Having opened its doors in the year 1930, the Phoenix Theater is considered to be one of the newer theaters on the West End. The look of the Phoenix is based on traditional Italian theaters, with golden engravings, and red seats, carpets, and curtains. The exterior of the theater retains a neoclassical look with the interior following a more Italian style of architecture. Unlike most West End theaters, the Phoenix has not undergone much renovation and has retained its original facade.
The Phoenix Theater opened with the successful and highly rated comedy, ‘Private Lives’ by Noel Coward, starring Coward himself and the legendary Laurence Olivier. Other notable productions that have taken stage at the Phoenix include, ‘Love for Love’, ‘Harlequinade’, ‘The Browning Version’, ‘The Canterbury Tales’ etc. Currently the Phoenix plays host to the popular, award winning musical, ‘Chicago’.
Venue Details
Address: Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP, United Kingdom
Opened: 1930
Seating Capacity: 1008
Stalls : 474
Dress Circle : 280
Upper Circle: 254
Seating Chart
Check out the Phoenix Theatre Seating Plan here.
Now Playing At The Phoenix Theatre London
Chicago
‘Chicago’ is the the longest running American musical in West End history. It has won numerous awards including 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy. The story is based on a play made in 1926 by journalist Maurine Dallas Watkins, about actual crimes and criminals.
The show premiered on Broadway, in 1975 at the Richard Rodgers theater in New York, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. It was an instant hit given its eye-catching performance and catchy jazz tunes composed by John Kander and Fred Ebb. The production made its debut in the West End in 1979 at the Cambridge Theater where it ran for 600 performances. This revival of Chicago is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, and marks Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr.'s West End debut.
The Story
Chicago tells the story of Velma and Roxie, two vaudevillian murderesses who are locked in Cook County Jail. Velma is serving time for the murder of her husband and sister, while Roxie is in for the murder of her boyfriend, with whom she cheated on her husband. Velma takes the help of prison matron Mama Morton, and enlists the services of slick Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn. Billy takes on the case and transforms Velma into a celebrity by brilliantly using the murder hypes to her advantage. But soon enough, he takes on the case of Roxie as well and, before you know it, the two murderesses find themselves in a battle for notoriety. As the women continuously plot to steal the limelight and attention of the media, they pull out their best tricks in this highly entertaining production.
Cast
Cuba Gooding Jr. as Billy
Sarah Soetaert as Roxie
Josefina Gabrielle as Velma
Ruthie Henshall as Mama Morton
Show Timings
Mon-Sat: 8 PM
Wed & Sat: 3 PM & 8 PM
Running Time
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Practical Information
Disabled Access
There are no steps entering the theatre at the main Charng Cross entrance. An alternative level access entrance leading directly to the Dress Circle is at the Flitcroft Street. Please note that there are no lifts that can be used to access all seating sections - only stairs can be used.
There are no steps between rows in the Stalls section. The Dress Circle has space for a wheelchair in Box C, however, this is not suitable for big electrice wheelchairs. Additionally, seats A27 and A28 have transfer seating, with room for companions in adjacent seats.
Please note that there is an infra-red system for those hard of hearing, and headsets are available in the foyer.
Available Facilities
Bar: There is a bar on each level, in addition to the Noel Coward Bar. Please note that the bars are not fully accessible.
Cloakroom: There is a large cloakroom at the theater. Large items can be checked in for £1 each.
Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are allowed in to the auditorium.
Toilets: There are male and female toilets on each level of the theater. The Access-adapted toilets are at the Dress Circle level, beside the boxes.
Handy Tips
- Food and drinks in plastic containers are allowed inside the theater, however, hot food is prohibited. Drinks purchased at the bar must be transferred into plastic cups before entering the auditorium.
- Try booking your tickets as early as possible for best seats and best prices. As the show gets closer to the date, prices do tend to increase as demand also increases.
- Try to be on time at all costs! Some shows do not entertain latecomers and the ones that do, expect you to be as quiet as a mouse as you try to find your seats. Better to save yourself and others the trouble and be there at least 10-15 minutes before the doors open (45 minutes before the performance).
Getting There
Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern Line) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Line)
Bus: Tottenham Court Road - 14, 24, 29, 134
Charing Cross Road - 14, 19, 24, 38, 176
Overground: Charing Cross Station
Restaurants near Phoenix Theatre London
1. Chipotle: Looking for a quick bite? Chipotle is the place for you. This place serves up some delicious Mexican fast food at very reasonable prices.
2. The Cafe at Foyles: A quaint little coffee shop tucked inside a bookstore that serves up some delicious coffee and scrumptious sides. If you are not too hungry and just want to something to munch on, look no further.
3. Social Eating House: Run by Jason Atherton, a former protégé of the famous Gordon Ramsay, Social Eating House holds a coveted Michelin Star. This luxury restaurant makes for a perfect evening along with your show.
4. Yauatcha: Another Michelin Star restaurant, this places offers authentic Chinese cuisine along with colourful, tasty cocktails.
5. Delhi Brasserie: Dubbed the ‘best restaurant in Soho’, Delhi Brasserie pays homage to India and offers patrons delicious Indian food. From aromatic curries to charcoal-grilled specialties, this places is bound to tickle your taste buds.
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