Queen's Theatre Tours

From Fred Astaire to Stephen Fry, Marlene Dietrich to Maggie Smith, the stage of the Queen’s Theatre has served myriad talents over the last hundred years. After sustaining bomb damage in World War II, the theater reopened in 1959 and became the new London residence of Les Misérables in 2004—which continues today as the longest-running musical in history.

The Basics
The Grade II-listed theater has a capacity of just over 1,000 seats, so purchasing show tickets in advance is recommended. Standard and premium seating is available to suit different budgets. If you want the experience of a night out in the West End, you can opt for a package that also includes dinner, whereas time-pressed travelers or families with kids can book a matinee performance. Backstage tours can be booked independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Children under 16 years old can only attend Les Misérables if accompanied by an adult.
• The play features flashing lights, loud noises, and smoke.
• The Queen’s Theatre is wheelchair-accessible.
• Discounts are often available for people with disabilities and their companions; contact the theater in advance to arrange.
• There is a cloakroom available on-site.

How to Get There
Both Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square underground stations are within a 5-minute walk of the theater, while Charing Cross railway station is about 10 minutes away on foot. Local buses and black cabs also serve the area. Driving is best avoided in London, but if you drive, use the Theatreland Q-Park Scheme for a 50 percent discount with a theater-validated ticket.

When to Get There
There’s nothing like a winter night in the West End to get you in the festive spirit—you can unwind as you watch the show in a snug auditorium, then stretch your legs along nearby Regent Street to see London’s Christmas lights in all their glitzy glory.

W.G.R. Sprague’s West End
Both the Queen’s Theatre and its neighboring twin, the Gielgud Theatre, were designed by Edwardian architect W.G.R. Sprague. In fact, several West End staples are the work of this Australian native, including the Noël Coward Theatre, Aldwych Theatre, and St. Martin's Theatre. Of these, only St. Martin's Theatre has remained a traditional drama venue, hosting the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, since 1974.

Please note: Queen’s Theatre will be closed between July and December 2019. During that time, Les Mis will be in temporary residence at the Gielgud Theatre next door.