An Art Deco Marvel with a Passion for Musicals

The Adelphi Theatre is a cornerstone of London's West End, celebrated for its impressive Art Deco architecture and longstanding tradition of hosting some of the most memorable musical theatre productions. Located on the Strand, in the heart of Theatreland, the Adelphi is jointly owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Theatres and the Nederlander Group, ensuring its place among the city’s most prestigious venues.

A Storied History from the 1800s

The Adelphi’s origins date back to 1806 when it was first established as the Sans Pareil. It was renamed the Adelphi Theatre in 1819, and over the next century, it would undergo multiple reconstructions to meet growing demands. The current building is the fourth iteration of the theatre and was opened in 1930. Designed by Ernest Schaufelberg, the structure showcases a striking Art Deco façade and sleek interior design, making it one of the finest surviving examples of the period’s theatrical architecture.

Historic Productions and Legendary Stars

The Adelphi has been home to a diverse range of entertainment — from Victorian melodrama and operettas to contemporary mega-musicals. Among the notable productions are Noël Coward’s Bitter Sweet and the premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard in 1993, which starred Patti LuPone and later Glenn Close. The venue also hosted Chicago for nearly a decade, and more recently, Kinky Boots dazzled audiences with its uplifting story and music by Cyndi Lauper. Other standout shows include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Waitress, and the Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical, which currently runs to great acclaim.

Architectural Excellence and Interior Charm

Inside, the Adelphi offers a spacious auditorium that seats around 1,500 people across three levels. The design boasts sweeping curves, gilded details, and original 1930s motifs. The theatre has undergone several refurbishments to improve audience comfort, including upgraded air conditioning, improved acoustics, and modern accessibility features, while preserving the venue’s rich heritage.

Location and Accessibility

Situated just minutes from Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations, the Adelphi Theatre is in a prime location for pre-theatre dining, shopping, or sightseeing along the Thames. It’s also within easy reach of landmarks like Somerset House and the Savoy Hotel, making it a convenient and culturally rich theatre destination for visitors and locals alike.

The Adelphi Today

Today, the Adelphi continues its legacy as a must-visit venue for fans of musical theatre. Under the joint stewardship of two major theatre operators, its programming remains world-class, and the audience experience combines classic elegance with modern comfort. Whether you’re seeing a cult favourite or a major new production, the Adelphi Theatre offers a timeless London theatre experience.