The Ambassadors Theatre, London, previously known as the New Ambassadors Theatre, is located in West Street, on Charing Cross Road in Westminster. With a maximum seat count on 444, the theatre is one of the smallest in West End Theatres. The Ambassadors Theatre was designed by W G R Sprague, the designer behind many West End Theatres including St Martin Theatre and the Aldwych Theatre. The theatre was built by Kingerlee and Sons of Oxford and opened on 5th June, 1913 with a production of Panthea. In 1996, the theatre underwent major renovation work and was converted into two studio spaces in order to accommodate the Royal Court Theatre.
Since 1999, the theatre has been home to some of the most iconic shows on West End, especially dramas and adult shows that thrive in smaller spaces. Some of these shows include Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, Marie Jones' Stones In His Pockets, Some Explicit Polaroids by Mark Ravenhill, Spoonface Steinberg by Lee Hall, and The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler. Some recent productions at the theatre include Love Song by John Kolvenbach, Whipping It Up by Steve Thompson and the Menier Chocolate Factory's revival of Little Shop of Horrors. In October 2007, the global blockbuster Stomp premiered in the theatre and ran for over 10 years before closing on January 2018.
Venue Details
Address: West St, London WC2H 9ND, UK
Opened: 5 June 1913
Seating Capacity: 444
Stalls : 251
Circle : 195
Seating Chart
Check out the Ambassadors London Seating Plan here.
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
There are 26 steps down to the stalls auditorium and 5 up to the circle. All staircases have handrails, and the steps are highlighted.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair: Due to space constraints in the theatre, only wheelchair transfers can be accommodated. Patrons with wheelchairs need to transfer to one of the seats with armrests. The theatre staff are always available to help and will even store the wheelchair in the foyer during the performance. Please note that staff are not permitted to lift patrons.
Restroom: Ladies toilets are located 19 steps downstairs to the stalls and 26 steps upstairs from the foyer. Gents toilets are 8 steps upstairs from the main foyer and 26 steps downstairs on the stalls level.
Bar: There are two bars in the Ambassadors Theatre, the stalls and circle bar. Drinks in plastic cups are permitted in the auditorium.
Assistive Listening System: The auditorium is enabled with an infrared system with loop and conventional headsets. Remember that headsets must be booked in advance, and a deposit is required. Once you arrive for the show, please speak to a member of staff to receive your headset.
Handy Tips
- The auditorium allows snacks and drinks in plastic containers. However, hot food is not permitted. Also, like most theatres in the West End, no glass is allowed in the auditorium. Please ensure that the drinks purchased from the bar are transferred into plastic cups if you wish to take them inside the seating area.
- Booster cushions are available in the theatre for small children. Please ask the theatre staff for additional details.
- Guide dogs and hearing dogs are permitted in the auditorium. Staff can dog-sit if prior intimation regarding the same has been provided.
- The Q-Park Car Park in Newport Place offers 50% off to theatregoers. Just display a properly validated parking ticket and theatre ticket to avail the discount. Please validate the tickets by the box office to claim the discount.
- The Ambassadors Theatre is air-conditioned. Please bring a light jacket or pullover in case it gets too chilly.
- You can request tap water at the bar if required.
Getting There
The Ambassadors Theatre is located near Cambridge Circus, and you can reach it through several public transport options.
Address: West St, London WC2H 9ND, UK
Get Directions
Train: Leicester Square Underground is the closest tube station and Charing Cross is the closest mainline station.
Bus: Bus routes 14, 19, and 38 serve Charing Cross Rd, stopping close to the theatre. You can also board the buses on line 24, 29, and 176 and get dropped at a walking distance from the theatre.
Restaurants near Ambassadors Theatre, London
Make your West End experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Ambassadors Theatre.
1. The Ivy: Visit this long-standing celebrity haunt in art deco surrounds for Modern British food and a pre-theatre menu.
2. L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon: Try some world-class inventive French food in this luxury 3-floor brasserie with open kitchens and terrace.
3. Rossopomodoro Covent Garden: Amazing wood-fired pizzas and classics made with imported ingredients in an informal setting featuring an open kitchen.
4. Jamie's Italian Covent Garden: Experience the famed celebrity chef's relaxed Italian chain, with a rustic menu and an antipasti bar.
5. Dishoom: Visit this buzzy destination for Indian street food in Bombay-style digs with vintage decor & upscale touches.
6. Bill's Covent Garden (St Martin's) Restaurant: This contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambassadors Theatre
