Duke of York’s Theatre to be renamed after Tom Stoppard

The Duke of York’s Theatre is to be renamed the Tom Stoppard Theatre, ATG Entertainment has announced, in tribute to the playwright who died in November 2025 aged 88.

The St Martin’s Lane venue has a long association with Stoppard’s work. Rock ‘n’ Roll ran there from 2006 to 2007, and Arcadia played the house in 2009 – the same production whose Old Vic revival currently occupies the theatre. The renaming has been formally announced ahead of that production’s opening night this evening.

Discussing the name change, Melanie Smith, Global CEO of ATG Entertainment, said: “We are proud to be the custodians of such a historic theatre, and believe today’s announcement recognises the significant impact Sir Tom Stoppard has made to British Theatre.

“Sir Tom’s legacy lives on every day, as guests continue to discover and enjoy his work and we believe this is the perfect testament to his contribution to the West End. We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence. This landmark theatre has entertained visitors for over a century, and we are honoured today to unveil its new name.”

The theatre, which opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square Theatre before being renamed in 1895 to honour the future King George V, has changed its name only once in its 130-year history. It seats 640 across stalls, royal circle and upper circle, and is managed by ATG as part of their West End portfolio.

Sabrina Stoppard, widow of the playwright, said: “Tom was in his element whenever he had a play on in the West End, so I am thrilled to bits that this theatre will be named after him. It means that his memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building.

“I know he would have felt deeply moved and profoundly honoured by this extraordinary tribute, and I would like to thank ATG and Sonia Friedman for making it happen.

Sonia Friedman, who has produced Arcadia in the West End, concluded: “It feels entirely fitting that one of the West End’s great playhouses should now bear the name of one of our greatest playwrights.

“I had the privilege of producing many of Tom’s plays, including at this theatre, and more importantly, of calling him a dear friend. We shared countless coffees opposite the theatre, and I can just imagine him looking up at his name on the building, utterly tickled pink.

“I hope the Tom Stoppard Theatre inspires new generations to discover the curiosity, humanity, wit and extraordinary imagination of his work, and in doing so, understand why he secured his place among the true giants of theatre.”

The venue’s exterior will be altered over the coming months, while interior signage will be modified in the coming weeks.