Prince Edward Theatre, London’s West End Gem
Historic Art Deco West End theatre in Soho, renowned for iconic musicals and superb seating across three elegant levels.
Located on Old Compton Street in Soho, the Prince Edward Theatre is a historic West End venue renowned for its Art Deco architecture and world-class musical productions. Opened in 1930, it features a spacious auditorium with 1,619 seats across three levels—Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle—offering excellent sightlines and comfort. The theatre has hosted iconic premieres like Evita and Mamma Mia, making it a cultural landmark for London theatre lovers.
A brief summary to Prince Edward Theatre
- Old Compton St, London, W1D 4HS, GB
- +443444825151
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- For the best view of the stage, choose central seats in the Dress Circle, especially Rows D to H.
- Stalls offer spacious seating with excellent sightlines; middle blocks in Rows D to H are ideal.
- Grand Circle seats are more affordable but have steep access and can feel cramped; front rows offer the best views here.
- Wheelchair users should use the dedicated entrance on Greek Street and notify staff for assistance.
- Explore nearby Soho eateries and bars to complement your theatre visit with vibrant local dining.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Leicester Square station, approximately a 7-minute walk from the theatre. Services include the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Tickets cost £2.50–£6.00 depending on zones and time. The area is well-served by frequent buses, including routes 24, 29, and 176, with stops within 5 minutes' walk.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations such as Trafalgar Square typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, costing around £8–£15. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours and on weekends.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Soho or Covent Garden, walking to the theatre is straightforward and takes 10–15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible with no significant steps or barriers.
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Car
There is no onsite parking at the theatre. Nearby parking garages and street parking are limited and can be expensive. Disabled parking bays are available on Greek Street and Frith Street. Use public transport where possible to avoid congestion and parking difficulties.
Prince Edward Theatre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Prince Edward Theatre
Architectural Elegance and Historical Roots
The Prince Edward Theatre stands as a striking example of Art Deco design, crafted by architect Edward Stone and inaugurated in 1930. Named after the then Prince of Wales, the theatre's façade and interior reflect the glamour of early 20th-century London theatre architecture. Over the decades, it has adapted to various uses, including a cabaret hall and the UK's first Cinerama cinema, before returning to its theatrical roots in the 1970s. Its enduring presence in Soho marks it as a cultural beacon in one of London’s most vibrant districts.Auditorium Layout and Seating Experience
The theatre seats 1,619 patrons across three main sections: the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle. The Stalls, the largest section with approximately 866 seats, offer spacious, well-raked seating divided into blocks, ensuring clear views of the expansive stage. The Dress Circle, divided into five blocks, is prized for its central rows (especially Rows D to H), which provide some of the best vantage points for large-scale musical productions. The Grand Circle, the highest level, offers budget-friendly seating with good views from its front rows, though the steep steps and cramped seats may challenge those with vertigo.Legacy of Premieres and Productions
The Prince Edward Theatre has been the birthplace of many celebrated West End shows. It premiered Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita in 1978, which ran for eight years, and hosted the UK debut of Chess the Musical. More recent highlights include the world premiere of Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, Disney's Aladdin, and the Olivier Award-winning Mary Poppins. This rich history of landmark productions underscores the theatre’s status as a cornerstone of London’s performing arts scene.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Accessibility is a priority at the Prince Edward Theatre, with wheelchair access via a dedicated entrance on Greek Street and adapted toilets available. Assistance dogs and hearing enhancement aids are supported, and access hosts assist patrons as needed. Although there is no onsite parking, nearby disabled bays are available. The theatre offers cloakroom facilities, air cooling for comfort, and bars serving drinks and snacks, enhancing the visitor experience.Vibrant Soho Location and Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Soho on Old Compton Street, the theatre is surrounded by an eclectic mix of bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it ideal for pre- or post-show dining and socializing. Nearby attractions include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Oxford Street, all within walking distance. This central location places the Prince Edward Theatre at the crossroads of London’s cultural and entertainment life.Seating Tips for an Optimal Experience
For the best views, seats in the middle of the Dress Circle’s front rows (especially Rows D to H) are recommended, offering clear sightlines of the stage and choreography. Central Stalls seats in Rows D to H provide an intimate connection to the performance. Budget-conscious visitors may find excellent value in the front rows of the Grand Circle or rear Stalls seats, which still maintain good views. Some seats near aisles may have minor obstructions, so consulting detailed seating plans is advised.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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Denmark St
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Historic Seven Dials
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Chinatown Gate
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Agatha Christie memorial
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Leicester Square
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London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Harry Potter Statue
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Where the boy wizard takes flight in London's cinematic heart—a bronze tribute to magic and movie history.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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Mr Bean Statue
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Mercer Walk
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Swiss Glockenspiel
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Mary Poppins Statue
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Café de Paris
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Slingsby Place
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Cecil Court
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bar Soho
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London Pub Crawl
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The Coach & Horses, Soho
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Ronnie Scott's
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Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Club49Soho
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club49 Soho, a premier bar and live music venue in the heart of London's iconic Soho district.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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Discover the vibrant soul of London’s West End with an immersive self-guided tour through Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown’s cultural and culinary gems.
The Spice Of Life
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Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending tradition, vibrant culture, and boutique lodging in the heart of London.
Curzon Soho
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Palace Theatre
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Foyles
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Shaftesbury Ave
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The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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The Admiral Duncan - Soho
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Phoenix Arts Club
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West End's best-kept secret: intimate cabaret, burlesque, and theatre in a deliberately seductive speakeasy.
Phoenix Theatre
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Essential places to dine
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Hoppers Soho
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Gauthier Soho
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Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Quo Vadis
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An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Meet Fresh
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Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
Noble Rot Soho
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A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Inamo
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Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Evelyn's Table
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Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Bantof
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Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
J Sheekey
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Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Boutik
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Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Goldsmith Vintage
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Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
JW Anderson London Soho
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Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
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Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Sounds of the Universe
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Discover a world of diverse vinyl and music culture at Soho’s iconic Sounds of the Universe record store.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
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Artisan chocolate craftsmanship in the heart of Soho, where award-winning sea salted caramels and inventive flavours await.
Glassworks London - Soho
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Radha's Boutique
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Forbidden Planet London Megastore
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Unique Britain
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Cool Britania
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Oxford Street Gift Shop
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St Martin's Courtyard
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M&M'S London
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Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Black Book
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Swift Soho
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Bar Termini
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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The Little Scarlet Door
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Thirst Bar Soho
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Ku Bar
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Covent Garden Social Club
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Basement Sate
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The Escapologist Bar
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Prelude by Oriole
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The Thin White Duke
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Capannina Club
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The Ivy Club
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Sophisticats Soho
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Versity Camp Nightclub
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The Box Soho
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The Penthouse London
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St Moritz Club
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Zoo Bar & Club
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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The Roxy
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Sunset night club
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Luxe Club
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Bordello London
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Theatre Company
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
