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About the Theatre

In the heart of London, the Shaw Theatre has played host to a wide range of drama, dance, musical theatre and concerts from its opening performances of Zigger Zagger starring Paula Wilcox and Barrie Rutter, through to Dionne Warwick, Eartha Kitt, Boy George and dramas such as Of Mice and Men, Maggie's End and the award-winning Broadway transfer of Golda's Balcony.

Originally built in 1971 and known as the Library Theatre, the Shaw was fully refurbished in 1998; the comfortable, air conditioned and intimate 446-seat auditorium with cinema-style seating offers an excellent view of the stage from every single seat. The spacious ground floor foyer and bar area is fully accessible with direct access to the auditorium.

The theatre is, of course, named after George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). Shaw's plays were first performed in the 1890s. By the end of the decade he was an established playwright: he wrote 63 plays and his output as novelist, critic, pamphleteer, essayist and private correspondent was prodigious. He is known to have written over 250,000 letters.

Outside the venue is the contemporary sculpture St Joan by artist Keith Grant in recognition of Shaw's play of the same name (1923), which is generally considered to be one of his most important works. Shaw had long considered writing about Joan of Arc, and her canonisation supplied a strong incentive. The play was an international success, and is believed to have led to his Nobel Prize for Literature.

For members of the public there is disabled access, excellent cloakroom facilities and a large bar serving drinks and refreshments. The two capacious foyers make ideal exhibition spaces.

Location

The Shaw Theatre is part of the four-star Novotel London St Pancras, with 312 rooms and the award-winning Mirrors restaurant. It is located three minutes’ walk from St Pancras Station and five minutes’ walk from both Euston and King’s Cross Stations which link London to the rest of the UK.

Directions

The theatre forms part of the New Generation 4 Star Novotel Hotel on Euston Road next to the British Library equal distance from King's Cross and Euston underground and main line stations. Underground lines Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, and Circle lines. Bus routes 10, 30, 73, 91, 205, 390 and 476.

Parking: NCP car park - Euston Station and after 6.30pm in Charlton Street and Ossulston Street.

Congestion Charge:The theatre is just outside the Congestion Charge Zone.