Our fly tower isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a bold statement of innovation, blending heritage with modernity to ensure our place at the forefront of London’s West End theatre scene.
Built to meet the increasing demands of large-scale musicals, our 35-tonne capacity fly tower was constructed in collaboration with Bennetts Associates—all while the theatre remained fully operational.
This remarkable feat was achieved on a tight deadline, allowing us to continue bringing world-class performances to our audiences without interruption.
As a Grade II listed building dating back to 1911, the Shaftesbury Theatre is renowned for its beautiful terracotta façade. The new fly tower’s serrated, angular design is crafted from weathering steel, which complements the original terracotta and the surrounding brick and faience.
This seamless blend of old and new ensures that the theatre retains its historic charm while embracing a modern, dynamic aesthetic.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was the challenge of constructing a new fly tower above the existing timber-framed one. Engineers devised an innovative solution: supporting the structure on four steel columns, allowing it to be built largely independent of the original building. This ensured that performances could continue uninterrupted, a true testament to creative engineering!
The transformation doesn’t stop with the fly tower. As part of our ongoing Dramatic Transformation project, we’ve expanded our bar area, upgraded visitor facilities, and embraced the newly pedestrianised Princes Circus, creating a more welcoming and spacious environment for our audiences. And there’s still more to come!
This is an exciting time for the Shaftesbury Theatre, and we can’t wait to share these enhancements with you. Next time you visit, take a moment to admire our fly tower, an architectural and theatrical landmark that ensures we continue to shine in London’s vibrant West End. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey!
