ODEON Covent Garden: From West End Theatre to Cinematic Landmark

A Storied Beginning as the Saville Theatre

The building now known as ODEON Covent Garden began life as the Saville Theatre, opening its doors in October 1931. Designed by Sir Thomas Bennett with Bertie Crewe, it was a luxurious West End theatre boasting a seating capacity of over 1,200 across three levels. Its interior featured opulent Art Deco styling, with a spacious stage and elegant lounges that hosted tea dances and concerts. The theatre quickly became a cultural hub, known for its comfort and grandeur.

Musical Legacy and Cultural Shift

During the 1960s, the Saville Theatre gained fame as a music venue under the ownership of Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ manager. It welcomed legendary acts such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Who, and Elton John, cementing its place in London’s vibrant music scene. The theatre’s transformation into a cinema in 1970 marked a new chapter, adapting to changing entertainment trends while retaining its historic charm.

Architectural Highlights and Artistic Details

The building’s exterior remains a testament to 1930s design, featuring a nearly 130-foot sculptured frieze by British sculptor Gilbert Bayes titled "Drama Through The Ages." This intricate artwork depicts theatrical history in vivid relief and is a notable landmark on Shaftesbury Avenue. Although some original features like the wrought iron arch window were replaced, the frieze and many Art Deco elements endure, offering visitors a glimpse into the era’s artistic sensibilities.

ODEON Era and Cinematic Experience

In 2001, the cinema was acquired by the Odeon Cinemas group and rebranded as ODEON Covent Garden. It operated as a four-screen cinema in London’s West End, providing both mainstream films and special events. The venue also served as an events space with multiple meeting rooms, capable of hosting conferences and private screenings, blending entertainment with corporate functions. Despite its central location and cultural significance, the cinema permanently closed in August 2024 due to redevelopment plans.

Future Vision: A New Arts and Hospitality Destination

The site was purchased by Yoo Capital in 2021, with approved plans to redevelop it into a multi-use live arts venue, hotel, and restaurant complex. This redevelopment aims to preserve the building’s cultural heritage while introducing modern facilities, including a 622-seat theatre in the basement. The new venue, operated by the collective behind Secret Cinema, promises to revive the site’s legacy as a vibrant hub for music, film, and performance arts.

Legacy and Location Significance

Though no longer operating as a cinema, ODEON Covent Garden remains a significant landmark in London’s entertainment history. Its location on Shaftesbury Avenue places it among the city’s renowned theatres and cultural institutions. The building’s blend of theatrical heritage, music history, and cinematic evolution encapsulates a century of London’s artistic life, making it a notable point of interest for cultural enthusiasts and historians alike.