Cambridge Theatre

The Basics

The theater’s modern exterior belies an opulent interior, wherein bronze friezes depict nude figures, and marble columns, glass chandeliers, and concealed lighting create an air of grandeur. The theater seats more than 1,200 audience members across three levels. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online; booking in advance guarantees a seat at the often sold-out show. Some packages allow you to upgrade and enjoy a pre-theatre dinner nearby.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cambridge Theatre is a must-visit for theater lovers.

• Standard priced seats tend to be located in the rear stalls at stage level, whereas the top-priced seats offer panoramic views.

• There is a bar on site, as well as several kiosks selling snacks.

• The theater’s seating area has designated spaces for wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The closest underground stations are Covent Garden (on the Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (serviced by the Piccadilly and Northern lines). Bus numbers 14, 19, 24, 38, and 176 stop nearby.

When to Get There

There are performances ofMatilda the Musical every evening of the week and matinee shows on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. The show runs for 2.5 hours (including a 20-minute intermission). The box office is open daily, from 10am until 15 minutes after the show starts.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and was inspired by the Roald Dahl book. The production has won a record-breaking seven British Olivier Awards and more than 70 other international awards since it opened in 2011. With comic songs and scripts,Matilda appeals to both children and adults alike.

Ways to explore

Most travelers experience the Cambridge Theatre by buying tickets for Matilda the Musical, the tale of a gifted child with neglectful parents, who finds solace in her teacher’s affection and develops magical powers. On Mondays, when Matilda isn’t playing, there are alternative performances on offer. Some Matilda ticket packages include a pre-theater dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. While the Cambridge Theatre doesn’t offer tours of the interior, you can admire the exterior on a Covent Garden walking tour.

Accessibility

The Cambridge Theatre is accessible, with adapted bathrooms, two wheelchair seating spaces, and step-free access to a range of kiosks. There are occasional audio-described, captioned, sign-language, and relaxed performances for guests with access needs.

Age limits

The show is recommended for children ages 6 and up; children under 4 are only allowed at relaxed performances.

What to pack

A small purse works better here than a daypack.

What to wear

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable—there’s no dress code.

Not allowed

There’s a full bag search, so leave that Swiss Army knife at home.

Amenities

Bars, kiosks, restrooms

Address

The Cambridge Theatre is in Covent Garden, right by the Seven Dials crossroads, about a 10-minute walk south of Trafalgar Square.

Driving

Between the congestion charge and the bus lane rules, central London is not a car-friendly destination. Make like a local and walk, cycle, use public transportation, or take a taxi or a rideshare.

Public transportation

Both Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) are less than a 5-minute walk from the theater. Tottenham Court Road (Central, Elizabeth, and Northern lines) is a little farther.

Best times to visit

There are evening performances of Matilda Tuesday through Saturday, with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There are different shows on Monday evenings.

Best days to visit

Tickets are generally the best value midweek, which also offers a wider choice of pre-theater dining.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad month to visit the West End theater.

Special events

Taking in a children’s show is a classic pre-Christmas tradition, which makes for an atmospheric, if pricey, day out.