Her Majesty’s Theatre London was established in 1705 as Queen’s Theatre by architect and playwright John Vanbrugh. This theatre premiered more than 25 operas by George Frideric Handel, and also became the site where London performances of Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, Così fan tutte and Don Giovanni unfolded for the first time in early 19th century.
An interesting feature of the theatre is that its name changes with the monarch’s gender. In 1714, it became the King’s theatre with the accession of George I, and then Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1837, back to His Majesty’s Theatre in 1901 until 1952, when it became Her Majesty’s Theatre after the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.
In its present form, the theatre has 1216 seats and hosted some landmark productions in the early 20th century. During the First World War, the theatre’s wide stage made it a favourite for staging large scale musical productions. It has seen record breaking runs of musicals like Chu Chin Chow, and the current production, The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has been playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre since 1986.
Venue Details
Address: Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4QL, UK
Opened: 1705
Seating Capacity: 1167
Stalls : 459
Royal Circle : 281
Grand Circle: 324
Balcony: 103
Seating Chart
Check out the Her Majesty's Theatre Seating Plan here.
Now Playing At Her Majesty's Theatre London
The Phantom of the Opera
“The music is soaring and operatic. The characters are archetypes in a way that speaks to the timelessness of mythology. For example, the Phantom is flesh and blood and also "there, inside your mind". He is the angel of music, but he looks like the devil.”
- The Guardian
The Phantom of the Opera opened in West End in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre. It premiered on Broadway in 1988. The success of the show can be determined by the fact that it is the second longest running musical on West End, and the third longest running show overall. It is the longest running show in Broadway. By the year 2011, The Phantom of the Opera had been seen in 145 cities across 27 countries, with an overall audience of more than 130 million people.
The Story
The Phantom of the Opera revolves around Christine Daaé, the beautiful soprano who becomes the obsession of the mysterious and disfigured musical genius who lives beneath Opera Populaire in its subterranean labyrinth. The musical is based on the phenomenal novel by French author Gaston Leroux named Le Fantôme de l'Opéra.
Cast
Ben Lewis as The Phantom
Kelly Mathieson as Christine Daaé
Jeremy Taylor as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny
Show Timings
Mon - Sat: 7:30 PM
Thur & Sat: 2:30 PM
Running Time
2 hours and 35 minutes, with one intermission
Practical Information
Disabled Access
The exit door on Charles II street has level access, with a slight slope to the rear stalls. There are three spaces for wheelchair users in row S. Transfer seating is available to any aisle seats in the Stalls. It is recommended that patrons with limited mobility book seats in the Stalls section.
Please note that there is an infra-red system for those hard of hearing, and headsets are available in the cloakroom next to the Stalls bar.
Available Facilities
Bar: Every section except the Balcony has a bar. Drinks may be brought to disabled customers in the auditorium.
Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom at the theater. Large items can be checked in for £1 each.
Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are allowed in to the auditorium. Alternatively, staff are happy to dog sit a maximum of four dogs per performance.
Toilets: There are male and female toilets on each level of the theater. The adapted toilet is on the left of accessible entrance on Charles II Street.
Handy Tips
- Food and drinks in plastic containers are allowed inside the theater, however, hot food is prohibited. Drinks purchased at the bar must be transferred into plastic cups before entering the auditorium.
- Try booking your tickets as early as possible for best seats and best prices. As the show gets closer to the date, prices do tend to increase as demand also increases.
- Try to be on time at all costs! Some shows do not entertain latecomers and the ones that do, expect you to be as quiet as a mouse as you try to find your seats. Better to save yourself and others the trouble and be there at least 10-15 minutes before the doors open (45 minutes before the performance).
Getting There
Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines).
Bus: 6, 12, 14, 19, 23, 38, 88, 94, 159 and, 453
Overground: Charing Cross Station
Restaurants near Her Majesty's Theatre
1. Brumus, Haymarket Hotel: If you are looking to have a hearty lunch, Brumus is a must try as it offers great ambiance and an excellent menu, complete with Wine and Coffee options
2. London Beer House: The tiny beer place serves craft beer and is a great place to just enjoy and relax. Afternoons are less crowded but evenings can be a full house.
3. Assaggetti : Assaggetti has a dish for every age- go in with your family and kids, or with your friends- you will come out happy!
4. Spaghetti House: This place offers reasonably priced yet delicious food options, and is perfect for those looking to enjoy some pizza or Italian dishes.
5. The Balcon: A fine-dining option, the Balcon offers a small and interesting menu of dishes and a generous list of Wine you can enjoy.
The post Her Majesty’s Theatre London – Home of The Phantom of the Opera appeared first on Headout Blog.
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