The Shaftesbury Theatre is famous for dazzling audiences with exciting West End shows, but did you know it also features as the backdrop for some of your favourite films and TV shows? It also has hosted world-famous fashion photo shoots and educational podcasts.
Find out more about the Shaftesbury’s presence in the pages of prestigious fashion magazines, relive exclusive interviews with legendary football figures, and tune into discussions about the most noteworthy West End productions.
The British charity, Comic Relief, was founded in 1985 by comedians Sir Lenny Henry & Richard Curtis, among others, with the aim of using comedy to raise money for people in need.
The first Comic Relief event, called “Comic Relief: Utterly Utterly Live,” took place in 1986 and the variety show was broadcast live by the BBC from the Shaftesbury Theatre. It was a groundbreaking telethon that brought together popular comedians and entertainers to perform sketches, stand-up comedy, and musical acts, all in the name of raising funds for charity. Hosted by Rowan Atkinson, the event was a massive success, raising millions of pounds for charitable causes both in the UK and internationally, and the charity has continued to this day.
You can watch the 1986 show here.
Amidst the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, British Vogue extended an invitation to luminaries from the West End, prompting them to contemplate the profound impact of theatre on their personal lives and professional journeys. The piece explores how theatre and playhouse closures across the world have affected the industry, while also highlighting the initiatives taken to support the theatre community during the pandemic. On the Shaftesbury stage, notable figures such as Imelda Staunton, Paapa Essiedu, and Rosalie Craig shared poignant reflections on their cherished theatre experiences.
Read the article here.
Piers Morgan conducted an exclusive interview with the legendary football icon and one of the greatest strikers in history, Zlatan Ibrahimović, at the Shaftesbury Theatre for Piers Morgan UNCENSORED. Ibrahimović provided in-depth insights into his childhood, playing career, and memorable moments in football. The discussion covered his experiences playing for various international and British clubs, as well as his relationships with other renowned players.
You can watch the full interview here.
In 2022, the Shaftesbury Theatre stage hosted Nick Curtis and Nancy Durrant from the Evening Standard for their weekly podcast, in which they discuss current theatre in the West End. The duo delved into captivating discussions about the West End’s most noteworthy shows, offering keen insights into productions such as Tammy Faye at The Almeida and Marvellous at Soho Place. Their podcast explored the nuances of moving performances and intricate storylines, ensuring audiences know what to see on their next trip to the theatre.
Listen to the episode here.
In 2022, collaborating with Sunset+Vine Productions for the Rugby Autumn Nations Series coverage was an exciting endeavor for Shaftesbury Theatre. The promotional footage featured a drummer on an empty stage, looking out on 1,200 empty seats in the auditorium. Ensuring cutting-edge lighting, staging, and complete auditorium access were pivotal aspects of this project at the theatre. Check out the video below to witness the impressive outcome. Learn more about the Autumn Nation Series here or watch the trailer on our Filming page.
As you can see, the Shaftesbury Theatre stands as not just a premier venue for West End shows, but also as a versatile backdrop for various forms of media. Beyond the spotlight of live performances, we have hosted athletes, models, journalists, and a whole lot more. As the Theatre continues to be a stage for creativity and expression, the Shaftesbury remains an integral part of the ever-evolving world of entertainment and culture.
If you have a film or photoshoot you’re interested in holding at The Shaftesbury just email events@shaftesburytheatre.com, aside from our auditorium we also have bars and backstage spaces available.
You can also check out more information about hiring with us here.
