The Strand
London
WC2E 7NA

The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand, London is the fourth building on the site, having been originally founded in 1806 as the “Sans Pareil” by merchant John Scott and his daughter Jane. Together they gathered a theatrical company that was the host of many plays, musicals and pantomimes. In 1819, the theatre reopened under its present name, which it took from the Adelphi Buildings which were opposite the site. It became known as a venue for the works of Victorian author Charles Dickens, and many of his stories were adapted for the stage including Nicholas Nickleby and The Old Curiosity Shop. The old theatre was demolished and reopened as ‘The New Adelphi’ in 1858, featuring vast improvements to the auditorium. It was reopened for a final time in 1901, renamed ‘The Century Theatre’, before restoring the name ‘Adelphi Theatre’ in 1904 when it housed a popular production of The Earl and the Girl.

The Adelphi’s present site opened in 1930 on The Strand, close to many of London’s top hotels, and was redesigned in an Art Deco style by Ernest Schaufelberg. The venue survived plans to redevelop the Covent Garden area, thanks to a ‘Save London’s Theatres’ campaign lead by the musicians union and Equity and continued to be the home to successful plays and musicals, such as the original London production of Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. In 1993 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group purchased the Adelphi and refurbished it before the opening of Sunset Boulevard.  The Adelphi was the original home of the American musical, Chicago, having played there from 1997 until 2006, when it transferred to the Cambridge Theatre.

After the successful run of Sweeney Todd starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, the Adelphi Theatre hosts the world premiere of The Bodyguard musical starring Heather Headley and Lloyd Owen.

Adelphi Theatre London.com, outlines the current show as well as provide a map of the area and the seating layout. It also gives details on how to buy The Bodyguard tickets and information on hotels near the Adelphi Theatre London.

Access and Facilities

The Adelphi Theatre does have access for wheelchair users that you should be able to take advantage of without a carer. There is a 15cm step at the main entrance but a ramp is available, and no stairs from the foyer into the stalls, so seating in this area would probably be the best bet for you as there are quite a lot of stairs to the Dress and Upper Circles. There are spaces for 2 wheelchair users in the stalls at the back, with slightly restricted view. Alternatively, transfer seating is available for up to 4 wheelchair users; you will need to check with the theatre when booking. There is also an adapted toilet by the entrance to the stalls.

• 2 bars in the stalls, 1 in the Dress Circle, 1 in the Upper Circle
• Male and female toilets on all levels
• Cloakroom available