Plans approved for Theatre Royal, Drury Lane renovations

Really Useful Theatres Group has confirmed that Theatre Royal, Drury Lane will undergo an extensive restoration.

Plans have been approved by Westminster City Council with work beginning after the conclusion of the current production of 42nd Street. A specific date is to be announced in due course, but it is not expected to be before 2019.

The plans aim to secure the historic building for the future. Though not yet specifically detailed, there will be renovations to the auditorium, as well as new means of aiding circulation and improving access.

The oldest theatre site in the country and a Grade I listed building, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane last underwent building work in 2013 to celebrate the venue's 350th anniversary, with the Grand Saloon and the Wyatt Foyer restored to their original Georgian style aided by a team of period experts. It currently has a capacity of 2,196.

The venue was acquired by Really Useful Theatres Group in 1999, and is part of a group of six West End theatres owned by the company.