Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre is a beautiful and historic West End venue renowned for its ornate Italianate design and a rich legacy of dramatic and musical excellence. Located on Charing Cross Road in the heart of the West End, it has hosted everything from Shakespearean classics to blockbuster musicals like Come From Away to multi-award winning productions like Stranger Things: The First Shadow. With its elegant interior and stellar productions, the Phoenix Theatre is a beloved destination for London theatre-goers.

Whether you're there for a moving drama or a powerful musical, the Phoenix offers a warm, intimate, and unforgettable theatrical experience.

The history of the Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre opened in 1930 and was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Bertie Crewe, and Cecil Masey. The interior, styled by renowned theatrical designer Theodore Komisarjevsky, reflects an opulent Italian Renaissance aesthetic, with deep red and gold finishes, decorative plasterwork, and intricate detailing.

The venue’s inaugural production was Private Lives by Noël Coward, who also starred in the show alongside Laurence Olivier. Over the decades, the Phoenix has been home to acclaimed plays, star-studded performances, and long-running musicals, most notably Blood Brothers, which ran for over 21 years.

In recent years, the Phoenix has continued to draw critical and commercial acclaim with productions like Bend It Like Beckham and Come From Away.

Where is The Phoenix Theatre?

The Phoenix Theatre is located on Charing Cross Road, just a short stroll from both Soho and Covent Garden. Its prime West End location makes it easy to pair a show with nearby restaurants, bars, and shopping on Oxford Street or Seven Dials.

The Phoenix Theatre nearest tube station

The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth Lines), just a 2-minute walk away. Exit onto Charing Cross Road and the theatre is right across the street.

The Phoenix Theatre nearest train station

Charing Cross railway station is around a 10-minute walk from the theatre, offering National Rail connections and further access via the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

Buses to The Phoenix Theatre

Several bus routes pass through Charing Cross Road and nearby Oxford Street:

Day routes: 1, 8, 14, 19, 24, 25, 29, 38, 55, 73, 98, 176 Night buses: N1, N8, N19, N20, N29, N38, N41, N73, N98

Nearest stops: Tottenham Court Road Station / New Oxford Street and Denmark Street

The Phoenix Theatre seating plan

The Phoenix Theatre seats approximately 1,028 people across three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. The Stalls offer immersive views close to the stage, while the Dress Circle provides a more elevated and central perspective. The Upper Circle offers budget-friendly seating with excellent sightlines from the front rows.

The auditorium’s compact shape and raked seating mean great visibility and sound throughout, enhancing the overall experience.

Check out our Best Seats Guide for the Phoenix Theatre.

The Phoenix Theatre accessibility

Step-free access is available to the Dress Circle via a side entrance on Flitcroft Street. The theatre includes wheelchair-accessible spaces, accessible toilets, and infrared hearing assistance systems. Staff are on hand to assist with all access needs.

The Phoenix Theatre safety policy

Safety protocols include bag checks, security staff, clear signage, and well-trained front-of-house teams. Enhanced cleaning, ventilation, and sanitising stations are in place to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

The Phoenix Theatre dress code

There is no formal dress code at the Phoenix Theatre. Guests are welcome in casual or smart-casual attire. Some may choose to dress up for evening performances or special occasions, but overall, comfort is the top priority.