Overview
- The theatre announced on Tuesday that the Shaftesbury will be officially renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027.
- Dame Judi Dench said the venue has 'always held a special place' in her heart and called the honour 'truly overwhelming.'
- The renaming follows Dench’s historical links to the building through the Theatre of Comedy and her work with the Taffner family, who own the venue via DLT Entertainment.
- Organisers say restoration will include the auditorium dome, redecoration and backstage improvements and that performances will continue during the work with Avenue Q scheduled to run into early January 2027.
- The Shaftesbury is a Grade II listed 1911 building noted for its unique opening dome, and some reports called the move the first West End theatre named for an actress though that claim has limited corroboration.