Shaftesbury Theatre
Shaftesbury Theatre
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Shaftesbury Theatre at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Holborn
Inner London’s busiest streets crisscross quiet cobbled lanes for an effect that can be urbane or quaint – or an intriguing blend of both – depending on the particular corner you turn. Due to its especially convenient location, bustling Holborn hosts an excellent range of hotels, eateries, and shops to suit practically any taste or budget. With major attractions like the British Museum and Somerset House as well as popular areas such as Covent Garden and Soho all just a short walk away, Holborn is a smart base from which to explore London.
How to get there
- Tottenham Court Road • 5 min walk
- Covent Garden • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Rob121618West Malling, United Kingdom568 contributionsFantastic Mrs Doubtfire!!An absolutely fantastic show, excellent cast. Funny throughout and stuck mostly to the original story. Very talented actors…definitely worth seeing. The only downside was the lack of legroom. We are not tall, but there was very little legroom in row A of the grand (upper) circle.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- E_SussexFriendmaker5 contributionsA wonderful experience.Yesterday we went to see Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftsbury. Me, my daughter & grandson and my younger daughter who is a full time wheelchair user. What a brilliant experience! The show was excellent, the cast, all very talented (Carla Dixon Hernandez who played the daughter Lydia was exceptional), and the theatre staff could not have been more accomodating. We had great seats, and we could all sit together with my disabled daughter. This is rarely the case. In the majority of theatres one person has to sit with her and the others have to sit seperately. The staff checked that we were happy and also made sure that the people behind us could see past the wheelchair and were happy. They checked to see if we needed to use the toilet at half time and saw us out at the end of the show. A wonderful, stress-free experience.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 December 2023
- deccrvGreater London, United Kingdom187 contributionsMrs Doubtfire, good show but wouldn't make my top fiveAlways love a West End show as production values are high and enjoyable. I did like Mrs Doubtfire as an afternoon out, it's fun and well put together. The first act does drag a little but it belts along better in the second act. If you like the film, then you'll like this as it does remain true to the story. It lacks perhaps some memorable songs so there's little for the audience to join in and sing along too. But that said it's well worth an afternoon out - cast are great and they really put the effort in. The Shaftesbury is an old theatre and that has considerations - even in the stalls, seats are thin and not wholly comfortable and views can easily be impacted bu the person in front. Plus as is often the case the toilet queues are massive at the interval!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 December 2023
- Dougie DJersey, United Kingdom108 contributionsMrs Doubtfire/ Hospitality PackageI went to see Mrs Doubtfire just before Christmas - a really fantastic show. I also booked myself the theatre's Sapphire Hospitality Package which gives you access to their Private Taffner Suite with it's own Restroom. My Host was Oliver - very polite friendly young man. You get a Half Bottle of Champagne, a Premium Sandwich of your Choice, Nibbles, an Ice Cream for the Interval and a Programme. You can leave all your belongings there securely while watching the first Act. A really nice way to do it - I'd highly recommend.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 January 2024
- Judith D6 contributionsPre theatre Ruby experienceTrip to the theatre- paid for the Ruby experience pre theatre room and drinks. Fab quiet space -Our host Oliver was lovely and so helpful. Worth every penny. Mrs Doubtfire was great too. 👍🏼Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 January 2024
- Neil M2 contributionsShaftesbury TheatreVisited to see Mrs Doubtfire with family and staff were fantastic. My daughter is a wheelchair user and everyone made sure our night at the theatre went without a hitch. Taking us to our seat, checking on us and assistance when leaving. A real comfort when visiting a new theatre. Thanks again.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 April 2024
- Sarah R3 contributionsFantastic!We had a last minute trip to London and the weather looked shocking so we booked tickets to see Mrs Doubtfire just before we left. We had a few reservations, the tickets seemed expensive and the seats were the poorest in the house but I loved the film as a child and wanted to give it a chance. I wasn't disappointed! The theatre is beautiful, our seats in the Grand Circle were fantastic, unobscured view, adequate legroom (partner is 6'3 and had no issues) Sound was excellent (a bit too loud at first!) reasonably well air conditioned. The show itself was brilliant, they have managed to update it without losing any of the original film's heart. I laughed all the way through and left with a huge smile on my face.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 May 2024
- CM-2016Majorca, Spain499 contributionsFaulty Towers - so funnyCame here to watch Faulty Towers, the show was amazing and so funny. Well worth a visit. The Theatre staff were friendly and the Theatre itself was really nice. Would highly, highly recommend this show.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 August 2024
- Tom290365Merseyside, United Kingdom115 contributionsMrs Doubtfire - fabulous west end showFabulous show , fabulous cast . The show had everything with a few nods to the film too. It had us laughing until we cried. Gabriel Vick was hilarious . Marcus Collins and Cameron Blakely were perfect for their roles and so talented as was everyone else. The singing and dancing routines were so good .We loved everything about it would highly recommend it and we’d go again .Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 August 2024
- Lulu WChiang Mai, Thailand29 contributionsNo doubt they were on fire!Following in the footsteps of Robin Williams is a tall order but this show delivered in every way. It was true to the original movie but added its own sprinkle of something special. The cast was amazing but the spectacular leads made us feel like we were all part of the family. The show was well-paced, funny, and really moving at times, but don't take my word for it...Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,079 reviews
Excellent
587
Very good
276
Average
116
Poor
51
Terrible
49
99julesw
London, UK29 contributions
Jan 2020
4 of us went to see this show without any expectations but it was a superb show. Great singing and music and clever Shakespeare - like twists and turns with a contemproary feel. Would definitely go and see it again.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunita Shroff (Sunny)
254 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
& JULIET was amazing!!
Wow wow wow
Musical theatre at its absolute finest!
This is throughly modern, uplifting, educational on so many levels and an absolute joy to behold! The music, the costumes, the set design and the whole production was outstanding but the talent….well the talent was absolutely the best!! Cassidy Jansen as Ann, Shakespeare’s wife clearly deserved to win the coveted Olivier award for best actress for this role! She’s sensational as are the rest of the cast! This is a must see show! My 11 year old daughter and her friends loved it and were enlightened and thrilled to watch this great production! I left the theatre with tears of joy at being back and feeling safe and watching so many beautifully talented people Grace our stage. It was a privilege to behold! In the great words of Mr William Shakespeare “If music be the food of love then play on……”
Wow wow wow
Musical theatre at its absolute finest!
This is throughly modern, uplifting, educational on so many levels and an absolute joy to behold! The music, the costumes, the set design and the whole production was outstanding but the talent….well the talent was absolutely the best!! Cassidy Jansen as Ann, Shakespeare’s wife clearly deserved to win the coveted Olivier award for best actress for this role! She’s sensational as are the rest of the cast! This is a must see show! My 11 year old daughter and her friends loved it and were enlightened and thrilled to watch this great production! I left the theatre with tears of joy at being back and feeling safe and watching so many beautifully talented people Grace our stage. It was a privilege to behold! In the great words of Mr William Shakespeare “If music be the food of love then play on……”
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky
Halesowen, UK427 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wow, wow, wow! I like this theatre, but hadn’t really heard of the show - my friend had seen something about it, so we decided to go & see it.
It immediately went into my top 3 shows ever!
It’s such a feel good show, we knew all of the songs, we laughed & whooped & came out of there on a cloud of pure feel good energy!
The cast were amazing - Juliet & Ann Hathaway in particular.
I hope I get chance to see it again & am really hopeful it will tour!
Best money I’ve spent in a very long time!
It immediately went into my top 3 shows ever!
It’s such a feel good show, we knew all of the songs, we laughed & whooped & came out of there on a cloud of pure feel good energy!
The cast were amazing - Juliet & Ann Hathaway in particular.
I hope I get chance to see it again & am really hopeful it will tour!
Best money I’ve spent in a very long time!
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brat0029
North Mankato, MN233 contributions
Nov 2021
We saw "& Juliet" there in November 2021. It was amazing. At the time, COVID was an issue so the theatre had mask policies to keep customers safer. We bought tickets at the last minute but still had a good view. The performance was one of the best live theater we had seen, up there with "The Producers," and "Avenue Q" on Broadway.
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acornise
400 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Went to see Mrs Doubtfire.
Mrs Doubtfire was brilliant and very funny.
The theatre is impressive from the outside and parts of the inside are very grand. Overall its less impressive than some other theatres.
The bar area is very large (at stalls level) and service was quick. A number of rude people decided queueing was not for them and tried to push in, which is always a shame. Soft drinks selection is limited to cans. Bottles would be better so lids can be put back on.
We went on a very hot day. It was very hot and uncomfortable in the theatre. Presumably there was aircon, but it was not powerful enough.
The seats are a little unusual in the stalls. They are quite low - event the short people remarked on it. I am over 6 foot and found the leg room to be unusually generous - my knees were not stuck into the chair in front as is almost always the case, and my feet could go under the chair in front. The padding on the seats is minimal and quite uncomfortable after a while. The seats are obviously old and squeaky. You could hear people moving on seats and them squeaking all the time, taking one's attention away from the show.
The sound in the theatre was good and the view in the stalls excellent.
The toilets were an experience. The toilets nears the stalls bars are clearly labelled as toilets, but you don't find out whether they are male or female until you are at the door. Many ladies joined the slow moving walk through the bar towards the gents only to find the ladies are on the opposite side and up half a floor.
The toilets round the side of the auditorium are mixed. Not a problem in itself but its not clearly signed that that is the case. I went into what I thought was the gents from the sign, having sent the wife off looking for the ladies, heading to the urinal, to be passed by a lady coming out of a cubicle. Mixed toilets are fine if they are just cubicles, but cubicles and urinals "in the open" with women walking past is strange and not something I am comfortable with at all.
Merch was plentiful and very expensive.
All staff I spoke to were helpful and polite.
Mrs Doubtfire was brilliant and very funny.
The theatre is impressive from the outside and parts of the inside are very grand. Overall its less impressive than some other theatres.
The bar area is very large (at stalls level) and service was quick. A number of rude people decided queueing was not for them and tried to push in, which is always a shame. Soft drinks selection is limited to cans. Bottles would be better so lids can be put back on.
We went on a very hot day. It was very hot and uncomfortable in the theatre. Presumably there was aircon, but it was not powerful enough.
The seats are a little unusual in the stalls. They are quite low - event the short people remarked on it. I am over 6 foot and found the leg room to be unusually generous - my knees were not stuck into the chair in front as is almost always the case, and my feet could go under the chair in front. The padding on the seats is minimal and quite uncomfortable after a while. The seats are obviously old and squeaky. You could hear people moving on seats and them squeaking all the time, taking one's attention away from the show.
The sound in the theatre was good and the view in the stalls excellent.
The toilets were an experience. The toilets nears the stalls bars are clearly labelled as toilets, but you don't find out whether they are male or female until you are at the door. Many ladies joined the slow moving walk through the bar towards the gents only to find the ladies are on the opposite side and up half a floor.
The toilets round the side of the auditorium are mixed. Not a problem in itself but its not clearly signed that that is the case. I went into what I thought was the gents from the sign, having sent the wife off looking for the ladies, heading to the urinal, to be passed by a lady coming out of a cubicle. Mixed toilets are fine if they are just cubicles, but cubicles and urinals "in the open" with women walking past is strange and not something I am comfortable with at all.
Merch was plentiful and very expensive.
All staff I spoke to were helpful and polite.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nimai Hari
Chicago, IL394 contributions
Dec 2022
We came to the theater to watch the performance of & Juliet which came highly recommended. I thought the performers did an excellent job re-imagining what the show would be with an alternate wedding and used the pop music theme to have the audience engaged.
The theater itself is a bit of a maze to navigate between all the levels/stairs but they have several people to help navigate. The halls do get a little cramped especially when people use the space to engage in group conversations.
The theater is right near Regent St. and Chinatown with so much to do, see, and eat in the area - I appreciated how easily it was to access with all the stuff around you didn't have to spend a tremendous amount of time commuting.
The theater itself is a bit of a maze to navigate between all the levels/stairs but they have several people to help navigate. The halls do get a little cramped especially when people use the space to engage in group conversations.
The theater is right near Regent St. and Chinatown with so much to do, see, and eat in the area - I appreciated how easily it was to access with all the stuff around you didn't have to spend a tremendous amount of time commuting.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrstraveller1
York, UK2,196 contributions
May 2022
I defy anybody not to LOVE this show, or at the very least leave the Shaftesbury without feeling thoroughly uplifted. It’s absolutely fabulous, the set, the costumes, the choreography, the script, & of course, the incredible soundtrack …. an upbeat bevy of mega pop hits woven hilariously into the storyline. It’s funny, informative, sometimes poignant, but mainly just … feel good. The cast, each & every one, is incredibly talented, Miriam-Teak Lee, simply mesmerising.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah R
3 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We had a last minute trip to London and the weather looked shocking so we booked tickets to see Mrs Doubtfire just before we left. We had a few reservations, the tickets seemed expensive and the seats were the poorest in the house but I loved the film as a child and wanted to give it a chance.
I wasn't disappointed! The theatre is beautiful, our seats in the Grand Circle were fantastic, unobscured view, adequate legroom (partner is 6'3 and had no issues) Sound was excellent (a bit too loud at first!) reasonably well air conditioned.
The show itself was brilliant, they have managed to update it without losing any of the original film's heart. I laughed all the way through and left with a huge smile on my face.
I wasn't disappointed! The theatre is beautiful, our seats in the Grand Circle were fantastic, unobscured view, adequate legroom (partner is 6'3 and had no issues) Sound was excellent (a bit too loud at first!) reasonably well air conditioned.
The show itself was brilliant, they have managed to update it without losing any of the original film's heart. I laughed all the way through and left with a huge smile on my face.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly M
Maidstone, UK337 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Went to see & Juliet. Absolutely amazing. Ticket prices were good. Unfortunately the theatre opened the doors slightly late and the show still started at normal time so it was a mad rush to get seated and we still missed the opening scenes. The leg room in row A grand circle was non existent and we left with back ache and aching calves but the show was absolutely amazing. One sort of outweighs the other but wouldn’t book those seats again.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
places2seeplaces2go
England, UK6,504 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This is a typical London Edwardian theatre at the far end of Shaftesbury Avenue.
Have seen previous shows at this theatre so knew what to expect.
At the time of our visit there was a lot of work going on & some of the outside was covered by building hoarding’s.
Easy & quick entry system in with downloaded ticket.
We were in the stalls with great comfortable seats for average sized females.
Went to the stalls bar & had some fizz which was reasonably priced for a London theatre.
Have seen previous shows at this theatre so knew what to expect.
At the time of our visit there was a lot of work going on & some of the outside was covered by building hoarding’s.
Easy & quick entry system in with downloaded ticket.
We were in the stalls with great comfortable seats for average sized females.
Went to the stalls bar & had some fizz which was reasonably priced for a London theatre.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is anyone able to tell me if the view from the front row in the stalls is ok? Want to purchase tickets and it says restricted view? Hoping someone is able to shed some light before I go ahead and book. Thank you in advance ☺️
Written 4 December 2023
may 2024 what shows are scheduled
Written 29 October 2023
We will be right at the top of this theatre when visiting. . Is it a massive climb up with giddy heights ? Stop off points on the stairs?
Written 13 August 2023
Has anyone sat in row W or Y in the stalls?Taking my 1.47m tall daughter to see &Juliet and want to make sure she can see!
Theatre has been very helpful with their suggestions, just wonder if anyone has seen the show and sat there or thereabouts.
Written 15 January 2020
Hi We were in the front row, so I would be unsure of the view from there.I have been to this theatre quite a few times the staff are very helpful, try emailing ringing or calling in if you can and ask them hope this is of some help.
Written 17 January 2020
How long is the show on
Written 4 October 2018
It is about 2 hours and 45 minutes with an interval.
Written 4 October 2018
Is there a dress code for matinee performances in this hot weather.
Written 24 July 2018
I went for the evening performance and there was no dress code. I wore T shirt and jeans.
Written 24 July 2018
The show is on for just over 2 hours with a 15 minute break in the middle the afternoon performance starts at 2.30pm and the evening at 7.30pm I hope that helps.
Written 20 June 2018
Anyone know which part of the theatre is Band A tickets, I’ve seen a hotel and theatre ticket deal stating Band A tickets would like to know where I would be seated before booking.
Written 30 April 2018
The Shaftesbury theatre is quite small so nowhere is far from the stage. I would imagine Band A seats are central in the stalls. Personslly I would not like to sit too near the front. The accoustics are very good in the theatre
Written 1 May 2018
I will be bringing a lady I look after whos mobility isn't too good are there steps to go up or down when using the toilet..and when you go into the stalls as she finds it difficult to go up and down stairs
Written 7 April 2018
Hi there are steps going to the stalls but you only need to go down once to get to your seat and the same when you leave the theatre there is a disabled toilet on the same level as the stalls right outside the door to enter the stalls so no problem there and the staff at the apollo are very helpful so hopefully you and your friend will be able to manage.
Written 8 April 2018
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