The Adelphi Theatre is a famous theatre on London’s West End and has been standing tall for almost a century. Interestingly enough, the history of the modern day Adelphi Theatre stretches back all the way to 1806. Since then, four theatres were constructed on this site, with the current one being the last. The first of the lot was the ‘Sans Pareil’, which operated till 1819, when it was sold and renamed ‘The Adelphi Theatre’. In 1829, after a few structural changes, this theatre came to be known as ‘Theatre Royal Adelphi’. Not long after, in 1858, a second theatre was constructed under the name ‘Theatre Royal, New Adelphi’. A third building was constructed in 1901, to provide a new frontage, and this became ‘The Royal Adelphi’. The current Adelphi Theatre was unveiled in 1930 under the name ‘The Royal Adelphi Theatre’. The epithet ‘Royal’ was removed in 1940 and since then it has come to be known as simply The Adelphi Theatre.
This theatre is well built for showcasing comedies and musicals and has been host to some of West End’s most loved productions. Some of the notable shows that have played here include ‘They Way of an Eagle’, ‘Magnolia Street’, ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Me and My Girl’, and ‘Chicago’. Currently the theatre plays host to the world-famous musical, ‘Kinky Boots’.
Venue Details
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0NS, UK
Opened: 1806
Seating Capacity: 1498
Stalls: 660
Dress Circle: 433
Upper Circle: 405
Seating Chart: Check out the Adelphi Theatre London Seating Plan here.
Now Playing At The Adelphi Theatre
Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots is perhaps the most loved musical to ever come out of Broadway. This production has won an astounding 6 Tony Awards and 3 Olivier Awards, along with a Grammy for ‘Best Musical theatre Album’ in 2014. Based on a British film of the same name, Kinky Boots depicts the struggle of a man torn between his father’s legacy and his fiancée’s demands. With an award winning score by eminent singer-songwriter, Cyndi Lauper, and directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell, this musical has rightly won the hearts of viewers all around the globe.
Kinky Boots opened on West End in September 2015, and since then, has completed over 1000 performances at the Adelphi. Despite having run for so long, the tickets for this show are still one of the most sought after on West End, and shows often get sold out months in advance.
The Story
Kinky Boots recounts the story of Charlie Price, who is heir to a shoe factory. With absolutely no interest in the business, Charlie moves to London to live with his demanding girlfriend, and decides to try his hand in the real estate business. Upon the sudden demise of his father, Charlie is forced to return and keep his father’s business alive. Just as Charlie is struggling to find a way to run the business, he comes upon a fabulous drag queen, Lola, and her band of drag dancers. After watching Lola and her entourage perform at a nightclub, Charlie notices that the boots worn by the dancers were not suitable for such use, and especially for such big men.
Once he is back at the factory, he has the terrible but necessary task of laying off his workers, because he simply could not afford to pay them due to dwindling sales. He remembers the astute observation that he made at the nightclub, and decides to create a unique women's boot, that can be worn by men.
Soon his factory begins the production of ‘Kinky Boots’, under the guidance of Charlie and Lola, but the question remains - Will this half-baked idea actually work? And can Charlie and Lola find a way to work together despite their many differences? This production answers all these questions and more in a beautifully crafted musical comedy.
Cast
Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Lola
David Hunter as Charlie Price
Verity Rushworth as Lauren
Alan Mehdizadeh as Don
Show Timings
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Saturday: 7:30 PM
Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30 PM
Running Time
2 hours and 30 mins, with 1 intermission
Practical Information
Accessible Seating
Wheelchair users can access the theatre's Stalls level directly through the foyer - there are no steps. There are two spaces for wheelchair users at the rear of the section, however, transfer seating is available to any of the Stalls' aisle seats. Please note that a maximum of four wheelchairs can be stored in the Cloakroom.
Available Facilities
Assistive Listening System: The theatre has an Infrared system in the theatre. Please note that headsets are available on a first come first served basis, and can be found in the Cloakroom. There is NO coverage in Stalls rows R-X, Dress Circle rows J-O, and Upper Circle rows F-O.
Bar: The theatre has four bars. All bars serve wine, champagne, beer, tea and coffee.
Cloakroom: A cloakroom is available at the venue. Large items can be checked in for £1 each.
Guide Dogs: Adelphi Theatre allows guide dogs in the theatre. In case you deem the sound too loud, the theatre staff is happy to look after your guide dog. Please note that the theatre can dog sit only four dogs at a time.
Toilets: There are male and female toilets present at each level of the theatre. An adapted toilet is near the entrance of the Stalls.
Handy Tips
- Make sure you book your tickets as soon as possible. The earlier you reserve your seats, higher the chances of you getting good seats at a decent price.
- Ensure that you come on time for your show. Most West End shows do not entertain latecomers and the few 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 show.
- Snacks can be brought into the auditorium but please note that hot food will not be allowed inside.
- The theatre is air conditioned, so be sure to carry a ligth sweater in case it gets chilly.
- Adelphi Theatre has a strict no glass policy, so all drinks will have to be transferred to plastic cups before you enter the auditorium.
Getting There
Tube: The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo Lines) and Embankment (District and Circle Lines).
Bus: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, and 176.
Rail: The nearest station is Charing Cross.
Restaurants near Adelphi Theatre London
1. Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Lobstershack: Serving up some delicious American fare and barbecue, this place makes for a perfect pre-theatre destination for meat lovers.
2. Byron Strand: Fancy a quick burger? Then this is the place for you. Byron is famous for its gourmet burgers made from Scottish beef.
3. Milk Train: For all you dessert lovers, Milk Train is a famous London eatery, offering great cotton candy and ice cream.
4. Zizzi: This wonderful Italian joint well known for its pizza and pasta.
5. Lokhandwala: Located just a bit away from the theatre, this restaurant serves up some mouth-watering Indian food.
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