Theatre
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Step Inside: Prince Edward Theatre
Everything you need to know about one of the West End's most fabled theatres
| Venue Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Prince Edward Theatre |
| Location | Old Compton Street, Soho |
| Parking Information | The nearest car parks are in Soho and Chinatown. Check Q-Park Theatreland for discounts and special offers |
| Address | Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4HS |
| Phone # | 0844 482 5151 |
| Capacity | 1,737 |
| Opened | April 1930 |
| Architect | Edward A. Stone |
| Website | princeedwardtheatre.co.uk |
Prince Edward Theatre History
Nestled on Old Compton Street in London’s West End, the Prince Edward Theatre has a colourful and fascinating history. First opening its doors in 1930, the theatre boasts an elegant art-deco auditorium, designed by Marc‑Henri and Laverdet, an interior design duo behind some of the West End’s most opulent venues. Fittingly, some of the Prince Edward Theatre’s earliest shows saw the likes of Josephine Baker (famed French entertainer turned WWII spy) dance the Charleston.
After initial struggles, the Prince Edward was converted into the lavish cabaret‑restaurant London Casino in 1936, before transforming into the Queensberry All Services Club, where troops were entertained during WWII via Variety Band Box broadcasts. Post‑war, it briefly reverted to theatrical use, before becoming a Cinerama cinema in 1954. Fast forward to the 70s, the Prince Edward Theatre was restored to its original name and reopened with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s ground-breaking musical Evita, kicking off its modern musical theatre legacy.
In the subsequent decades, the Prince Edward Theatre has brought a slew of incredible shows to London’s West End, including MAMMA MIA!, Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys, Miss Saigon and Aladdin.
Home of MJ The Musical
Following its critically acclaimed run on Broadway, the multiple award-winning MJ The Musical has found its home at the Prince Edward Theatre. An electrifying musical that delves into the artistry of one of history’s greatest entertainers, MJ has thrilled audiences night after night with a blend of electrifying music and award-winning choreography.
Granting fans a behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour (1992), MJ brings fan-favourites like ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’, ‘Smooth Criminal’ and ‘Man in the Mirror’, to the glittering lights of London’s West End. A hot ticket that guarantees “gravity-defying dancing and all the mega-hits” (Guardian), MJ has won four coveted Tony Awards, as well as the title of Best Choreography at the 2025 Olivier Awards.
Seating and Capacity
With a capacity of 1,727, the Prince Edward Theatre offers three levels of seating: the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle (also known as the Upper Circle). With a spacious stage typical for the West End, the theatre offers good views from most areas.
The Stalls: Split into four blocks, the Stalls provide some of the best views, especially from the central seats, which offer a clear, immersive perspective. Seats toward the sides have more angled, side-on views due to the wide curve of the auditorium.
The Dress Circle: Arranged into five blocks, the front and center seats of the Dress Circle deliver the sharpest views, but generally, all seats here offer an unobstructed line of sight. However, some aisle-end seats may have slightly restricted views due to safety rails.
The Grand Circle: Positioned above the Dress Circle, the Grand Circle offers excellent views from its central seats. It’s an ideal option for more budget-conscious theatregoers who don’t mind being a little further back from the action.
Getting to Prince Edward Theatre
Given its West End location, the Prince Edward Theatre is best accessed via public transport. The nearest train station is Charing Cross (an 11 minute walk), whilst the nearest tube stations are Leicester Square (a 6 minute walk) and Tottenham Court Road (a 5 minute walk). The nearest bus stops are regularly serviced by numbers 19, 38, 14, 176, 29 and 24.
If you’d prefer a door-to-door service, you can make use of the West End’s readily available taxis, whether black cabs or cars booked through the usual ride-hailing apps.
Parking
If you are driving to the Prince Edward Theatre, you can take advantage of the Q-Park Theatreland parking scheme with 50% off car parking in the West End after midday for up to 4 hours. Otherwise, you can find metered parking available at nearby Soho Square or NCP at Brewer Street.
Food and Drink
Inside the Prince Edward Theatre you’ll find no less than five licensed bars; the Mozart Bar at street level, the Dress Circle Bar (with external balcony), the Stalls Bar, the Soft Drinks Bar at Stalls level and a further bar at Grand Circle level.
Each bar offers a selection of drinks and light snacks such as bottled soft drinks, wine, beer, and confectionery. The theatre also offers VIP packages, including a Champagne package and a full VIP hospitality package, which typically include pre‑show drinks, premium seating, and access to a dedicated hospitality area with a host.
A few standout nearby dining spots add to the pre-show (or post-show!) experience. The Ivy, just a short walk away, is a West End institution known for British brasserie classics and celebrity sightings. Elsewhere, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill offers exceptional seafood and oysters in a historic setting. For something theatre‑themed with flair, Town in Covent Garden wows with British brasserie dishes and experimental presentation in a retro‑futuristic space.
Accessibility
For customers with limited mobility, the Stalls are not recommended, as they require descending 22 steps from the foyer. While they do offer extra legroom, access may be challenging. Similarly, the Grand Circle is unsuitable for those with mobility concerns, as it requires climbing 42 steps from the foyer, or up to 72 steps to reach the back rows.
Wheelchair access to the Prince Edward Theatre auditorium is through an EXIT door on Greek Street, followed by a short ramp. Please make yourself known to a member of staff on arrival at the main entrance of the venue (located on Old Compton Street). You will be greeted by an Access Host who will be able to offer assistance and show you to your seating location.
Dress Circle Box 1 is able to accommodate one wheelchair and one companion. Wheelchair transfer seating is also available in the Dress Circle in seat locations: A2 to A7, B2 to B5 and C1 to C4. Please note that there are a couple of steps to these seats. The Prince Edward Theatre is able to store a maximum of two wheelchairs and one scooter per performance, which will be held next to the exit door.
