The Aldwych Theatre
The Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF

Nearest underground:
Temple (Disctrict Line, Circle Line), Holborn (Central Line, Piccadilly Line)

Nearest rail:
Charing Cross

Few theatres can have had such a varied history as the Aldwych theatre, which was home for many years to both the legendary Aldwych Farces and the Royal Shakespeare Company.  From 1925 to 1933, a series of Ben Travers’ farces won the Aldwych a reputation as king of English farce, with memorable roles by Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn, Robertson Hare, Mary Brough and Winifried Shotter.  In 1960 The Royal Shakespeare Company took up its first London tenancy there, and with big hits like the Wars of the Roses and Nicholas Nickleby, set new standards in Shakespearian drama.

The 1,200-seat Aldwych was built in 1905 as a twin of the Strand Theatre by American impresario Charles Frohman and Seymour Hicks, who starred in its opening productions.  Upon its opening The Era magazine reported that “One of the innovations that will be greatly appreciated by the male members of the audience is a commodious smokers’ gallery above the entrance hall”.  The theatre’s handsome Georgian and French baroque interior and its gilt embellishments have remained unchanged.  Throughout its history it has had some definitive moments, such as the first English performance of Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard in 1909.

What's on at Aldwych Theatre

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