Let It Be Seat Plan

The Savoy Theatre is situated on The Strand in the West End of London, close to Charing Cross rail and tube stations. Built in 1881, this swanky 1157 seat venue underwent a very modern revamp following a devastating 1990 fire.

The first production at the Savoy Theatre was Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience, which opened on October 10 1881. The Savoy is closely connected with Gilbert and Sullivan and their D’Oyly Carte opera company. Richard D’Oyly, business manager of the Palace Theatre where Gilbert and Sullivan’s work had often been showcased, decided he should build his own theatre in 1881, and so the Savoy Theatre came to fruition.   

Like any long-serving institution, it’s experienced its fair share of ups, downs and changes over the years. The Savoy Theatre was the first public building in the world to be completely lit by electricity. When it was first built the entrance to the theatre was located on Embankment; only when the Savoy Hotel was built in 1903 was the theatre’s entrance relocated to The Strand.

The second Savoy Theatre was a rebuilding of the first and remained on the same site. The exterior of the theatre remained very much unchanged but the interior was completely reconstructed. It opened in October 21 1929 with a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers.

 In 1990 a fire ravaged the theatre, destroying everything but the stage and backstage area. By 1993 the theatre had been restored almost to its previous condition, even though the original plans had been destroyed.

The layout, size and atmosphere of the Savoy Theatre make it the perfect place to see both musicals and straight plays. Recent successes include Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, Dreamboats and Petticoats, Legally Blonde and The Sunshine Boys.

Whatever you decide to see at the Savoy Theatre, we wish you an entertaining and rewarding visit.