Avenue Q has been extended and is currently booking through to January 2027, so there’s no confirmed next show yet. The theatre is also undergoing a phased refurbishment during this run, and from February 2027 it’s due to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre – the first West End theatre named after an actress. I’ll update this page as those changes take effect.
The Shaftesbury Theatre has three seating levels: Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle. It was London’s first entirely steel-framed theatre, built with no supporting pillars in the auditorium, so sightlines are generally strong throughout.
The Stalls are the main floor and put you closest to the stage, ideal for catching the detail in Avenue Q’s puppetry. With no pillars in the way, views stay clear throughout.
The Royal Circle offers a great overview of the stage at good value. Front and middle rows are the best choice for this level.
The Grand Circle is the highest and most affordable level. It’s a bit further from the stage, but the theatre’s pillar-free design keeps sightlines clear.
The Shaftesbury Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Covent Garden. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), a short walk away, with Holborn and Tottenham Court Road also close by.
The Shaftesbury Theatre opened on 26th December 1911 as the New Prince’s Theatre, designed by Bertie Crewe. It was London’s first entirely steel-framed theatre, meaning it was built with no supporting pillars in the auditorium – a genuinely modern feat for the time.
The theatre narrowly escaped demolition in the early 1970s, saved by the “Save London’s Theatres” campaign, and was given Grade II listed status in 1974. It’s hosted major productions including Hair, West Side Story, Hairspray and, more recently, & Juliet. Avenue Q is the current production, and from February 2027 the theatre is due to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre, becoming the first West End theatre named after an actress.
The Shaftesbury Theatre has a capacity of 1,356 across its three levels: Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle.
The Shaftesbury Theatre is owned and operated by DLT Entertainment.
It opened on 26th December 1911 as the New Prince’s Theatre.
Yes, from February 2027 the theatre is due to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre, the first West End theatre named after an actress.
Avenue Q is currently playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre, booking through to January 2027.
It was threatened with demolition in the early 1970s but was saved by the ‘Save London’s Theatres’ campaign and given Grade II listed status in 1974.
Covent Garden is the closest, with Holborn and Tottenham Court Road also nearby.
Central Stalls give the best view of Avenue Q’s puppetry, though thanks to the theatre’s pillar-free design, all three levels have clear sightlines.
The Grand Circle is the section to be aware of – it’s a climb of around 60 steps from the foyer, described by the theatre itself as steep and narrow, and it isn’t recommended for anyone with limited mobility. The Royal Circle has step-free entry from the foyer, though there are still a few steps to reach individual rows once you’re inside. For the easiest visit, the Stalls can be reached by lift as well as by stairs – mention any concerns to the box office when booking so they can point you to the right seats.
You can book tickets for Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre directly through the official theatre website. I’d always recommend booking through the theatre’s own site or a trusted official retailer to avoid inflated resale prices.
