SAVOY THEATRE
The Strand,
London, WC2R 0ET
The current Savoy Theatre opened in October 1929, but the original theatre on the site (also called the Savoy) opened in 1881.
The Savoy Theatre had strong connections with Gilbert and Sullivan and D'Oyly Carte who became partners whilst working at the Royalty Theatre in Soho. They presented their productions Opera Comique but as their lease at this playhouse neared its end they it would be better to build their own theatre, and this is how the original Savoy Theatre was built.
The current Savoy opened with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers”. The exterior of the original theatre was retained but the interior was completely reconstructed to the designs of Frank A. Tugwell. Originally the theatre had its main entrance on the Embankment, but this was soon moved to the Savoy Hotel canopy where it remains.
The new Savoy was a far more modern construction with a seating capacity of 1,138 and an auditorium constructed on three levels: Stalls, Dress, and Upper Circle.
The theatre was undergoing renovation in 1990 when a fire broke out in the auditorium in middle of the night and soon engulfed the entire building. Everything but the stage and backstage areas was completely gutted.
But it was to rise again and in 1993 the Savoy Theatre had been rebuilt and restored to its original glory, by the distinguished architect Sir William Whitfield. The auditorium and public areas have been restored to the 1929 vision of Tugwell & Ionides, with an additional storey above the Theatre to house plant machinery, a health club for the hotel and a swimming pool above the stage. The current capacity is now 1,158.
When the theatre re-opened in 1993, as a tribute to Gilbert and Sullivan the overture to "Patience" was played and the season's programme included Wayne Sleep's specially commissioned ballet “Savoy Suite” with music by Sullivan arranged by Carl Davis. The Savoy Theatre still produces Gilbert and Sullivan Operas occasionally, and is now owned by The Ambassador Theatre Group Limited who purchased it in 2005.
HOW TO GET TO THE SAVOY THEATRE
Savoy Theatre,
The Strand,
London, WC2R 0ET
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Tube : Charing Cross/Embankment Train: Charing Cross |
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14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, 176 |
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This theatre participates in the Theatreland Parking Scheme - find out more about the great discounts offered by clicking on the link. |
DISABLED ACCESS TO THE SAVOY
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Radio receivers with headsets – collect from Cloakroom at Dress Circle level. Please book in advance, deposit required. |
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Guide dogs allowed in the auditorium or staff will dog-sit by prior arrangement office. Dogs will be looked after in the Manager’s Office. |
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No steps to Box Office through 3 sets of double doors which open inwards. Box Office counter is to right. From a door beside the foyer entrance there are 2 steps into the Upper Circle. 33 steps down to Dress Circle (2 steps between rows), 71 down to Stalls. Staircases have handrails on both sides. Separate entrance for wheelchair users or special needs at street level via a ramp from Carting Lane. |
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Adapted toilet to the right of the Dress Circle. |