Dominion Theatre

The Dominion Theatre is a West End theatre and former cinema on Tottenham Court Road, close to St Giles Circus and Centre Point, in the London Borough of Camden. Planned as primarily a musical theatre, it opened in 1929, but the following year became a cinema—it hosted the London premiere of Charlie Chaplin's City Lights with Chaplin in attendance—and in 1933 after liquidation of the controlling company was sold to Gaumont cinema chain, which later became part of the Rank…

Built between 1928 and 1929, The Dominion theatre had to be hastily converted into a cinema when live entertainment alone was proving bad for the business. After 1957’s The Judy Garland show, the theatre became a popular venue for musical theatre and musical performances. 1958 saw the opening of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which ran for over 4 years, and their 1965 follow-up The Sound of Music proved even more successful. When the business began to falter again, the Dominion looked to extend its reach beyond traditional theatrical confines.

Throughout the 1970s and 80’s, it played host to a number of successful rock and pop groups, including David Essex, Randy Newman, Dolly Parton, Thin Lizzy, U2, David Bowie and Duran Duran. In between these concerts, the theatre regularly hosted ballet and opera performances. For the premiere of the 1986 musical Time, the theatre interior was painted black. While receiving mixed reviews, the show ran for 2 years.

The theatre was threatened with closure (despite its Grade 2 listed status), but a Save Our Theatre campaign spared it that fate in 1991. The 1990s saw the theatre hosting the Royal Variety Performance on a number of occasions, as well as the now legendary Bill Hicks comedy special Revelations.

Since 2002, the Dominion has been the home of We Will Rock You. Due to close in 2006, popular demand has meant the show has been extended indefinitely. The 11-year run makes it the longest running production in the history of the theatre.

We Will Rock You (14 May 2002 - 2014)
Grease (22 October 2001 - 3 November 2001)
Notre-Dame de Paris (23 May 2000 - 6 October 2001)
Tango Passion (21 March 2000 - 23 March 2000)
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (7 February 2000 - 11 March 2000)
Disney's Beauty and the Beast (13 May 1997 - 11 December 1999)
Scrooge (12 November 1996 - 1 February 1997)
Grease (15 July 1993 - 19 October 1996)

Wheelchair Access

Fully accessible foyer. Box for wheelchair users and lift available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available at stalls level.

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets. Sign-interpreted performances are also available.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Guide dogs are most welcome everywhere in the theatre, and may be taken into the auditorium if required. Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.