ATG Entertainment has announced that the Duke of York’s Theatre will be renamed the Tom Stoppard Theatre, creating a lasting tribute to one of the most influential playwrights in British theatre.
The renaming recognises Sir Tom Stoppard’s longstanding connection with the St Martin’s Lane venue and comes following his death in November 2025.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Stoppard received numerous honours including a knighthood in 1997, the Order of Merit in 2000, five Tony Awards for Best Play, three Olivier Awards and an Academy Award for co-writing the screenplay for Shakespeare in Love.
His celebrated works include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Jumpers, Travesties, Arcadia and Leopoldstadt.
A new production of Arcadia, directed by Carrie Cracknell and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, is currently running at the newly named Tom Stoppard Theatre until 12 September 2026.
The announcement coincides with the production’s opening night, marking what the producers describe as a fitting celebration of Stoppard’s legacy.
The venue itself first opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square Theatre before being renamed the Duke of York’s Theatre in 1895, and has since hosted landmark productions featuring some of British theatre’s most celebrated performers.
Melanie Smith CBE, Global CEO of ATG Entertainment, said: “We are proud to be the custodians of such a historic theatre, and believe today’s announcement recognises the significant impact Sir Tom Stoppard has made to British Theatre.
“Sir Tom’s legacy lives on every day, as guests continue to discover and enjoy his work and we believe this is the perfect testament to his contribution to the West End.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence. This landmark theatre has entertained visitors for over a century, and we are honoured today to unveil its new name.”
Andrew Rawlinson, London Business Director of ATG Entertainment, added: “Sir Tom Stoppard gave the British theatre some of its most brilliant and best loved work, and he did it with a wit and a humanity that audiences carried home with them.
“Naming a West End theatre in his memory felt like the right and natural way to keep him among us.
“The theatre has been a home to his plays for years, and it will now carry his name for the audiences and the writers who come after him. We could not be prouder to look after it.”
Stoppard’s family also welcomed the news.
Ollie, Barny, Will and Ed Stoppard said: “We are moved and delighted that ATG has chosen to honour our father with this fitting tribute.
“The West End was close to his heart and we feel sure he would be thrilled and humbled in equal measure by this great honour.”
Sabrina Stoppard said: “Tom was in his element whenever he had a play on in the West End, so I am thrilled to bits that this theatre will be named after him. It means that his memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building.
“I know he would have felt deeply moved and profoundly honoured by this extraordinary tribute, and I would like to thank ATG and Sonia Friedman for making it happen.”
Producer Sonia Friedman said: “It feels entirely fitting that one of the West End’s great playhouses should now bear the name of one of our greatest playwrights.
“I had the privilege of producing many of Tom’s plays, including at this theatre, and more importantly, of calling him a dear friend. We shared countless coffees opposite the theatre, and I can just imagine him looking up at his name on the building, utterly tickled pink.
“I hope The Tom Stoppard Theatre inspires new generations to discover the curiosity, humanity, wit and extraordinary imagination of his work, and in doing so, understand why he secured his place among the true giants of theatre.”
Physical changes to the theatre’s signage will take place over the coming months, subject to planning approval, with further branding updates to follow.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
