LW Theatres is one of the leading theatre companies in the UK. It was founded in the early 20th century by Lionel Walden, and has been responsible for producing some of the most popular and successful plays and musicals in London. Today, LW Theatres owns and operates a number of West End theatres, including the Adelphi Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, and Drury Lane Theatre. In addition to producing its own productions, LW Theatres also hosts a variety of touring shows and special events. With a commitment to presenting high-quality theatrical entertainment, LW Theatres is one of the most important players in London’s vibrant theatre scene.
1. Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi Theatre is a grade II listed West End theatre in the City of Westminster. The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,394 and was built in 1806. It was designated a grade II listed building in September 1960. The Adelphi Theatre is owned and operated by LW Theatres, who also own and operate seven other West End theatres. The theatre was built on the site of an earlier theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1803. The current theatre opened in 1806. It was designed by Samuel Beazley and Robert Smirke, and includes features such as a Corinthian colonnade, an attic with skylights, and a panelled foyer. In its early years, the theatre was known for staging melodramas. Today, it presents a variety of shows, including musicals, comedies, and dramas.
2. Cambridge Theatre
The Cambridge theatre is a West End theatre, on a corner site in Earlham Street facing Seven Dials, in the London Borough of Camden, built in 1929 on the site of the old Hoxton Hall. It was designed by W. G. R. Sprague as one of a group of four “everyman’s theatres”, all with individual designs but with simple and efficient plans so that each could be run at low cost. The theatre has 1,564 seats on three levels. The stage is designed to create an intimate space for actors and audiences alike – it is only 29 feet deep and 36 feet wide, with wings measuring just six feet. The proscenium arch is around nine feet wide and 12 feet high.
The Cambridge theatre was Grade II* listed by English Heritage in September 1960. It has been home to many successful West End shows, including Les Misérables (1985–2004), Miss Saigon (1989–1999), Wicked (2006–present), Billy Elliot the Musical (2005–2016) and Sunset Boulevard (2017).
3. Gillian Lynne Theatre
The Gillian Lynne Theatre is a state-of-the-art venue located in the heart of London’s West End. Designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, the theatre boasts three levels of seating, each with perfect sightlines to the stage. The theatre is also home to a sophisticated sound system that enhances the experience of every performance. From musicals to straight plays, the Gillian Lynne Theatre provides an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
The theatre is named after esteemed British choreographer Gillian Lynne, who has worked on some of the most successful musicals in history. These include Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables. In recognition of her achievements, the theatre features a bust of Lynne by British artist Stephen Cox. The Gillian Lynne Theatre is truly a fitting tribute to one of the great artists of our time.
4. Her Majesty’s Theatre
Her Majesty’s theatre is a West End theatre in London. The theatre is located on Haymarket in the City of Westminster, close to Piccadilly Circus. The theatre was designed by Charles J. Phipps and opened on October 9, 1897 with a performance of The Belle of New York. The theatre was originally built for musical theatre but has since been used for a variety of other productions, including drama, opera, and ballet. The theatre has a capacity of 1,616 and is currently owned by LW Theatres. Productions at Her Majesty’s Theatre currently include Aladdin (2019), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2019), and Les Misérables (2020).
5. The London Palladium
The London Palladium is one of the most iconic theatres in the world. Located in the heart of the West End, it has played host to some of the biggest names in showbusiness, from Laurel and Hardy to The Beatles. Designed by architect Frank Matcham, the Palladium originally opened its doors in 1910. Since then, it has undergone a number of redevelopment projects, but its art deco style remains largely unchanged. The theatre is currently owned by LW Theatres and is one of the busiest venues in the West End, with a packed calendar of musicals, comedy shows and other events. Whether you’re a theatre fan or not, a visit to the London Palladium is an unforgettable experience.
6. Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a landmark theatre in the West End of London. With a capacity of over 2,000, it is one of the largest theatres in the world. The theatre has been home to many iconic productions, including My Fair Lady, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables. It has also hosted some of the world’s most famous performers, including Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, and Marilyn Monroe. In recent years, the theatre has undergone extensive renovations in order to restore it to its former glory. Today, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is owned by LW Theatres and is once again one of the most popular venues in London’s West End.
About LW Theatres
LW Theatres is owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a theatrical genius responsible for some of the most successful and enduring musicals in history, so you can be sure they know what they’re doing when it comes to putting on a show. Because of their dedication and commitment to the industry, the company has grown to become London’s largest operator of musical theatres since it opened in 1977. If you’ve seen a musical in London, you’ve probably been to one of LW Theatres‘ West End venues, as they attract one in three musical-goers in the city.
They are always on the lookout for novel approaches to problem solving. To provide exceptional service for each and every one of our patrons.
This is why in July of 2018 they officially changed their name from The Really Useful Theatres to LW Theatres, giving their website a fresh new look while also enhancing their services. From the time you purchase your ticket to the minute you leave the theatre, they want you to have a wonderful experience. LW Theatres is the authorised outlet for purchasing tickets to see both perennial favourites like The Phantom of the Opera and fresh productions like Cinderella.