The Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027, in a move announced to honor the actor’s longstanding contribution to British theatre and the performing arts. The venue said the change recognizes Dench’s “unparalleled contribution” to the stage and her enduring place in British cultural life.
Dench welcomed the tribute, saying the Shaftesbury Theatre has “always held a special place” in her heart. She noted that her relationship with the Theatre of Comedy and the Taffner family dates back many years, and said having the theatre renamed after her was “truly overwhelming.” She also emphasized the continuing importance of live theatre as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, describing it as something she has aimed to do throughout her working life.
Dench was a founding member of the Theatre of Comedy, a collective of actors and authors who held part shares in the Shaftesbury Theatre. The venue is owned by the Taffner family, whose company produced the BBC sitcom As Time Goes By, in which Dench starred alongside Geoffrey Palmer for nine series.
The theatre has a long history in London’s West End. The building was originally constructed in 1911 and first opened under the name New Prince’s Theatre. It is also known for being the only London theatre with a dome that opens. In 1962, it was renamed the Shaftesbury Theatre, a title it will carry until the planned change in 2027.
Recent productions staged at the theatre include & Juliet, Mrs Doubtfire and Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical. The renaming reflects the theatre’s desire to mark a major figure in British acting with a lasting public honor.
Judi Dench is one of the most celebrated performers in British theatre, film and television, with a career spanning decades across stage and screen. The planned renaming of the Shaftesbury Theatre adds to her legacy by linking her name permanently to one of London’s best-known West End venues.
