Shaftesbury Theatre
No upcoming performances are currently listed for Shaftesbury Theatre.
What Visitors Say
What a tremendous venue. Love it And the show.....Just for one day, the story of Live Aid is out of this world. SUPERB. If you are a fan of the 80s music scene, regardless of your age, you are in for a real treat. This performance brought back so many memories, even a singing Maggie Thatcher makes a couple of appearances. 'Give us the tax back or I'll tell people not to vote for you...' Top performers, none stop 80s hits, with a story line that rocks. Loved every minute.
Christmas Eve show. Just For One Day. Amazing. Lovely theatre. It was great to do something for us on Christmas Eve other than work. Very tidy theatre and staff were accommodating. Drinks were priced as you would expect for London. Will come again.
lovely theatre, nice location, friendly helpful staff. saw live aid just for one day, absolutely loved it 💓brilliant, chap who played Bob was astounding , got him off to a tee, 10/10 and freddie Mercury was amazing goose bumps galore. I wanted to get up n dance to every song 😃 really enjoyed it, lady who played Maggie was hysterical and very entertaining 👏 I believe it is going on tour, so will definitely be seeing it again. slightly disappointed there was no encore, I had assumed they would have come on and sung feed the world at the end.
Nice theatre, doesn't seem as big as others but that's fine. Nice staff showing you where to go and to you seats. We were sat in the stalls and it was the beginning of January and very cold outside, it wasn't much warmer in the theatre but don't let that out you off.
This is a great theatre just a short walk from the hotel we were staying in. We were here for the Just for One Day play about the Live Aid Concert in 1985 which was absolutely brilliant. The seats we had were front row of the upper circle which were a bit cheaper than many others but we had a fantastic view and a great evening.
About Shaftesbury Theatre
Hair (1968–1973) became its most iconic run, helping define the theatre’s identity and influencing West End musical culture.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Big musicals, family crowds, first-time visitors to the West End and groups looking for high-energy nights near Covent Garden.
💺 Best Seats
Stalls centre for immersion and vocal clarity; Royal Circle front rows for the best elevated view of choreography; Grand Circle centre for strong value with panoramic sightlines.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Avoid far-side Grand Circle due to angle and distance, and any seats partially blocked by pillars or railings (marked at booking).
Things to Know Before You Go
Which seats are worth prioritising at Shaftesbury Theatre?
Stalls centre for immersion and vocal clarity; Royal Circle front rows for the best elevated view of choreography; Grand Circle centre for strong value with panoramic sightlines. For a safer booking, also note: Avoid far-side Grand Circle due to angle and distance, and any seats partially blocked by pillars or railings (marked at booking). Use that as editorial guidance rather than a guarantee; always check the live seating plan and any seat notes before paying.
Is Shaftesbury Theatre a good venue for seeing Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical?
Yes, if you book with the production's scale in mind. Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical is currently listed at Shaftesbury Theatre, so choose seats that suit this staging rather than simply buying the cheapest available ticket. For a first visit, a central view is the least risky option.
What kind of night out does Shaftesbury Theatre suit best?
Shaftesbury Theatre works best for Big musicals, family crowds, first-time visitors to the West End and groups looking for high-energy nights near Covent Garden. The right choice depends less on dress code and more on matching the room to the production: intimate plays reward proximity, while spectacle-led musicals usually benefit from a more centred overview.
What should I know about access before booking Shaftesbury Theatre?
Check the venue's official access page or box office before booking wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, step-free routes, companion seats or assisted performances. London venues vary sharply by level, and the most comfortable choice is often a specific access seat rather than a general price band.
How early should I arrive at Shaftesbury Theatre?
Aim to be at the doors around half an hour before the performance, and earlier if you need access support, cloakroom time, box-office collection or a quiet drink. For older West End buildings, late arrival can mean stairs, narrow foyers and a less relaxed start.
What is the easiest way to reach Shaftesbury Theatre?
Tottenham Court Road is the simplest station to check first. The venue address in our data is 210 Shaftesbury Avenue. For weekend visits, check engineering works and leave a little extra time around the West End and major transport hubs.
Where is the Shaftesbury Theatre located?
At 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Tottenham Court Road (4 minutes), Holborn (7 minutes), Covent Garden (6 minutes).
Which train station is nearest?
Charing Cross is the nearest major mainline station, around 15 minutes on foot.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain up to pass security checks and enjoy the foyer or bars.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code — smart casual is typical, but comfort is key.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Level access to foyer and wheelchair spaces in the Stalls. Accessible toilet available.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes, bars serve snacks and drinks before the show and during the interval.
Are bags checked at the entrance?
Yes, routine security includes bag checks. Large luggage is not permitted.
🤓 Fun Facts
Opened on Boxing Day 1911 as the New Prince’s Theatre with The Three Musketeers.
Renamed Shaftesbury Theatre in 1963 and is the only surviving original theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Hair ran here from 1968 to 1973 and famously closed early when a section of the ceiling collapsed.
The building was saved from redevelopment after a public campaign in the 1970s.
Owned by the Theatre of Comedy Company since 1984, whose founder was Ray Cooney.
A major 2006 refurbishment upgraded stage technology and comfort while preserving Edwardian features.
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Nearest Tube Stations
- Tottenham Court Road Northern, Central Zone 1 0.32 km
- Covent Garden Piccadilly Zone 1 0.35 km
- Holborn Central, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.41 km