Musical
Sondheim Theatre
Sondheim Theatre
51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6BASondheim Theatre Safety Policy
Health & safety measures
- Paperless or print at home tickets
Visitor measures
- Cash free venue - contactless payments only
Getting here
Closest Tube Station
Piccadilly Circus, Leicester SquareClosest Train Station
Charing CrossAbout Sondheim Theatre
The Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen’s Theatre) is a West End treasure located on the bustling Shaftesbury Avenue. It was built as a twin to the Hicks Theatre, now the Gielgud Theatre, which is located next door. Renowned for its opulent French Renaissance-style interiors and modern facilities, the theatre blends history and innovation, offering a top-tier experience for theatre lovers.
Most famously, the Sondheim Theatre London is the current home of Les Misérables, one of the world's longest-running musicals. Whether you're a regular visitor or a first-time guest, a night at this iconic venue is always a special occasion.
The History of Sondheim Theatre
In September 1940, a German bomb struck the façade of Sondheim Theatre. This event led to the auditorium's Edwardian interior yet modern exterior, unlike its twin whose outer appearance has hardly changed. The venue hosted talents like Noel Coward, George Bernard Shaw, Edith Evans, Miranda Richardson, Kenneth Branagh, Alec Guinness, Miranda Richardson, Jane Lapotaire, Nigel Hawthorne, Dame Maggie Smith, and Fiona Shaw. The Queen's Theatre became the Sondheim Theatre in 2019, reopening on 18th December.
The Sondheim Theatre has been home to Cameron Mackintosh’s smash hit Les Miserables since 2004, which has now become the longest running musical of all time.
Where is Sondheim Theatre?
The Sondheim Theatre is located in the heart of London’s West End on Shaftesbury Avenue. It's easily accessible and surrounded by restaurants, shops, and key landmarks including Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, making it a perfect stop for a night out in central London.
Sondheim Theatre Nearest Tube
The nearest tube stations are:
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines) – a 2-minute walk
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) – about 5 minutes
Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern Lines) – 8 minutes on foot
Sondheim Theatre Nearest Train Station
The closest National Rail station is Charing Cross, approximately a 12-minute walk. From the station, walk down Strand to reach Shaftesbury Avenue, or take a short bus or tube ride.
Buses to Sondheim Theatre
Several bus routes serve Shaftesbury Avenue and nearby stops:
Day buses: 14, 19, 38
Night buses: N19, N38
Nearest stops: Shaftesbury Avenue/Chinatown or Wardour Street
Sondheim Theatre Seating Plan
The Sondheim Theatre seating plan is split into three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle, accommodating 1,137 patrons. The Stalls provide intimate, close-up views of the stage, while the Dress Circle offers excellent views and acoustics. The Grand Circle is great for budget-friendly tickets with a comprehensive stage view. Accessible seating is also available within the stalls.
Sondheim Theatre Accessibility
The venue offers wheelchair-accessible seating and toilet facilities. An access lift, infrared hearing system, and welcoming staff ensure a smooth experience for all patrons.
Sondheim Theatre Safety Policy
The Sondheim Theatre operates under Nimax Theatres’ safety protocols, including security checks, sanitisation, and ventilation. Visitors should check the theatre's official site for the latest updates and recommendations.
Sondheim Theatre Dress Code
There is no formal dress code at the Sondheim Theatre. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged. Many guests opt for smart-casual wear for performances. Formal attire may be appropriate for gala nights or special events, but not required.
The Sondheim Theatre Seating Plan
The Sondheim Theatre has a capacity of 1,074 across 3 levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.
Les Miserables is the current production at Sondheim Theatre. The latest booking period for Les Miserables at Sondheim Theatre started 18/12/2019 19:30:00 and runs until 27/03/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Les Miserables start at £23 and are available to book now.
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We recommend using public transport to get to the theatre. The nearest underground station to the Sondheim Theatre is Piccadilly Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Piccadilly Lines). Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street bus stops are also near the theatre. They host multiple bus lines: (Shaftesbury Avenue) 12, 14, 19, 38; (Regent Street) 6, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453 and Night Buses (Shaftesbury Avenue) 14, N19, N38; (Regent Street) 6, 12, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453, N3, N13, N15, N109, N18, N136. If arriving by train the nearest railway station is Charing Cross Station. If driving to the theatre, the nearest car parks are in Brewer Street and the Q-Park (which offers Q-Park Theatreland Parking) China Town in Newport Place.
Wheelchair access to the auditorium is through the fourth side door on Wardour Street. - Please make yourself known to a member of staff on arrival at the main entrance of the venue. There will be an Access Host who will be able to offer assistance and show you to your seating location.
The Schönberg Loge has step-free access and is able to accommodate up to two wheelchairs with companions. The door to the Loge is suitable for wheelchairs which are maximum 1m in length and 80cm wide (may not be suitable for very low seated wheelchairs).
Wheelchair transfer seating is also available in the Dress Circle on the aisle of Row D (seats D2 or D29) with companion seats along the row as required.
Limited Mobility: 18 steps from the foyer up to the rear Dress Circle. 21 steps from the foyer down to the Stalls. 39 steps from the foyer to up the Grand Circle (this area is quite steep).
The theatre has a capacity of 1,074. For more information, check out the Sondheim Theatre seating plan.
The Sondheim Theatre is owned and operated by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.
Les Misérables has been running at the Sondheim Theatre since 2004. The much-loved musical first opened at the Barbican Centre in London on 8 October 1985. It then moved to the Palace Theatre later the same year, before transferring to the Sondheim Theatre (then named the Queen's Theatre) in April 2004.
Like most modern theatres, there is no specific dress code at the Sondheim Theatre. Most people wear their everyday clothes, as long as they’re appropriate for the occasion.
The slip seats are located in the Dress Circle. They sit at an angle, on either side of the theatre. These seats are some of the cheapest in Sondheim Theatre, but still provide an excellent view if you don't mind leaning forward.
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) are the nearest tube stations to the Sondheim Theatre.
Yes, drinks can be pre-ordered from the theatre bars or via app. This service is available before the show and during the interval.
No, only drinks purchased on-site, aside from bottled water, are allowed inside the auditorium. The theatre offers a wide range of refreshments.
It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance to allow time for bag checks, refreshments, and seating.