The Prince Edward Theatre is a formidable building in the heart of Soho that opened in 1930 and was designed by the architect Edward Stone. For over 40 years the building’s use regularly changed, being used as a cabaret hall, a servicemen’s club and the venue chosen for the UK’s first Cinerama – a huge screen, three-projector film experience. The theatre was acquired by EMI in the 1970s and renovated to return it back to theatrical use.
The new Prince Edward Theatre opened with the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita in 1978, which played at the venue for eight years, followed by the UK premiere of Chess the Musical, both of which starred Elaine Paige.
In the early 1990s, the theatre was acquired by Delfont Mackintosh and underwent further renovations to widen the stage and improve facilities. Notable productions include the world premiere of the ABBA musical Mamma Mia (now playing at the Novello Theatre), Jersey Boys, and Disney’s Aladdin. Between 2019 and January 2023, the Prince Edward Theatre was home to the Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of Mary Poppins, which originally played at the theatre in 2008.
