cinema Star (1914)
9/25/1913	-	9/25/1913	The Pearl Girl (1913)
2/18/1913	-	2/18/1913	Oh! Oh! Delphine (1913)
5/11/1912	-	5/11/1912	Princess Caprice (1912)
9/9/1911	-	9/9/1911	The Mousmé (1911)
4/28/1909	-	4/28/1909	The Arcadians (1909)
5/1/1907	-	5/1/1907	Lady Tatters (1907)
3/17/1906	-	3/17/1906	Mr. Popple of Ippleton (1905)
5/16/1903	-	5/16/1903	In Dahomey (1903)
1/21/1903	-	1/21/1903	From Sword of Song (1903)
7/11/1900	-	7/11/1900	The Casino Girl (1900)
4/25/1900	-	4/25/1900	The American Beauty (1900)
1/1/1900	-	1/1/1900	The Mystical Miss (1900)
4/9/1899	-	4/9/1899	The Fortune Teller (1899)
4/12/1898	-	4/12/1898	The Belle of New York (1898)
3/31/1897	-	3/31/1897	The Yashmak (1897)
4/13/1893	-	4/13/1893	Morocco Bound (1893)
1/14/1893	-	1/14/1893	La Rosière (1893)
12/22/1892	-	12/22/1892	Joan of Arc (1892)
	-		Lautrec (2000)
	-		Kismet (1978)
	-		Memphis (2014)
	-		Motown the Musical (unknown)
	-		Laughing Eyes (1919)
	-		My Sister and I (1931)