Historic Saville Theatre in the West End to be brought back to life

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Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Saville Theatre – a listed heritage building constructed in 1931 – is set to return to its original purpose as a theatre, after spending decades functioning as a cinema. The venue operated as a theatre for around 40 years before being converted in the 1970s. Now, it is being reimagined for a new chapter. Afisha.London looks at what’s planned and when we can expect the doors to open.

Notably, between 1965 and 1970, the Saville Theatre became a landmark music venue under the ownership of Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, who bought the building to host live concerts. The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and other iconic musicians performed on its stage. Following Epstein’s death, the venue was turned into a cinema.

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The redevelopment project is led by property developer Yoo Capital, which acquired the building in 2021. The architectural design is being overseen by London-based firm SPPARC. According to current plans, the venue will include a 622-seat auditorium, restored original architectural features, enhanced safety systems and expanded basement spaces.

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The Saville Theatre is also set to become the first permanent home for Cirque du Soleil anywhere in the world. In addition, the building will house a boutique hotel and a restaurant, both designed as part of a new cultural complex.

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The project has undergone years of public consultation and has since been revised to address recommendations from Theatres Trust and Historic England. With previous concerns addressed, both organisations have now given their backing to the updated plans. Although no official completion date has been announced, the project is expected to take up to three years.

Cover photo: Yoo Capital

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