The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at Duchess Theatre

The Duchess Theatre is situated on Catherine Street near Aldwych in the West End of London, close to Covent Garden tube station. Built in 1929, this 475 seat venue had to be built mostly underground in order not to obstruct the passage of natural light into its neighbouring buildings.

The first production at the Duchess Theatre was Tunnel Trench by Hubert Griffith, which opened on November 25 1929. Among the countless notable shows to have graced this venerable West End theatre’s stage since then are Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, Alfie, The Dirtiest Show in Town, Oh! Calcutta and The Herbal Bed.

Today, the Duchess Theatre enjoys consistent success and is known for housing limited run seasons of plays and musicals or small touring shows. Being a reasonably small playhouse it allows for an intimate environment in which to view live theatre.

Although the theatre is over 80 years old the original grid, flies, iron curtain and hardwood stage are all still in use and in working order. So as not to affect the ‘ancient light,’ a problem of great importance during construction, most of the theatre is below ground level, with the front of the circle in line with the street. Patrons enjoy unobstructed views at this theatre because the circle is suspended from the roof.

The layout, size and atmosphere of the Duchess Theatre make it the perfect place to see intimate shows ranging from dramatic works through musicals to stand-up comedy performances. Recent successes include George Gershwin Alone, Man And Boy, The Birthday Party, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Plague over England, Butley, Ruby Wax Loses It and The Hurly Burly Show.   

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