From the outside, the Gielgud Theatre is an impressive sight, towering four storeys over Shaftesbury Avenue, its height further emphasized by the turret on top. The interior is also magnificent, with richly-decorated pillars supporting the boxes and lavish Baroque ornamentation. Built in 1906 and known as the Globe Theatre for most of the 20th century, it was renamed after the great actor Sir John Gielgud in 1994. For such an impressive theatre, it has had a surprisingly chequered production history, with few long-running shows and some notable flops, such as the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me on a Sunday. Still, there have been some high points in its history: many of Alan Ayckbourn's plays debuted at the Gielgud and the 1943 production of The Importance of Being Earnest is widely regarded as being the definitive version of one of the great British comedies.
What's on at
Gielgud Theatre
Avenue Q 1st June 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Meet Princeton, Kate Monster, Trekkie, Brian and their friends on...
Avenue Q
Gielgud Theatre, W1D 6AR
Until 26th September 2009
Meet Princeton, Kate Monster, Trekkie, Brian and their friends on a crummy alleyway in New York as they... More
Iolanthe
Gielgud Theatre, W1D 6AR
11th February 2008 - 16th February 2008
As the Gilbert and Sullivan season at the Gielgud Theatre gets into full swing, we... More
Discover the newly refurbished Shaftesbury Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland. Each of the 62 fully air-conditioned bedrooms boasts luxury fittings, state of the ...More
The main attraction of this traditional Victorian hotel is that it has many of London's famous landmarks, including Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, within minutes’ ... More
There can't be many bedraggled Irish stand-ups who have been named "the greatest comedian, living or dead" by French newspaper Le Monde so Dylan Moran, ...More
Soho, the set of streets and alleyways between Oxford Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Regent Street is one of the most cosmopolitan parts ... More
If spirits are your tipple then this is the place to go. Gerry’s stocks an extraordinary selection of wines and unusual spirits from liqueurs to ... More
A wonderful old delicatessen offering all the traditional Italian basics as well as a superb selection of fresh pasta with different fillings and homemade sausages. ... More
There was much excitement among the critics when this Italian restaurant opened at the beginning of 2009. Giles Coren writing in the Times gave it ... More
Something of a Soho institution, Randall & Aubin is perennially buzzing. In summer the windows open out onto Brewer Street and the freshly iced seafood ... More
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken ... More
Thai food is the cuisine of the moment - green curries, red curries, satays, are everywhere. To the uninitiated,it's very difficult to recreate at home. ... More
In the shadow of both Centrepoint and St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, hidden from most tourists and residents alike, lies this beautiful West End garden. Originally a ... More
If you're not up for the hectic atmosphere of Waxy O'Connors it might be worth slipping across the street to her infinitely more tranquil Little ... More
This
was once a sleazy Soho strip club, as the name suggests, and it really
shows. Deep reds are the dominant colour, with mirrors, booths and
velvet curtains ... More
A favourite with young royals - Princes Harry and William, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been spotted here... all at the same time. And where ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.