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Her Majesty's Theatre London

Her Majesty's Theatre, London - The Home of The Phantom of the Opera

About the Her Majesty's Theatre

The resplendent Her Majesty’s Theatre was designed by architect Charles J. Phipps and opened in 1897. The theatre's first manager was Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, who founded one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world; the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) at the theatre in 1904. A theatre has stood on the site since 1704 when the Queen's Theatre opened, primarily as an opera house, which staged over 25 operas by the renowned composer George Frideric Handel. The name of the theatre changes with the gender of the monarch and was named Her Majesty's on Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne.

Over the years Her Majesty's Theatre has housed world premieres of works by some of the most acclaimed playwrights, including Noël Coward, George Bernard Shaw and J. B. Priestly. Musical theatre dominated the theatre's programming post-war and saw many Broadway transfers of hit musicals including West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and Brigadoon.

Since 1986, the theatre has been the home of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical The Phantom of the Opera. The musical is the second longest-running musical in the West End, behind Les Misérables (currently at the Sondheim Theatre), which opened in the previous year.

In May 2023, the theatre will be renamed His Majesty's Theatre, coinciding marking the coronation of King Charles III. This change of name under a new monarch is a long-held tradition for the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office is open from 10am until 8pm on Monday - Saturday for in-person bookings and collection. Tickets are held for collection on the day of your performance. Patrons should try to arrive as early as possible to avoid queues and allow enough time to enter the auditorium. Please ensure you bring your confirmation email and a form of ID.
The venue opens around 60 minutes before the show starts and you are welcome to relax in the bar, lobby or take your seat early.
There are three bars inside the venue, located on the Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle levels. Patrons can purchase a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks, confectionery and ice creams.
There is no dress code for the venue - The Phantom of the Opera is a musical, not an opera. Patrons should wear attire that is comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
The theatre does have a cloakroom where patrons can store large items, such as rucksacks and suitcases for a small fee. The cloakroom operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider arriving early to ensure your luggage can be checked.
Yes, the venue is fully air-conditioned.
If you're looking for a pre-theatre dinner, look no further than Brumus Bar & Restaurant, which is located opposite the theatre and offers a tasty range of dishes. If you're in a rush, consider grabbing a pastry, salad or a toastie at Danish bakery chain Ole & Steen, which is a five-minute walk from the theatre.
If you're looking to make your trip extra-special, take a look at the Haymarket Hotel. This five-star hotel is situated right across the road from the theatre and has stunning design features, spacious rooms and excellent spa facilities, including a swimming pool. For a budget option, consider the Z Hotel Trafalgar Square, which is a 10-minute walk away and has a range of affordable rooms.
The theatre has held the same name since 1952, reflecting the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

It changes name to reflect the United Kingdom’s current monarch and was first rechristened - as the King’s Theatre - in 1714 for King George I. It has subsequently been known as Her Majesty’s Theatre for Queen Victoria and His Majesty’s Theatre between 1901 and 1952 for King George V, King Edward VII and King George VI.

In keeping with tradition, the venue will be renamed His Majesty’s Theatre following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. This change will take place at an appropriate time after the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
The phone number for the box office is currently unavailable. Please email customer.relations@lwtheatres.co.uk instead.
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