Hotel near the Shaftesbury Theatre

Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden / Holborn

Situated at the British Museum end of the street that now bears its name, this was the last theatre to open in Shaftesbury Avenue on Christmas Eve 1911 as the New Prince's.

The war and the distance from the rest of the playhouses on the main artery of theatreland meant that the Shaftesbury's early years were tight.

Successful transfers of Gilbert and Sullivan's favourite Savoy Operas changed all that in the 20s, and the theatre thrived on a diet of musical comedy.

The notorious hippie musical Hair was two shows short of its 2,000th here in 1973 when part of the ceiling fell in on the audience, and the Shaftesbury's future looked bleak. However, Equity rallied for a Grade II listing, and big hits like West Side Story, Follies and They're Playing Our Song kept the axe from swinging.

The Shaftesbury Theatres current blockbuster is Hairspray, the fantastic 60s r'n'b musical about "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracey Turnblad which won a record-breaking eleven Olivier nominations when transferring from Broadway in 2007, and remains one of the capital's most vibrant musicals.

Nearby attractions include Neal Street's ubercool fashion shopping, the refined streets of Bloomsbury, and the fountained oasis of Russell Square, perfect for a lazy summer's day.

Directions: The theatre is situated at the Holborn end of Shaftesbury Avenue.

Nearest NCP: Drury Lane. Street parking is strictly limited. We strongly advise using public transport.

Nearest Underground: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly Lines)

Nearest British Rail: Charing Cross.

Air conditioning.

Amplification for the hard of hearing.

The Theatre is arranged on three levels, Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle.

Capacity 1,390 persons

Our most popular tried and tested 3 star hotel in the West End of London. The St Giles is only a short walk away from the Shaftesbury Theatre

The Strand Palace is only a very few minutes easy stroll to Covent Garden, the London Eye and Drury Lane. The hotel is located on the Strand in the West End and is close to many theatres, restaurants and bars. To its north lies Holborn and Russell Square, an area that is home to the British Museum, whilst to the east lies Tottenham Court Road, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.