A major London West End theatre is set to be renamed after the legendary actress Judi Dench. The Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, will become the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027.
A Well-Deserved Honor
The West End has a history of renaming theatres after theatrical icons, following the Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly the Comedy Theatre) and the Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen's Theatre). Now, it is Judi Dench's turn. The Shaftesbury Theatre, originally known as the Prince's, is owned by the Taffner family, whose company produced Dench's beloved sitcom As Time Goes By.
Personal Connection
Although Dench has not performed on the Shaftesbury's stage, she played a crucial role in saving the theatre in the 1980s. She was part of the Theatre of Comedy collective that purchased the venue and maintained it until the Taffners took over a decade later. The 91-year-old actress expressed her gratitude: 'The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming.'
Legacy and Impact
Dench joins a select group of actors with theatres named after them, a fitting tribute to her illustrious career. Though retired from stage work, she remains active in Q&A events. The renaming ceremony is scheduled for February 2027, with the theatre currently hosting Avenue Q.
