New Wimbledon Theatre is one of London’s most historic and beloved performance venues. Despite its incredible legacy and thriving programme, it remains one of the city’s most underrated theatres.
This stunning Edwardian playhouse has been entertaining audiences since 1910 with dazzling West End tours, landmark premieres, and unmissable seasonal pantomimes.
Whether you're a local looking for top-tier entertainment or a visitor exploring London beyond the usual tourist trails, New Wimbledon Theatre promises an unforgettable experience in a truly iconic setting.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything from its fascinating history to what’s on, how to get there, and why it’s such an important part of London’s cultural scene.
Where is New Wimbledon Theatre?
New Wimbledon Theatre is on The Broadway in Wimbledon, London (SW19 1QG). Its central location in Wimbledon means it’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it perfect for a full day or evening out.
The theatre is well connected by public transport. It’s just a 7-minute walk from Wimbledon railway station, which is served by Thameslink. If you’re travelling from central London, you can hop on a Thameslink train to Wimbledon from stations like Farringdon, City Thameslink, or London Blackfriars, making the journey direct and easy.
This accessibility is one of the reasons New Wimbledon Theatre has thrived as a cultural hub for over a century. It’s far enough from the West End to feel local and distinctive, but close enough that world-class productions can tour here with ease.
What is New Wimbledon Theatre?
At its heart, New Wimbledon Theatre is a Grade II listed Edwardian venue located in South West London. It officially opened on 26 December 1910 with a festive staging of Jack and Jill. The theatre was designed by architects Cecil Masey and Roy Young, who created a beautiful, baroque-style auditorium that still impresses audiences today.
In its early days, the theatre even featured an unusual Victorian-style Turkish bath in the basement, an eccentric addition that reflected the tastes of the era. While that feature is long gone, the theatre has kept its blend of grandeur and character.
Today, New Wimbledon Theatre is known for hosting a wide range of shows: touring West End musicals, drama, stand-up comedy, dance productions, and family entertainment. It’s also especially loved for its annual pantomime, which regularly features big-name stars and attracts families from across London and the home counties.
Why is New Wimbledon Theatre Historically Significant?
Over more than 110 years of performances, New Wimbledon Theatre has witnessed some extraordinary moments in theatre history.
- In 1960, Lionel Bart’s legendary musical Oliver! premiered here before transferring to the West End, where it became one of the biggest hits of its time.
- Three years later, Half a Sixpence also premiered here before enjoying West End and Broadway success.
- During World War II, the theatre was temporarily closed but quickly reopened, offering much-needed entertainment during challenging times.
One of the theatre’s most distinctive features is the statue of Laetitia, the Roman Goddess of Gaiety, which sits atop its dome. Originally removed during the war, Laetitia was carefully restored and reinstalled in 1991, symbolising the theatre’s resilience and revival.
These architectural flourishes and historic premieres make New Wimbledon Theatre not just a place to see shows, but a living monument to London’s theatrical heritage.
What’s On at New Wimbledon Theatre?
The programme at New Wimbledon Theatre is vibrant, varied, and constantly changing, with something for everyone. The theatre regularly welcomes national and international touring productions, often of the same standard you’d expect in the West End.
Recent highlights include:
- The National Theatre production of War Horse, which saw sold-out tickets and standing ovations.
- Dance spectacles such as Riverdance 30: The New Generation and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.
- Family-friendly musicals like The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, perfect for introducing younger audiences to the magic of live theatre.
Alongside the main stage, the Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre offers a smaller, more experimental programme. With just 66 seats, the Studio is an intimate setting for innovative new writing, comedy nights, and offbeat dramas. Productions like Cold Comfort Farm, The Emu War, and Strange but True Crime with Jennifer Rees show the theatre’s commitment to supporting both established and emerging talent.
Of course, no guide to New Wimbledon Theatre would be complete without mentioning the annual pantomime. This festive tradition has been running for decades and is famous for its celebrity casts, dazzling costumes, and laugh-out-loud humour. For many families, Christmas in Wimbledon simply wouldn’t be complete without it.
How Large is New Wimbledon Theatre?
With a main auditorium seating around 1,670 people across three levels, New Wimbledon Theatre is one of London’s largest and most impressive theatres outside the West End.
To put that in perspective:
- The Adelphi Theatre in the West End has around 1,500 seats.
- Shaftesbury Avenue’s Lyric Theatre has fewer than 1,000 seats.
This makes New Wimbledon Theatre a true giant of the London theatre scene, capable of staging blockbuster productions while still retaining a local charm. The Studio Theatre, by contrast, is much smaller and cosier, seating up to 66 people, and is ideal for audiences seeking something more personal and experimental.
Why Visit New Wimbledon Theatre?
Is New Wimbledon Theatre worth visiting? Absolutely. Stepping inside feels like stepping into theatrical history. Its Edwardian elegance and architectural grandeur transport you to another time, while its dynamic programme of shows ensures it stays firmly in the present.
For theatre lovers, it’s a chance to see West End-quality productions without the West End price tag or crowds. For families, it’s a beloved destination for seasonal pantomimes and children’s shows.
For visitors to London, New Wimbledon Theatre is a refreshing alternative to the typical tourist trail and an opportunity to experience authentic South London culture in a vibrant local community.
What’s more, the theatre’s location in Wimbledon makes it easy to combine with other activities. You could enjoy dinner on The Broadway, explore Wimbledon Common, or even visit the world-famous Wimbledon Tennis Club before catching a show.
Wimbledon: More Than Just Tennis
New Wimbledon Theatre is more than just a local venue, it’s a cornerstone of London’s cultural scene, with a history stretching back over a century and a programme that continues to evolve. From its Edwardian architecture and legendary premieres to its diverse calendar of touring shows and intimate Studio productions, it remains one of the city’s most exciting and accessible theatres.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable night out, New Wimbledon Theatre deserves a spot at the top of your list. Whether you’re travelling in from central London with Thameslink, planning a family trip to the pantomime, or simply curious about one of the city’s most beautiful theatres, you’ll find that this South London gem has something special for everyone.