Venue Information

The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand, London is the fourth building on the site, having originally been founded in 1806 as the Sans Pareil by merchant John Scott and his daughter Jane. Together they gathered a theatrical company that was the host of many plays, musicals and pantomimes. In 1819, the theatre reopened under its present name, where many of Charles Dickens' stories were adapted for the stage including Nicholas Nickleby. The old theatre was demolished and reopened in 1858 and again, a third theatre was opened in 1901 where it was the host of productions such as The Earl and the Girl in 1904. The Adelphi's present site opened in 1930 on The Strand, close to many of London's top hotels, and was redesigned in an Art Deco style by Ernest Schaufelberg. The theatre continued to host plays and musicals, and in 1993 Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group purchased the Adelphi and refurbished it. The Adelphi was the original hosting of the American musical, Chicago, having played there from 1997 until 2006, when it transferred to the Cambridge theatre. After the successful run of Sweeney Todd starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, the Adelphi Theatre hosts the world premiere of The Bodyguard musical starring Heather Headley and Lloyd Owen.

Transport

By Tube

The most convenient Tube stop to reach the Adelphi by is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line, which is just 400m from the theatre's entrance. However, as this station can get very crowded at evenings and weekends you can opt to walk to the theatre from Embankment instead, which is serviced by the Northern, Circle, Bakerloo and District lines.

By Train

The nearest mainline train station is Charing Cross, which is fortunately also located nearby to the theatre and is also reachable on the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

By Taxi

If you are being dropped off at the theatre by taxi the main entrance is off the Strand. Taxis can be pricey and if you are only travelling a short distance and are capable of doing so by train or bus, public transport may be a better option.

By Bus

As with most busy areas of London, there are a great many bus routes from all other parts of the city that will take you to Covent Garden and the Strand - you simply need to check the front board of the bus for destination information.

Parking

Masterpark at Whitcomb Street. Meters on Charles II Street and in St James's Square. Single yellow lines in the Haymarket. www.parkingforbluebadges.com (Comprehensive parking and interactive bus information for Blue Badge disabled drivers travelling around London) There are also single yellow lines and parking meters on Maiden Lane which is just behind the theatre, although there is no guarantee that these will be available given the Adelphi's central location.

Accessibility

Number of Steps

FOYER - no steps STALLS - no steps DRESS CIRCLE - 41 steps up (steps lead to the back of the Dress Circle only) UPPER CIRCLE - 79 steps up (steps lead to the back of the Upper Circle only)

Step-free information

Step free access is available into the Stalls via the main entrance on The Strand and open 30 minutes before the performance. There is a slight slope from the back of the Stalls to the front.

Wheelchair Access

There are 2 wheelchair spaces in row X24 and X25 of the Stalls with one companion seat alongside each wheelchair user. Additional companion seats directly in the row in front. Wheelchair transfers are available to any end of row seat in the Stalls. Access into the auditorium is via the main entrance on The Strand Toilet Facilities There is an accessible toilet in the Stalls for wheelchair users by the level access entrance.

Hearing Systems

The theatre uses the Williams infra-red headset system and 7 headsets are available from the front of house staff in main foyer. These headsets are for people who are hard of hearing, please note there is no induction loop system in the auditorium for hearing aid users. There is an induction loop at the Box Office to assist hearing aid users when booking tickets. For further information regarding hearing systems, please call the theatre stage door on 0207 836 1166.

Guide Dogs

The theatre management are happy to look after your Guide/Hearing dog during the performance. Please approach a member of the front of house team when you arrive at the theatre and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Autistic Spectrum Info

The theatre would be grateful for any additional information regarding your needs prior to going to the theatre, especially anything regarding sensory issues or matters relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Please feel welcome to call the theatre management on 0207 836 1166 so they can offer you more assistance throughout your visit.