A hospitable welcome awaits as the Shaftesbury Theatre reopens

An historic theatre in the West End has reopened after an extension, writes Molly Pavord.

The Shaftesbury Theatre has undergone building work which will transform the once “passive” theatre experience.

Its new events space, named the 1911 has on-site catering facilities, a bar, and is available for bookings of up to 50-225 people for breakfast, meetings, briefings and receptions.

Chief executive James Williams said: “Theatre can be very inward looking and we hope that we are not like that.

“For more than 110 years, Shaftesbury Theatre has been the home of distinctiveness, openness, and originality.

We take pride in providing our guests with exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.

“With the opening of The 1911, people and businesses will be able to benefit from that wealth of experience, breadth of knowledge, and our commitment to creating one-of-a-kind events.

“A constant flow of people, that it what gives us our life blood.”

The event space commemorates the theatre’s inaugural year, 1911 when brothers Frederick and Walter Melville commissioned Bertie Crewe to design what was then known as The New Princes Theatre.

The theatre has a rich history of delivering high quality, popular musicals through the ages from early 20th century classics such as Funny Face, to Hollywood favourites such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and more modern hits like Hairspray.

Its stage has seen the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Amanda Holden and Chita Rivera.

The venues ever-evolving nature is aptly reflected in its current musical & Juliet which transports Shakespeare into a modern context by turning his penchant for complicated plots and cross-dressing on its head in a bold and spectacular exploration of female empowerment and LGBTQ+ issues.

Since opening for its world premiere in 2019, the production has won three Olivier awards, six WhatsOnStage awards and a Black British theatre Award for Best Female Actor in a musical. It will continue until March before its move to Broadway.

Commercial director Gary England said: “The Shaftesbury has a history of accessible but challenging musicals”.

With dazzling music and choreography incorporated into an ambitious set design, & Juliet certainly lives up to this legacy.

 

Picture: Shaftsbury Theatre reopens with new hospitality rooms / Picture: Shaftsbury Theatre