Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, will begin the next phase of its scheduled refurbishment from February 2026 through to Spring 2027.
The theatre will remain open during this period, operating across two levels while the work is carried out.
Previous upgrades have modernised the historic venue, including a RIBA award-winning fly tower added in 2016 and a major front-of-house expansion completed between 2020 and 2023.
The upcoming renovation will focus on restoring the auditorium’s iconic dome, with a newly commissioned painting inspired by the original design.
Additional improvements will include redecoration and recarpeting of the auditorium, enhanced backstage facilities, upgraded ventilation, and improved accessibility in the foyer.
Built in 1911, Shaftesbury Theatre is the first steel-frame theatre in the West End and remains the only London theatre with a dome that opens.
Chief Executive Eleanor Lang said, “We are delighted to be continuing our work to ensure the Shaftesbury Theatre remains a beautiful theatre in the West End; a wonderful place for audiences to come and a good home for world class theatre. We are so fortunate that DLT, the owners of the Shaftesbury, continue to reinvest in the building, allowing us to be custodians of the theatre, ensuring its survival for future generations. We look forward to welcoming audiences throughout 2026, and showing off our lovingly rejuvenated dome ceiling in 2027.”
Chairman Donald Taffner Jnr. added, “We remain committed to restoring and improving the Shaftesbury Theatre for audiences for years to come. The theatre is a much loved part of the DLT portfolio and we are proud to be able to support its continued development.”
Recent productions at the venue include & Juliet, Mrs Doubtfire, and Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, which runs until 7 February 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
