Debra K. White: Apollo Theatre London: Home of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The Apollo Theatre London, located on Shaftesbury Avenue, first opened its doors on 21st February, 1901, making this building over a century old! Designed in the renaissance style, the Apollo Theatre was built specifically for musicals, and opened with an American musical comedy, The Belle of Bohemia. Named after the God of the Arts, the Apollo Theatre has seen numerous shows during its time, the most successful of which was the comedy Boeing Boeing in 1962.

It is currently owned by Nimax Theatres. After the theatre’s ceiling collapsed in 2013 during a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, it reopened in 2014 and is now home to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, inspired by the story of Jamie Campbell, the famous drag star. Nominated for five Olivier Awards, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie promises to be just the kind of unconventional, self-love-promoting musical we need!

Venue Details

Address: Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 7EZ, UKK

Opened: 1901

Seating Capacity: 666
Stalls: 359
Dress Circle: 172
Grand Circle: 135

Seating Chart: Check out the Apollo Theatre London Seating Plan here.

Now Playing at Apollo Theatre

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

This incredibly forward-thinking and unconventional tale follows the real-life experiences of 16-year-old drag queen Jamie Campbell and how he decides, one day, to go to his school prom in a dress. With heartfelt lines by Tom McRae of Doctor Who fame, and infectious, catchy numbers by Dan Gillespie, you can’t help but feel inspired by Jamie’s style, confidence, and his journey towards self-acceptance. Starring John McCrea as Jamie, this show is a must-watch, if for nothing else but its wonderfully positive and motivational message in today’s uncertain times.

The Story

Sixteen-year-old Jamie New is unusual – not only is he openly gay, but he also hopes to attend his school prom in a dress (despite his school’s psychometric evaluation telling him he should become a forklift operator). After being gifted a pair of bright red heels by his mother (who is just as unconventional), Jamie decides to fulfill his dream. With the help of his supporting and loving mother and friends, Jamie stands up to his school teachers and the surrounding homophobia, and realizes his destiny as a drag queen.

Book Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tickets and save £7 on your first booking. Use promo code: GOLDN

Practical Information

Accessible Seating

An accessible entrance is located on Shaftesbury Avenue, which leads to a platform lift down to the Stalls.

Please note that the Stalls are not suitable for scooter users. There are two wheelchair spaces in Row Q - Q1 and Q22, and two transfer spaces available per performance to any aisle seat. As there are no customer lifts, it is best to avoid Dress and Grand Circles.

Available Facilities

Assistive Listening System: The theatre has a Williams Sound hearing assistance system, and headsets are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Bar: The theatre has two bars, one in the Stalls and one in the Upper Circle.

Cloakroom: There are cloakroom facilities at the Apollo Theatre and pushchairs can be checked. Items cost £1 to check in.

Guide dogs: Guide dogs are allowed in the theatre. Staff can dog sit two dogs per show; advance booking is recommended.

Toilets: Both Stalls and Grand Circle have access to both male and female toilets. There is a fully adapted unisex toilet in the Stalls.

Handy Tips

If you need extra legroom with your seat, book your tickets in Row O, seats O1, O2, O13 and O14.
Booster cushions available on a first-come-first basis.
Snacks and drinks are allowed into this theatre! However, hot food is not allowed, and drinks must be transferred into plastic cups (after being purchased from the bar) before being brought in.

Getting There

Tube: The nearest tube stations is Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines).

Bus: Buses to Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue – 12, 14, 19, and 38
Buses to Regent Street – 6, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453

Restaurants near Apollo Theatre London

1. Bocca Di Lupo: If you’re craving some authentic Italian food, this is the place to be – indulge in some sea bream carpaccio with orange zest and rosemary; arancini filled with soft cheese and pistachio; or even tagliolini gratinati with prawns and Treviso while at Bocca Di Lupo.

2. Ham Yard Bar at Ham Yard Hotel: The Ham Yard Bar is a great place to unwind with friends and fun, modern drinks after your show at the Apollo. Sample the Rosemary Vesper, the Black Mamba or the Smoke n’ Bubbles!

3. SHORYU RAMEN Soho: Slurp down some delicious Dracula tonkotsu and wolf down some hirata buns – just a few of the wide range of Japanese food offered – before your show at Shoryu Ramen!

4. Hot Pot: As the first London site for Hot Pot, visit this Chinatown location for a cook-it-yourself meal – choose your own broth, meat, vegetables, and sauces! Definitely a fun end to a great day at the theatre.

5. Babaji Pide: Try Babaji’s twists on the traditional Turkish ‘pide’, or boat-shaped pizza, as well as their extra-special desserts, like the kagit helva' wafer and ice-cream sandwiches.