Shaftesbury Theatre in West End to be renamed JUDI DENCH THEATRE
Photo credit: Shaftesbury Theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, has announced that the theatre will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in honour of Dame Judi Dench.
The renaming, set to take place in February 2027, celebrates Dame Judi’s unparalleled contribution to British theatre and the performing arts, marking a historic moment for one of the West End’s most iconic stages.
This tribute to one of the greatest actors of our time, will ensure Dame Judi's legacy continues to inspire future generations of performers and audiences alike.
Dame Judi Dench said: “The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming. Live theatre continues to be so important as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, something I have aimed to do all my working life.”
A grade II listed building, built in 1911 and originally named New Prince’s Theatre, it was the first steel frame theatre in the West End and is the only London theatre with a dome which opens. In 1962, the theatre was renamed Shaftesbury Theatre due to the original Shaftesbury Theatre (further along Shaftesbury Avenue) being destroyed in the Blitz.
This next phrase of the renovation will include restoration of the dome in the auditorium where a specially commissioned painting will take inspiration from the original, renewal of some of the decorative designs alongside the next phase of auditorium redecoration and recarpeting. This period will also see other improvement works in the theatre including enhancing backstage areas.
Avenue Q currently is booking until 3 January 2027.
Scheduled refurbishment, which has already begun, will continue to early 2027. The theatre remains open during this period performing to two levels whilst the work is carried out.
For more info on the Shaftesbury Theatre, please click here.