His Majesty's Theatre

Historic landmark in London, England, United Kingdom

About

What It Is

His Majesty's Theatre stands on Haymarket in the City of Westminster, London's West End, at the junction of Haymarket and Charles II Street ^[2]. The current building dates from 1897, designed by Charles J. Phipps for actor-manager Herbert Beerbohm Tree, though a theatre has occupied the site continuously since 1705 ^[2]. It holds 1,216 seats arranged across four levels — Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony — and was Grade II* listed by English Heritage in 1970 ^[1]^[2]. LW Theatres has owned the building since 2000, and the land beneath it is held on a long-term lease from the Crown Estate ^[2].

The theatre's name changes with the gender of the reigning monarch; it reverted to His Majesty's Theatre on 6 May 2023 following the accession of King Charles III ^[2]. It began as an opera house and has specialised in large-scale musical productions since the First World War, owing to its wide stage ^[2].

Activities & Experiences

Visitors attend live West End productions, with The Phantom of the Opera — running at the theatre since 1986, except during COVID-19 closures — being the resident long-running show ^[2]. Performances take place throughout the week, including matinee and evening shows ^[1]. Group bookings and VIP packages are available for those seeking an elevated experience ^[1].

Five bars spread across four floors serve drinks and snacks, including champagne and soft drinks, before performances and during intervals ^[1]. The theatre also offers venue hire for external events, with its historic auditorium accommodating over 1,200 guests ^[1].

Practical Access

The theatre is located on Haymarket, close to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square ^[1]. Piccadilly Circus is the nearest Underground station, approximately a two-minute walk away, served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines; Leicester Square and Charing Cross stations are also within easy walking distance ^[1]. Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera start from £25 ^[1].

Accessible seating, step-free access to designated areas, and accessible toilets are available, with full details on the theatre's dedicated access page ^[1]. Tickets can be exchanged up to 48 hours before the performance for the same show, subject to a £3 per ticket exchange fee ^[1].

Restrictions

Ticket exchanges must be requested at least 48 hours before the event; a £3 per ticket fee applies, and exchanges are only permitted for the same show ^[1]. No other specific restrictions are noted in the sources.

What Makes It Distinctive

The site has hosted theatre continuously since 1705, making it one of London's longest-standing performance venues; between 1711 and 1739 alone, more than 25 operas by George Frideric Handel received their premieres here ^[2]. Herbert Beerbohm Tree used the theatre to found the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and the stage later hosted premieres by Bernard Shaw, J. M. Synge, Noel Coward, and J. B. Priestley ^[2].

The Phantom of the Opera has run here since 1986, making it the West End's second-longest running production and giving the theatre a singular identity among London venues ^[1]^[2]. The combination of a Grade II* listed Victorian interior, a capacity exceeding 1,200, and an unbroken connection to operatic and musical theatre history distinguishes it from newer or more generalist West End houses ^[2].

Sources

Open year-round
Typical duration: 2h

Access & fees

tickets from £25 (show: The Phantom of the Opera)

Things to do

architecture
attend west end show (current production: The Phantom of the Opera)
group theatre bookings (benefit: exclusive group rates)
historic interiors
live theatre
matinee and evening shows (frequency: throughout the week)
musicals
performing arts
venue hire available (capacity: 1,200+ guests)
vip package upgrade
watch west end musical (show: The Phantom of the Opera)

Before you go

ticket exchange fee applies (fee: GBP 3 per ticket · deadline: 48 hours before event · same show only: true)

Amenities

accessible facilities (includes: step-free access, accessible seating, accessible toilets)
accessible seating and toilets (step free: designated areas)
five bars across four floors (options: champagne, soft drinks, snacks)

Events & seasons

the phantom of the opera (window: ongoing since 1986 · tickets from: £25)

Features

auditorium capacity 1,216 (levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, Balcony)
four theatres on site since 1705 (architect: Charles J. Phipps · current building date: 1897)
grade ii* listed building (year: 1970 · listed by: English Heritage)

Nearby

leicester square station (proximity: easy walking distance)
piccadilly circus tube (walk: 2 minutes · lines: Piccadilly, Bakerloo)
trafalgar square (proximity: short walk)

Good to know

ticket exchange policy (fee: £3 per ticket · deadline: 48 hours before event)

Catalog identifier: AVIA-87AE-8QQD7