History of Prince Edward Theatre:
The Prince Edward Theatre, named after the then Prince of Wales, opened on April 3 1930 with the musical Rio Rita. In 1935, the theatre was converted into a cabaret and dance hall and retitled the London Casino. It continued under that name and program until 1941, when an air raid badly damaged the building (including the destruction of all its windows).
It reopened in 1942 with stage alterations and a new name: the Queensbury All Services Club, with its shows broadcast on the BBC. After the war it was restored to its original theatrical use, once again under the name the London Casino. The same architects would later convert it into a cinema (the Casino Cinerama Theatre) in 1954.
After 20 years of operation, Bernard Delfont acquired the building (and installed a new screen in the process). However, the Casino Cinerama Theatre would only last a few more years and was converted back into a theatre (with its original name) in 1978.
The theatre quickly became the home of popular musicals, with productions such as Evita (a world premiere, and the renovated theatre’s inaugural performance), Chess, Anything Goes, Children of Eden, Some Like it Hot, and Crazy for You proving popular in the 1980’s and 90’s. The 21st Century has seen a continued musical presence in the theatre. Examples include the 5 year run of Mama Mia and the 4 year run of Mary Poppins.
Prince Edward Theatre Seating Plan:
Prince Edward Theatre News:
- MJ The Musical extends West End run through 7 December 2024
- MJ the musical West End announce cast
- MJ the Michael Jackson musical to open in London with Broadway star in 2024
- Ain’t Too Proud the musical announce their West End Temptations
- MJ musical announces West End transfer to Prince Edward Theatre in March 2024
- Ain’t Too Proud the Broadway musical to opens at the Prince Edward Theatre in March 2023
- Mary Poppins flies out of the Prince Edward Theatre on 8 January 2023
- Mary Poppins West End extends bookings to 18 December 2022
- Mary Poppins the musical extends West End run until 10 July 2022
- Mary Poppins returns to Prince Edward Theatre London on 22 May 2021. Book Tickets now!
