West End’s Aldwych Theatre goes dark for major redevelopment

London’s Aldwych Theatre is undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

The refit is taking place over 15 weeks between the closure of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and the opening of La Soiree on November 24. The refurbishment has been funded by a restoration levy of £1.25, which is added onto ticket prices. However, theatre operator Nederlander Theatres declined to confirm the total cost of the project.

It will include the redecoration of the auditorium and the foyer of the West End theatre, as well as the retouching of ornate plasterwork throughout the building.

Seating in the auditorium and carpets throughout the building will be entirely replaced, and the toilets will also be redone.

The stalls, dress circle and grand circle bars will also be refurbished, and a glass dome above the dress circle is to be entirely replaced. Additionally, a new surround system is being installed.

Steve Hughes, operations director at the theatre, said: “We are all very excited about the multimillion-pound refurbishment project that will transform the beautiful Aldwych Theatre, making it one of the most stunning theatres in the West End.

Hughes added that the result would be “exquisite” and would see the theatre “return to its former glory”.

The Aldwych is one of three West End theatres owned by Nederlander. The US company also owns the Dominion and the Adelphi.