Savoy Theatre London: History, Seating and Tips

The Savoy Theatre on The Strand is one of London's most historic and distinctive venues. Famous as the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, it has been staging major productions since 1881. Here is your guide to visiting. The Savoy Theatre was built in 1881 by Richard D'Oyly Carte to stage the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. It was revolutionary from the start: when it opened, it was the first public building in the world to use incandescent electric lighting, powered by a generator on the Embankment. The theatre's electric lighting was so novel that D'Oyly Carte would demonstrate it during intervals to reassure audiences it was safe. The venue was designed by architect C. J. Phipps and has been extensively refurbished over the years, most recently under the ownership of ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group). It has hosted premieres from Oscar Wilde to Noel Coward and continues to attract major commercial productions. The Savoy sits just off The Strand, accessed through its own courtyard, which gives it a slightly more secluded feel than some of the busier West End theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue or Charing Cross Road. The address is Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET. The theatre entrance is through a courtyard off The Strand, next to the Savoy Hotel. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines, plus National Rail), about five minutes' walk east along The Strand. Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) is also a short walk, heading east through the Covent Garden piazza. Embankment (District, Circle, Bakerloo and Northern lines) is an alternative, roughly the same distance heading south. Bus routes 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139 and 176 serve The Strand directly, stopping close to the theatre. The Savoy has around 1,150 seats across three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle. The auditorium was rebuilt in the 1990s and is relatively modern in feel compared to some of the more ornate Victorian West End venues. The Stalls offer strong views throughout, with the best seats in the central block. The Dress Circle provides a slightly elevated perspective that many regular theatregoers prefer, as you get a good overview of the full stage. The Upper Circle is steeper and further from the stage, but central seats still offer a reasonable view. The Savoy does not currently offer a cloakroom facility. Small bags can be stored under your seat. For larger luggage, Charing Cross station has left luggage storage about five minutes' walk away. Check the latest listings on BritishTheatre.com for what is currently showing at the Savoy Theatre, or book tickets through tickadoo. The Savoy offers wheelchair access and accessible seating. Contact the theatre box office directly to discuss specific access requirements, including wheelchair spaces, transfer seating, hearing assistance and accessible performances (audio described, captioned and BSL interpreted). The box office is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. The Strand and the streets running between it and Covent Garden offer a wide range of pre-theatre dining options. Covent Garden's piazza is a few minutes' walk and has everything from casual chains to independent restaurants. The area around Villiers Street and Embankment also has options at various price points. For something more special, the Savoy Hotel next door has its own restaurants and bars, though booking well in advance is recommended. What is the nearest tube station to the Savoy Theatre? Charing Cross, on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, about five minutes' walk along The Strand. Does the Savoy Theatre have a cloakroom? Not currently. Small bags can be stored under your seat. Charing Cross station has left luggage storage nearby. How many seats does the Savoy Theatre have? Around 1,150, across Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle. Is the Savoy Theatre the same as the Savoy Hotel? No, but they are next to each other. Both were built by Richard D'Oyly Carte. The theatre entrance is through a courtyard off The Strand. Can I store a pushchair at the Savoy Theatre? The Savoy is unable to accommodate pram storage. Make alternative arrangements before your visit.