Fortune Theatre London

Fortune Theatre Tickets

Operation Mincemeat

What’s On at Fortune Theatre

The Fortune Theatre has for decades been known as the home of the chilling ghost story The Woman in Black, but in 2023 that all changed as it welcomed the Operation Mincemeat musical’s West End premiere. This quirky homegrown British show, based on the unbelievable true story of a secret World War Two operation, has proven to be a sensation and earned 67 five-star reviews. Originally a cult favourite amongst musical theatre enthusiasts, it is now the definition of a crowd-pleaser that will win over anyone with its witty songs and charming performances.

About the Fortune Theatre

The Fortune Theatre was the first theatre to be built in London after World War I, and is situated close to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It was constructed on the site of an old public tavern, sharing a corridor with the neighbouring Scottish National Church. Today it is a Grade II-listed building, and the oldest remaining public building in London to be built entirely out of concrete.

With a capacity of only 432, The Fortune Theatre is one of the smallest in the West End - second only to the 350-seat Arts Theatre. For much of the 20th Century it operated as a 'receiving house', meaning it exclusively hosted touring shows rather than its own resident productions.

This theatre was the home of spooky thriller The Woman in Black from 1989 to March 2023. Upon closing, it was the West End’s second longest-running play after The Mousetrap at St. Martin's Theatre. A film adaptation starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012 enticed a new set of theatregoers to the Fortune. Fittingly, considering its most famous play, the Fortune is reported to be haunted, with actors commenting on ghostly encounters experienced at the venue.

Map and Address

Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HH

Located between Covent Garden and Aldwych, the Fortune Theatre’s central location is unbeatable in terms of amenities; shopping, museums and other performance venues are a stone’s throw away. Covent Garden and The Strand are within 5 minutes of the theatre. As the theatre is amidst the bustle of Theatreland, check www.tfl.gov.uk before travelling for disruptions to your journey.

Fortune Theatre, London - Exterior in Daytime

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office at the theatre is open from 10am to 8.15pm on Mondays to Saturday, during which time you can collect pre-bought tickets or make purchases for future performances.

The theatre opens around 60 minutes before the show starts.

The theatre is located in Covent Garden, where there are many cafes, restaurants and pubs to grab a bite to eat. Clos Maggiore is a popular choice with patrons looking for a special pre-theatre dinner and is just a five-minute walk from the theatre. For a quick bite, try plant-based eaterie By Chloe which is next door to the theatre

The theatre has limited cloakroom facilities, but coats and small items can be checked in for a performance at a cost of £1 per item. Large bags and rucksacks may be refused.

Air-conditioning is installed within the Fortune Theatre, allowing patrons to keep cool even on hot days.

The theatre is close to both Covent Garden and the Strand, making it an ideal place to get a pre-theatre meal. Popular chains such as Bill’s, Cote and Zizzi's are all nearby for those wanting to return to an old favorite, while The Delaunay is one of London’s top European-style cafes for those wanting high class service and are not fussy about price. For any vegans however, By Chloe is the trendy choice.

The nearby Fielding Hotel is well connected to London's wide array of landmarks. The four-star hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the theatre. For a budget option, the surrounding Z-Hotels all offer comfort and pleasant stays, without the big price tag.

The box office can be contacted directly on 0844 871 7626, where calls are charged at standard geographic rates.