Theatre owner announces opening of new West-End theatre @sohoplace

West End producer and theatre owner, Nica Burns, has announced the opening of @sohoplace, the first new-build West End theatre in 50 years.

It is the culmination of a 12-year project and the theatre will be operated by Nimax Theatres, opening this autumn.

The theatre is adjacent to the site of the old Astoria theatre which was demolished to build Crossrail.

The auditorium sits directly above Crossrail’s new Elizabeth line and the existing Northern and Central lines at Tottenham Court Road Tube station.

Totalling 285,000 sq ft it is a mixed development with the theatre at its heart, offices and retail and a new piazza.

Nica Burns said: “I wanted to create a theatre which could add a different dimension to our vibrant West End landscape.

“I asked our greatest theatre creatives two questions ‘If we could build a new theatre in the heart of the West End, what would you like it to be? What additional facilities would be on your wish list?’

“They dreamt of a flexible auditorium, perfect acoustics and audience / stage intimacy.

“An ability to create on-site with the dream of a rehearsal room, a Green Room and a bar all in the same building. So that’s what we built – with a few extras including an outside terrace.”

“The incredible team of engineers pulled off the greatest of structural feats, building over a major underground transport hub – a challenging place to build a theatre – achieving perfect acoustics and no vibrations.”

Pictured: Artist’s image of the theatre – Picture: AHMM Architecture