West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre set for refurbishment during Avenue Q run [Updated]

The Shaftesbury Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in London is set for a new phase of refurbishment.

Currently playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre is Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, which closes in London on 7 February.

Then from February 2026 until early 2027, the theatre will start a new restoration and refurbishment programme. During that time the venue will stay open to host a new production of hit musical Avenue Q, but seating capacity will be reduced to two seating levels instead of three.

Renovations will include restoring the dome in the ceiling of the auditorium and commissioning a new painting for the dome. The Shaftesbury is the only theatre in London with a dome that opens!

Other works include the next phase of auditorium redecoration and recarpeting, and improvements to backstage areas, auditorium ventilation and accessibility in the theatre foyer.

The inside of a theatre. Shaftesbury Theatre in London - The auditorium. Photo by Peter Dazeley — *Shaftesbury Theatre in London – The auditorium. Photo by Peter Dazeley*

In the last decade the Shaftesbury Theatre has undergone a number of upgrades, including a new fly tower in 2016, and new front of house areas stalls bar in 2020 and 2023, transforming the outside entrance of the theatre.

The grade II listed Shaftesbury Theatre was built in 1911 by Frederick and Walter Melville as the first steel frame theatre in the West End. The theatre was designed by Bertie Crewe and opened in 1911 as the New Princes Theatre.

In 2022 the Shaftesbury Theatre partnered with West End impresario Jamie Wilson and US producer Alchemation, for them to become the principal producer of the theatre. Jamie Wilson’s recent productions at the Shaftesbury include Mrs Doubtfire, which is touring in 2026, and Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical.

Jamie Wilson’s acclaimed production of & Juliet played the Shaftesbury Theatre. Wilson is also currently producing The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre; and coming up is premiering a brand new production of FAME The Musical.

Chief Executive of the Shaftesbury Theatre, Eleanor Lang, said in a statement: “We are delighted to be continuing our work to ensure the Shaftesbury Theatre remains a beautiful theatre in the West End; a wonderful place for audiences to come and a good home for world class theatre. We are so fortunate that DLT, the owners of the Shaftesbury, continue to reinvest in the building, allowing us to be custodians of the theatre, ensuring its survival for future generations. We look forward to welcoming audiences throughout 2026, and showing off our lovingly rejuvenated dome ceiling in 2027.”

Chairman of the Shaftesbury Theatre, Donald Taffner Jnr., said: “We remain committed to restoring and improving the Shaftesbury Theatre for audiences for years to come. The theatre is a much loved part of the DLT portfolio and we are proud to be able to support its continued development.”

Just For One Day & More shows

Currently playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London is Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical until 7 February 2026.

Other shows coming up at the Shaftesbury include concert productions of Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques The Musical on 9 November 2025, and ROAM in Concert starring Ramin Karimloo on 23 November.

Avenue Q

Shaftesbury Theatre’s new production for 2026 is a revival of hit West End and Broadway musical Avenue Q, which is playing from 20 March to 29 August 2026.

Book tickets to Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre London

UPDATES: First published 5 November 2025; Updated 6 November 2025 to include Avenue Q

Avenue Q

Judi Dench Theatre (formerly Shaftesbury Theatre), London

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