Duchess Theatre
Sections:
Theatre build date:
1929
History:
An unusual structure, the compact Duchess Theatre was built in 1929 with most of the auditorium, including all of the stalls, in the basement. Despite its small size, the Duchess is renowned for its excellent sightlines, as its one circle is suspended from the roof. This has made it a successful receiving house, with its main purpose having been to play host to many plays and small musicals playing for short runs.
However, the Duchess has been home to a number of notable West End productions, including Blithe Spirit (1942), Oh Calcutta! (1974) and Bill Naughton’s Alfie (1962). It was at the Duchess that film producer Lewis Gilbert saw Alfie and immediately approached Naughton to discuss a film transfer. This of course resulted in the iconic 1966 movie starring Michael Caine in the title role.
Previously showing:
See How They Run (2006)
Breakfast With Mugabe (2005)
Glorious! (2005)
Behind The Iron Mask (2005)
The Birthday Party (2005)
Man and Boy (2005)
Little Women (2004)
Pieter-Dirk Uys: Elections and Erections (2004)
Jimeoin (2004)
Coyote on a Fence (2004)
Close to:
Covent Garden Piazza
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Contact Details
Duchess Theatre
Catherine Street
WC2B 5LA
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
479
Stage door location:
The Duchess Theatre’s stage door is located on a small side street that runs betwwn Tavistock Street and Covent Garden Piazza.
Theatre layout:
On two levels, the stalls and Dress Circle, the Duchess offers clear views throughout, with only the front row of the Dress Circle slightly restricted by a handrail. The severity of this of course depends on height; taller people will not be affected by this at all.
Air conditioned:
Yes
