Shaw Theatre

Infobox Theatre
name = The Shaw Theatre


caption =
address = 100 - 110 Euston Road
city = London
country = UK
designation =
latitude = 51.5266
longitude = -0.1331
architect =
owner =
capacity = 446
type =
opened = 1971
yearsactive =
rebuilt = 1998
closed =
othernames =
production =
currentuse =
website = www.theshawtheatre.comThe Shaw Theatre is a theatre in Somers Town, in the London Borough of Camden. It is located near the Euston Road, beside the British Library and St Pancras Chambers (formerly the Midland Grand Hotel), equidistant from King's Cross station and Euston station.

t Pancras library

Before being completely rebuilt in 1998, the Shaw Theatre originally opened its doors in 1971 as a purpose built theatre within the St Pancras library. The opening production the show "Zigger Zagger" with a cast that included Barrie Rutter and Paula Wilcox. In 1972, Simon Ward and Sinead Cusack appeared in "Romeo and Juliet". Later in the same year Vanessa Redgrave, Nyree Dawn Porter and Windsor Davies starred in "Twelfth Night". Other stars who appeared in the early days include Sir Ian McKellen, Mia Farrow, Julia McKenzie and Raymond Francis. The theatre hosted a series of "Sunday nights at the Shaw", with many notable actors including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Flora Robson, Patricia Routledge and Michael Williams.

Library closure and refurbishment

After the refurbishment started in 1998, the Shaw has 446 seats and two large foyers, six large dressing rooms for up to 60 people and extensive high quality backstage facilities which include a props store, workshop space and laundry facilities.

Notable musicians, actors and comedians who have performed at the Shaw Theatre include Van Morrison, Harry Connick Jr., Ron Moody, and Janie Dee whose concert included a surprise performance by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. The successful "An Evening With ..." nights' guests included Tony Benn, Ann Widdecombe, Sir John Mortimer and Nicholas Parsons; the latter has also recorded his radio show "Just a Minute" at the Shaw.

For members of the public there is disabled access, cloakroom facilities and a bar serving drinks and refreshments. The two are also used for exhibitions.

The Shaw Theatre's policy as of 2007 is to present high quality drama from funded regional theatre and independent theatre companies for medium length runs. The theatre is also in demand from New York based Broadway and off Broadway producers.

References

* [http://www.offwestendtheatres.co.uk/?where=the_shaw Off West End Theatres official site]