Prince Of Wales Theatre

About the Prince Of Wales Theatre

The Prince of Wales Theatre is the second theatre to be built on this site in Coventry Street. First was the traditional, three-tier ‘Prince’s Theatre’ which opened in 1884 with a revival of W.S. Gilbert’s 'The Palace of Truth'. It seated 1,000 people and was renamed ‘Prince of Wales’ theatre in 1886 after the future king Edward IV.

The Prince of Wales Theatre played host to musical comedies including 'Lillie Langtry in School for Scandal' (1885), straight plays like Ivor Novello’s 'The Rat' (1924) and revues showcasing stars of the era.

After 50 years the theatre was deemed too small and it was rebuilt. Gracie Fields sang to the workmen laying the foundation stone of a new, art deco theatre in 1937. In 2004, the Prince of Wales Theatre was refurbished by Cameron Mackintosh and reopened with the current production of Mamma Mia! On the 18 August 2007 Mamma Mia! became the longest-running production at the Prince of Wales.

OPENED: 27th October 1937
LISTED: Grade II
SEATS: 1,133 on 2 levels
ARCHITECT: Robert Cromie