Queen’s Theatre is being renamed the Sondheim Theatre, in honour of the legendary musical theatre composer’s 90th birthday.
The move will make Stephen Sondheim the only living artist to have a theatre named in his honour both in the West End and on Broadway.
The theatre, currently the home of Les Miserables, is set to close for renovations on July 13, at which point the musical will move to the Gielgud for a limited concert run.
Cameron Mackintosh, who owns the theatre along with a number of other West End institutions, said of Sondheim: “As an innovative voice in musical theatre, his influence has no equal.
“Over the decades his work has become increasingly appreciated and performed by all, both as part of the popular theatre and classical repertoires and in spaces that range from a pie shop to the Royal Opera House. His love of theatre is unquenchable and throughout his career he has been an exceptional champion of so many young creatives as well as supporting numerous productions worldwide, especially here in London.”
Sondheim said: “I have loved British Theatre since I saw my first play here in 1958. I have treasured Cameron Mackintosh’s support and friendship ever since he produced Side by Side by Sondheim in 1976. Cameron is synonymous with British Theatre, so the confluence on this occasion is truly exhilarating. I am chuffed, as you say in British English, to a degree I wouldn’t have imagined. Or as we say in American English, it’s awesome.”
Les Mis will return to the new Sondheim Theatre with a brand new production on December 18. The concert version at the Gielgud stars Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas and Carrie Hope Fletcher, and runs from August-November.
