Prince Edward Theatre

Prince Edward Theatre, West End theatre, situated on Old Compton Street, London. Built in 1930 to accommodate large-scale musical productions, the theatre interior was designed by Marc-Henri and Laverdet. The unusual circular foyer is an impressive example of art deco symmetry. The theatre opened with a musical, Rio Rita, in April 1930 and went on to show other musicals and revues (Josephine Baker appeared in 1933). However, between 1936 and 1939 it became a cabaret restaurant (The London Casino) and during World War II it was used as a services club. After the war it reverted to being a theatre, until 1954 when it became a cinema for 24 years, showing cinerama films. In 1974 it reopened as a theatre and in 1978 hosted the hit musical Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, starring Elaine Paige as Eva Perón. This show ran for eight years, until it was replaced by another musical, Chess, which again opened with Elaine Paige. Various other long-running and popular shows followed including Crazy for You, Martin Guerre, and Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of Abba. The theatre’s interior is maintained in the original art deco style and seats 1,647.