West End's Shaftesbury Theatre to Be Renamed for Judi Dench

The Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End will be renamed in honor of Dame Judi Dench in February 2027.

The naming of the Judi Dench Theatre “celebrates Dame Judi’s unparalleled contribution to British theater and the performing arts, marking a historic moment for one of the West End’s most iconic stages. This tribute to one of the greatest actors of our time, will ensure Dame Judi’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of performers and audiences alike.”

In a statement, Dench said, “The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming. Live theatre continues to be so important as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, something I have aimed to do all my working life.”

Dench was a founding member of the Theatre of Comedy, a collective of actors and authors who had part shares in the Shaftesbury Theatre. The Theatre of Comedy helped ensure the continuance of the theatre in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, through the producing of comedies, starring many members of the Theatre of Comedy Company. Furthermore, her role in As Time Goes By, which ran for nine series, cemented her links to the Taffner family, whose company produced the show, and also own the theater. Throughout her life Dench has given lasting commitment to live performance, alongside being one of the most known figures in the film and TV industries. Her huge talent on stage ranges from Shakespeare to comedy to musical theatre – echoing the Shaftesbury’s own programming over the years.

Built in 1911 and originally named New Prince’s Theatre, it was the first steel frame theater in the West End and is the only London theatre with a dome which opens. In 1962 the theatre was renamed Shaftesbury Theatre due to the original Shaftesbury Theatre (further along Shaftesbury Avenue) being destroyed in the Blitz. Avenue Q is currently running there.