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Duke Of York’s Theatre to be renamed The Tom Stoppard Theatre
The West End venue will be renamed after playwright Tom Stoppard who passed away in 2025
With Tom Stoppard’s play Arcadia currently showing at The Duke Of York’s Theatre, the venue has announced a name change to honour the late playwright. The theatre, which sits on St Martin’s Lane, will now be known as The Tom Stoppard Theatre.
Stoppard, who passed away in 2025, had a five-decade playwrighting career, winning multiple Tony and Olivier Awards and bringing some of Britain’s most celebrated plays to the stage. Some of his best known works include Jumpers, Travesties, The Real Thing, The Invention of Love, Leopoldstadt and the Hamlet-inspired Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
Arcadia, Stoppard’s ode to learning and human curiosity, transferred to the West End last month, where it will run until 12 September. The show returned in 2009 for a celebrated revival at the Duke Of York’s Theatre – the venue that would be renamed for Stoppard 17 years later.
Over the coming months, changes to the theatre’s signage will commence subject to planning approvals. Branding and digital updates are expected to begin over the next few weeks.
Melanie Smith CBE, Global CEO of ATG Entertainment, said: “We are proud to be the custodians of such a historic theatre, and believe today’s announcement recognises the significant impact Sir Tom Stoppard has made to British Theatre. Sir Tom’s legacy lives on every day, as guests continue to discover and enjoy his work and we believe this is the perfect testament to his contribution to the West End.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence. This landmark theatre has entertained visitors for over a century, and we are honoured today to unveil its new name.”
Stoppard’s children, Ollie, Barny, Will and Ed, said: “We are moved and delighted that ATG has chosen to honour our father with this fitting tribute. The West End was close to his heart and we feel sure he would be thrilled and humbled in equal measure by this great honour.”
His wife, Sabrina Stoppard, said: “Tom was in his element whenever he had a play on in the West End, so I am thrilled to bits that this theatre will be named after him. It means that his memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building. I know he would have felt deeply moved and profoundly honoured by this extraordinary tribute, and I would like to thank ATG and Sonia Friedman for making it happen.”
Producer Sonia Friedman added: “It feels entirely fitting that one of the West End’s great playhouses should now bear the name of one of our greatest playwrights. I had the privilege of producing many of Tom’s plays, including at this theatre, and more importantly, of calling him a dear friend. We shared countless coffees opposite the theatre, and I can just imagine him looking up at his name on the building, utterly tickled pink.
“I hope The Tom Stoppard Theatre inspires new generations to discover the curiosity, humanity, wit and extraordinary imagination of his work, and in doing so, understand why he secured his place among the true giants of theatre.”
Arcadia is now booking at The Tom Stoppard Theatre until 12 September – find tickets here
