Venue Information

Approx. capacity: 470

The Leicester Square Theatre is a 420-seat studio theatre in Leicester Square, in the City of Westminster, London. The theatre also has a 60-seat basement space. The venue hosts stand-up comedy, cabaret, musical acts, small musical theatre productions, plays and comedies. It was formerly a popular venue for live music. The theatre is open-plan with grandstand-style seating, flexible staging and is situated beneath the Notre Dame French Catholic Church. The theatre was reopened by Lesley Ackland and Martin Witts in August 2008 with a 12 week run of motor mouth US comedienne Joan Rivers... soon establishing itself as one of London's foremost comedy venues playing host to the major comedy talent of the today including Bill Bailey, Michael McIntrye, Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, Sandra Bernhard, Mark Little, Julian Clary, Russell Howard, Richard Herring and annual seasons with Doug Stanhope and Stewart Lee. The theatre has anillustrious history as a live music venue. As the 'Cavern in the Town' in the Sixties, Beat group The Small Faces had a regular residency. In the 1970s, as the Notre Dame Hall, The Rolling Stones played there along with The Who. But punk ruled supreme and the venue hosted some riotous early landmark gigs by The Sex Pistols. The Clash previewed their "London Calling" material there in 1979 before recording the seminal album the following month. Therefore it wasn't long before music started playing a vital role in the theatres programming. Macy Gray, Boy George, Tommy Emmanuel, John Mayall, Michael Feinstien, Dame Cleo Laine, Hazel O'Connor, David McAlmont, Ruby Turner and Tony Christie are just a handful of names that have played the theatre in the last few years.

Transport

By Tube

The Leicester Square Theatre is a two minute walk from Leicester Square tube station.

By Train

The Leicester Square Theatre is a ten minute walk from Charing Cross mainline station.

By Car

The venue is in central London so it is advised to use public transport where possible.

By Taxi

Dial-A-Cab 020 7253 5000 Radio Taxis 020 7272 0272 Computer Cab 020 7286 0286

By Bus

Numbers 24, 29 and 176.

Parking

Nearest Parking is in China Town - http://www.q-park.co.uk/parking/london/q-park-chinatown There is no parking in Leicester Square.

Accessibility

Number of Steps

To gain access to the main auditorium it is necessary to come down 14 steps into the main foyer. It is then a further 6 steps down to the auditorium itself, which is all on one level.

Wheelchair Access

Currently Leicester Square Theatre has no wheelchair access.

Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs and Hearing dogs are permitted in the auditorium (please inform the venue before), they can stay with you during the performance or a member of staff will be happy to care for your dog.