Aldwych Theatre London
Aldwych Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Aldwych Theatre
The Aldwych Theatre is one of the West End's most acclaimed theatres, with a strong history of staging award-winning prestige drama. This year, don't miss out on Shadowlands in the West End starring Hugh Bonneville. Based on a true story, Downton Abbey and Paddington star Bonneville plays The Chronicles of Narnia creator C.S. Lewis, opposite Maggie Siff as his wife, US poet Joy Davidman. Poignant and brilliantly acted, why not start your year of theatre with this critically-acclaimed show, which finally comes to London after its premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre. More shows at the Aldwych in 2026 include new musical Sinatra, about the life of Frank Sinatra, which is on sale now.
About the Aldwych Theatre
The Aldwych Theatre dates back to 1905. It was designed by W. G. R. Sprague in the Edwardian style to match the Waldorf Hotel and the Novello Theatre (formerly Waldorf), which all stand together in the same block. The theatre is named after the Aldwych, the crescent-shaped street that branches from The Strand.
Throughout its history, the Grade II listed Aldwych Theatre has been home to many successful musicals and plays. Notable examples include Dirty Dancing, Whistle Down the Wind and the hit Carole King musical Beautiful. The first London production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire opened at the Aldwych in 1949, starring Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois, who would later win the Oscar for the same role in the film version.
Between 1960 and 1982, The Aldwych was the London home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), before they moved their residency to the Barbican Theatre. During this time The Aldwych hosted many notable RSC productions with lauded actors such as Ben Kingsley and Patrick Stewart. The venue is now owned by the Nederlander Theatre Group.
Should I get there early?
Getting to the theatre a little early will allow you to take in the gorgeous architecture of its interiors, painstakingly restored to the Edwardian splendour of the original building. It was renovated in 2017 and still maintains many of its original features.
Map and Address
49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF
Rail: Charing Cross station is around a 10-minute walk away from the Aldwych. Waterloo and City Thameslink stations are slightly further away, between 15 and 20 minutes' walk away.
Tube: Temple (Circle and District lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) are all around a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Alwych Theatre.
Bus: The Aldwych is well served by buses with routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 87, 91, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243, and 341 serving nearby stops including Aldwych Kingsway, Aldwych Drury Lane and Aldwych Somerset House.
Car: Q Park Covent Garden is around a 10-minute walk away from the Aldwych Theatre. Q Park Chinatown and Leicester Square car parks are around a 15-minute walk away.
Limited Blue Badge parking is available on streets around the theatre. Drop-offs are permitted on both Drury Lane and Aldwych.
Nearby Attractions
The Aldwych Theatre is on the eastern side of Covent Garden, close to many attractions and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to make more of a trip to the theatre.
Somerset House is close by at the end of The Strand, with events and exhibitions year-round and ice skating in the courtyard over the festive season. The Courtauld Gallery is part of the same complex, hosting a permanent art collection as well as temporary exhibitions.
The British Museum is around a 15-minute walk away in Bloomsbury, and roughly the same distance in the other direction is the South Bank, with a range of attractions.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet in London, Victoria Embankment Gardens is a 10-minute walk along the north bank of the Thames towards Charing Cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Aldwych Theatre box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office is open from 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and midday (12pm) on Thursday and Saturday. The box office closes 15 minutes after the evening performance begins, and is closed on all non-performance days. Patrons can make in-person purchases during these periods. Pre-bought tickets can be collected an hour before the performance starts.
What time does the Aldwych Theatre open for a show?
The venue opens approximately 1 hour before the show starts, with the bars and auditorium opening 45 minutes before. The Aldwych is a very beautiful theatre that underwent a large 14-week refurbishment in 2017, so it is worth arriving with plenty of time to enjoy a glass of wine and appreciate the stunning interior.
What food and drink are available at the Aldwych Theatre?
The venue features three licensed bars, one on each level of the theatre. A variety of wines, champagne, beers, spirits and cocktails as well as soft drinks are available along with snacks such as crisps and ice creams. Please note that food and alcohol purchased outside the theatre is strictly forbidden to be consumed on the premises. Drinks can be pre-ordered before a performance or at the venue for the interval. You should receive a text message before your booked performance with details on how to do this.
Does the Aldwych Theatre have a cloakroom?
There is a cloakroom located in the foyer where patrons can leave coats, bags, foldable bikes and other items. Charges range from £1 - £3 depending on the size of the item.
Is the Aldwych Theatre air-conditioned?
There is an air conditioning system in the auditorium to ensure audiences are comfortable during the performance.
Where should I eat near the Aldwych Theatre?
The theatre is located not far from the Strand and there are a wide range of restaurants and pubs within a short walk. The Delaunay restaurant is located very near to the theatre, just across Drury Lane, and offers a range of classic Central European dishes in a grand café setting. For quick bites and sandwiches, Lundenwic coffee shop sits practically next to the theatre entrance.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Aldwych Theatre?
One Aldwych is an independently owned luxury hotel located a 2-minute walk away, providing upmarket accommodation and state of the art wellbeing and fitness facilities. For a budget option, the Covent Garden Travelodge offers affordable rooms and is only a 6-minute walk up Drury Lane.
How do I contact the box office?
The box office can be contacted directly on 0345 200 7981. For further contact options and venue information, visit https://www.nederlander.co.uk/aldwych-theatre/.
