Duchess Theatre
Catherine Street, London WC2B 5LADuchess Theatre Safety Policy
- Regular visible cleaning of all touchable surfaces before and after performances
- Paperless or print at home tickets
- Availability of hand sanitiser
The Duchess Theatre is a charming and compact West End venue best known as the home of the Olivier Award-winning comedy The Play That Goes Wrong. Nestled on Catherine Street near Covent Garden, the theatre offers an intimate setting with consistently hilarious and accessible entertainment. Its small size enhances audience engagement, making every performance feel up-close and personal.
With its mix of classic appeal and modern laughs, the Duchess Theatre remains a firm favourite among London theatre-goers seeking a light-hearted night out.
The history of the Duchess Theatre
The Duchess Theatre opened in 1929 and was designed by Ewen Barr, with interiors by the renowned theatre architect Marc-Henri Levy. It is one of the smallest West End theatres, yet it has hosted a variety of high-profile productions, including performances by Dame Sybil Thorndike and Tallulah Bankhead.
The theatre’s low stage and intimate design create a close connection between actors and audience. In more recent years, it gained widespread recognition thanks to Mischief Theatre’s runaway hit The Play That Goes Wrong, which opened in 2014 and continues to draw packed houses.
Where is The Duchess Theatre?
The Duchess Theatre is located on Catherine Street, just off the Strand in the heart of London’s Theatreland. It is moments away from Covent Garden, Somerset House, and the Royal Opera House—ideal for dining, shopping, or sightseeing before or after the show.
The Duchess Theatre nearest tube station
The nearest tube station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), around a 6-minute walk away. Temple, Holborn, and Charing Cross stations are also within a 10-minute walk, offering access to additional Underground lines.
The Duchess Theatre nearest train station
Charing Cross is the closest National Rail station, just a 7-minute walk from the theatre, with regular train services across London and the South East.
Buses to The Duchess Theatre
Numerous bus routes serve the nearby Strand and Aldwych area:
Day routes: 1, 4, 6, 11, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 87, 91, 139, 168, 176, 188 Night buses: N1, N11, N15, N21, N26, N68, N87, N91, N171, N343
Nearest stops:** Aldwych / Drury Lane** and Catherine Street
The Duchess Theatre seating plan
The Duchess Theatre has a capacity of approximately 494 seats, divided into two levels: Stalls and Dress Circle. The Stalls offer an immersive experience, especially ideal for comedy, while the Dress Circle provides a wider view of the stage from above.
The theatre’s compact size ensures excellent sightlines and acoustics throughout, giving every guest a great view regardless of their seat.
Check out our Best Seats at the Duchess Theatre guide.
The Duchess Theatre accessibility
Step-free access is available to the Dress Circle level via a ramped entrance on Catherine Street. There are designated wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. Hearing enhancement systems and trained staff are also available to assist guests with specific access needs.
The Duchess Theatre safety policy
The venue has robust safety measures in place, including bag checks, clearly marked exits, trained safety personnel, and enhanced cleaning procedures. Hand sanitiser stations are available throughout the theatre.
The Duchess Theatre dress code
There is no official dress code at the Duchess Theatre. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably—casual and smart-casual attire are both perfectly appropriate. For evening performances or special events, some visitors may choose to dress up, but the focus remains on relaxed enjoyment.
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Duchess Theatre is located in London. The full address is Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5LA.
No, bringing your own drinks into the Duchess Theatre in London is not allowed. The theatre offers a fully licensed bar in the foyer and stalls, as well as a tea and coffee bar serving a variety of hot and cold beverages. Please note that glass and hot food are not permitted inside the auditorium.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the theatre. However, snacks and drinks in plastic containers are permitted in the auditorium. Please note that glass and hot food are not allowed.
The running time of The Play That Goes Wrong is 2 hours and 5 minutes, including an interval. Performances starting at 2:30pm end at 4:35pm, those starting at 3:00pm finish at 5:05pm, performances at 7:00pm conclude at 9:05pm, and evening performances at 7:30pm finish at 9:35pm.
The nearest tube stations to the Duchess Theatre are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo Lines).
The closest tube stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), just a 5-minute walk away, and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo Lines), about a 8-minute walk from the theatre.
The Play That Goes Wrong has a running time of 2 hours and 5 minutes, including an interval.