The Shaftesbury Theatre completed West End’s Shaftesbury Avenue, being the last venue to be built on this famous stretch of theatres. Originally named The Prince’s Theatre, it opened in 1911 and has hosted many notable productions over the last century as a well-known London theatre.

In 1973, part of the theatre’s roof collapsed and there were calls for the site to be redeveloped. Through a campaign it was saved, and also attained a Grade II status to protect the original building and ensure the ground wasn’t repurposed in the future. This was a crucial moment in the theatre’s history, and well worthwhile considering that is now proudly the largest independent theatre in London.

The Shaftesbury Theatre’s opening in 1911 began with a production of ‘The Three Musketeers’ and has hosted a wide variety of shows ever since. It is currently owned by the Theatre of Comedy Company, which purchased the venue in 1984 and is proudly the largest independent theatre in London.

In 2006, the venue underwent a massive refurbishment, with new seats being installed in the auditorium to expand its capacity to 1,400. Since the work on the theatre was completed, it has hosted shows including the most successful production in its history- the European premiere of multi Olivier Award-winning musical, ‘Hairspray’.