St James' Theatre To Open In London From Sept 2012

St. James Theatre, the first newly built theatre complex in central London in 30 years, will open to the public in September 2012.  Rising from the site of the former Westminster Theatre at 12 Palace Street, in the heart of Victoria, the space will include a 312 seat theatre, a studio space, brasserie and bar. Entirely funded by private investment, and designed and built to the highest standards, St. James Theatre will be one of the most luxurious venues in which to enjoy ambitious, quality theatre programming.

The venue’s management and creative team is at work producing the first season, which will be announced in April 2012. David Gilmore, Artistic Director, and James Albrecht, Assistant Artistic Director, will produce a varied programme to include musicals, comedies and classic revivals as well as offering a London venue to touring and regional productions.

The studio space, which will hold 150 standing or 100 seated, will present one-night and short-run comedy and live music including jazz and cabaret.

St. James Theatre will be a vibrant addition to the London cultural scene offering an unusual location for conferences and special events, with the bar and brasserie open for all-day dining. Additionally, the theatre has been fitted with state-of-the-art multi-media broadcast facilities which will be used to broadcast performances on the venues own BSkyB satellite TV channel.

Foster Wilson Architects have designed the theatre and accompanying public spaces and the interior design has been overseen by Lambart & Browne. Artist and designer Mark Humphrey has been commissioned to design a remarkable staircase installation which will form a focal point in the public areas.

The venue's management team includes Robert Mackintosh as joint CEO and Creative Director, the previously mentioned David Gilmore and James Albrecht with Guy Kitchenn as Executive Theatre Director and Lady Lucy French as Director of Development.

Members of the public can register their interest in hearing more about the theatre's plans by logging on to www.stjamestheatre.co.uk