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The theatre opened on 18 January 1884 with W.S. Gilbert's
fairy comedy, The Palace of Truth ,
Initially called the Prince's Theatre, it was renamed The
Prince of Wales in 1886. The architect was C.J. Phipps
who designed a number of London theatres, probably the best
known being Her Majesty's, Haymarket. The Prince's was
flowery in style by comparison with today's theatre. The
facade matched the hotel and restaurant next door (now the
Thistle Hotel) and the interior boasted a Moorish foyer with a
fountain playing and a 'smoking fernery' and 'grotto',
complete with ornamental rocks, beneath. It was a
traditional three-tier theatre, decorated in white, cream and
gold that seated just over 1,000 people. Stronger burnt
orange and terracotta colours were used for the drapes and
seats - a theme that we see reutilised in the newly
refurbished theatre. |
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The Prince of Wales closed for renovation in July 2003. Since
then it has undergone a £7.5 million refurbishment making it
one of the most stylish, spacious and comfortable theatres in
the West End. It was officially reopened by the Prince of
Wales on 10 June 2004 when he attended a Gala performance of
Mamma Mia! in aid of the Prince's Trust.
The Prince of Wales is owned and managed by Delfont Mackintosh
Theatres Limited who have undertaken the
refurbishment programme to give the West End one of its most
stylish, spacious and comfortable theatres.
ADDRESS
The Prince Of Wales Theatre
Coventry Street
London W1D 6AS -
map
TRAVEL
Nearest Underground: Piccadilly Circus
Nearest Rail: Charing Cross
Parking: Master Park at Whitcomb Street London W1.
Parking in central London can be difficult and expensive.
ACCESS
Wheelchairs: Access: Yes
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