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Phoenix Theatre London

What’s On at Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre is best known for hosting some of the most popular long-running musicals of the last few decades, but in 2024 it welcomed a very different event to its stage. The Stranger Things play, The First Shadow, is a huge theatrical expansion of the Netflix series and boasts incredible stage effects and storytelling. Theatre fans will be amazed by the production values on display, and audiences from all over the globe who may have never set foot inside a West End venue before will also be utterly enthralled by this landmark production.

About the Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre opened in 1930 and was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Bertie Crewe and Cecil Massey. The venue was built for Sidney Bernstein, the prolific media baron and founder of Granada London. The entrance faces Charing Cross Road and is designed in an Italianate and Neoclassical style. In 1973 it was granted Grade II Listed status.

The opening performance at the Phoenix Theatre was the premiere of Noël Coward's Private Lives, in which Coward himself also starred alongside Laurence Olivier. The Phoenix Theatre had a long association with Noël Coward, showcasing many of his works, and now has a bar named after the playwright.

While the theatre has hosted many musicals, including Into the Woods and The Biograph Girl, it is possibly most famous for housing the long-running Blood Brothers, which ran at the venue from 1991 until 2012. The Phoenix was home to Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away until January 2022.

Map and Address

Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JG

Located in the heart of Central London and the famous West End, the Phoenix Theatre is close to Soho and Chinatown’s nightlife, as well as Seven Dials and Oxford Street shopping. The Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus bustle and amenities are both within 10 minutes of the theatre. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are a few minutes away, as are Covent Garden’s many shops and restaurants. Before setting out on your journey, it is best to check www.tfl.gov.uk for any disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Phoenix Theatre box office open and how do I collect tickets?

Th box office is open from 10am until 7:30pm from Monday to Saturday for patrons to make in-person bookings. Please note, that advanced ticket sales for future dates cannot be made from one hour before performances start, from which time the box office on Charing Cross Rd. only handles collections and purchases for that evening’s performance. Pre-booked tickets can be collected any time from one hour before the show from the main box office located in the theatre’s foyer. For ease, please ensure you have your confirmation email and ID with you and arrive with plenty of time to spare.

What time does the Phoenix Theatre open for a show?

The theatre opens one hour before performances.

What food and drink are available at the Phoenix Theatre?

There are four bars within the theatre - the Foyer Bar, Gertrude Lawrence Bar, Noel Coward Bar and Upper Circle Bar. The Foyer Bar is the largest and has step free access from the ground level so is recommended for patrons with disabilities. Those in the upper sections may find the bar closest to their seat least busy and most convenient before shows however. These bars serve a range of soft and alcoholic drinks and light snacks, all of which can be taken into the auditorium, but please ask for a plastic cup.

Does the Phoenix Theatre have a cloakroom?

The theatre has a cloakroom just inside the main entrance. Coats and small suitcases can be stored, although this is based on availability and the discretion of staff. Once left, patrons cannot exit the building until collecting their items as they cannot be stored after the performance.

Is the Phoenix Theatre air-conditioned?

The theatre has an ‘air-cooling’ system in place designed to stop the auditorium overheating in warm weather.

Where should I eat near the Phoenix Theatre?

The theatre is a short walk from bustling Soho and is surrounded by many popular restaurants. Meat-lovers will want to try Flat Iron for their great steaks. Kanada-Ya and Bibimbap offer trendy takes on Asian cuisine at affordable prices, while Chipotle is great for those who want a quick bite on a budget.

What is the best hotel to stay at near the Phoenix Theatre?

Located near the vibrant heart of Soho, there are many fantastic boutique luxury hotels for those with bigger budgets, including Hazlitt’s and the Covent Garden Hotel. SoHostel is a good option for those on a budget who still want to stay in the heart of the city, although with its fantastic transport connections you may want to consider staying further out and getting more for your money.

How do I contact the box office?

You can contact the theatre box office directly by calling 03330 096 690, where calls are charged at standard geographic rates.
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