Gillian Lynne Theatre

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Gillian Lynne Theatre

Upcoming Performances

  • Fri 12 Dec
    19:00
  • Sat 13 Dec
    14:00, 19:00
  • Sun 14 Dec
    14:00
  • Tue 16 Dec
    19:00
  • Wed 17 Dec
    19:00

About Gillian Lynne Theatre

Gillian Lynne Theatre is a modern 960-seat venue on Drury Lane, famous as the home of Cats for over 20 years. Built in 1973 on a site used for entertainment since Elizabethan times, it combines West End history with bold contemporary design. Today it hosts major musicals and dance-heavy productions in an auditorium with excellent sightlines and a lively Covent Garden location.
🏆 Notable Record

Cats ran from 1981 to 2002, becoming the longest-running West End musical of its time.

Venue Tips

✨ Best For

Dance-heavy productions, big classic musicals, and fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Perfect for Covent Garden visitors, families and theatre lovers.

💺 Best Seats

Stalls central for full choreography and orchestra immersion. Dress Circle front rows for a wide panoramic view of large ensemble numbers.

⚠️ Seats to Avoid

Side Stalls close to the stage can limit views of choreography. Back Dress Circle may feel distant for detail in dance-heavy scenes.

Things to Know Before You Go

Where is the Gillian Lynne Theatre located?

On Drury Lane, a short walk from Covent Garden and Holborn stations.

Which Tube stations are closest?

Covent Garden and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines). Tottenham Court Road is also nearby.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before the performance to pass through security and enjoy bars and foyer.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code. Smart-casual is common for evening performances.

Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Accessible seating and staff assistance are available — book in advance.

Does the theatre have a bar?

Yes, bars serve drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.

🤓 Fun Facts

Cats premiered here in 1981 and ran for 21 years, becoming the longest-running musical in West End history at the time.

The music video for Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ was filmed in the theatre in 1977, with a mini-concert for fans.

The theatre’s original venue was associated with Nell Gwynn in the 17th century.

It briefly served as a TV studio, hosting BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Eurovision selection shows.

The theatre was renamed in 2018 in honour of Dame Gillian Lynne, the choreographer of Cats — the first West End theatre named after a woman.

Venue Location

Nearest Tube Stations

  • Holborn Central, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.28 km
  • Covent Garden Piccadilly Zone 1 0.29 km
  • Tottenham Court Road Northern, Central Zone 1 0.55 km