Shaw Theatre

The Shaw Theatre originally opened its doors in 1971 as a purpose built theatre within the St Pancras library, originally known as The Library Theatre. The opening production was the show Zigger Zagger[1] with a cast that included Barrie Rutter and Paula Wilcox. In 1972, Simon Ward and Sinéad Cusack appeared in Romeo and Juliet. Later in the same year Vanessa Redgrave, Nyree Dawn Porter and Windsor Davies starred in Twelfth Night. Other stars who appeared in the theatre's early days included Ian McKellen, Mia Farrow, Julia McKenzie and Raymond Francis. The theatre hosted a series of 'Sunday nights at the Shaw', with many notable actors including Judi Dench, Dame Flora Robson, Patricia Routledge and Michael Williams. It also hosted numerous productions by the National Youth Theatre.[2]

Notable musicians, actors and comedians who have performed at the Shaw Theatre include Dionne Warwick, Kerry Ellis, Eartha Kitt, Boy George, Van Morrison, Harry Connick Jr., Ron Moody and Janie Dee, whose concert included a surprise performance by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. The successful An Evening With ... nights' guests included Tony Benn, Ann Widdecombe, Sir John Mortimer and Nicholas Parsons; the latter has also recorded his radio show Just a Minute at the Shaw.

In 1985, the theatre played host to stars from the rock and pop world rehearsing for the Live Aid concert. Notably, Queen rehearsed their legendary Live Aid set at the Shaw.[3]

After being refurbishment in 1998, it was reopened by Artistic director Mike Redwood in 2001 with an inaugural season including Chekov, Gogol and Snow White the Pantomime. The Shaw Theatre's policy was to present, as a receiving house, high quality drama from funded regional theatre and independent theatre companies for short to medium length runs and short term hires. The theatre was also in demand from New York City-based Broadway and off-Broadway producers.

The theatre is now part of the four-star Pullman London St Pancras hotel[4] operated by the large French hotel chain AccorHotels. It was renamed in honour of George Bernard Shaw, whom lived locally in his later life.

As of 2023, the theatre operates as a hire-only venue, open to both artistic[5] and conference hires.

On 9 March 2018, a fire broke out on stage at the Shaw Theatre. Six fire crews attended with 35 firefighters, and the blaze was brought under control after one hour and fifty minutes.[6] The theatre was repaired, redecorated, and reopened in late 2018.

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• Official website