Duke Of York’s Theatre – A Theatregoer’s Guide
The Duke Of York’s opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square Theatre and changed to its current name three years later. In 1992 it became part of the Ambassadors Theatre Group.
ATG own a lot of theatres, so if you’re a regular theatregoer, it’s worth considering joining their Theatrecard scheme for benefits like priority booking, easy exchange and discounted drinks.
You’ll find the Duke Of York’s in St Martin’s Lane, just up from Trafalgar Square. The closest tube is Leicester Square.
Which are the best seats at the Duke Of York’s?
Once you get through the very pretty foyer area, you will need to go downstairs to the Stalls (which is common in West End theatres). You even go down a few steps to get into the Royal Circle and up a staircase to the Upper Circle.
The auditorium is gorgeous, typical Victorian extravagance with cherubs and dragons, painted in gold and cream. Most of the seats in the Stalls offer a good view. The last time I was there I sat in row D which was excellent. There’s a gentle rise through that area which means most seats in the centre of the Stalls have a reasonable view. I’m not so keen on the view from the Royal and Upper Circle levels.
The Duke Of York’s must have one of the smallest footprints of any West End theatre. There are only just over 600 seats and it certainly feels crowded in the bars and toilets.
What are the toilets like at the Duke Of York’s?
In The Stage newspaper’s survey of toilets, it was found to have the worst toilet provision of any West End theatre. There are only 9 men’s and 8 women’s so the queues- even for the Gents- are big. The Stage estimates there’s only one toilet for every 56.1 women. They’re also cramped. I can tell you from personal experience that using the men’s urinals in the Stalls involves something close to frottage! There’s another gents on the top floor. The two women’s toilets are at Royal Circle and Upper circle levels.
There are only two bars- one downstairs in the Stalls, the other upstairs. INSIDER TIP: go upstairs to the Circle Bar because it’s bigger and serves slightly less people, and- as you can see in the main photo- it has access to a balcony with a great view of St Martin’s Lane.
Not surprisingly, you can’t dine in the theatre but there are many places to eat in the area around.
What is the official tickets website for the Duke Of York’s Theatre?
What is the address of the Duke Of York’s Theatre?
St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG