Welcome to the Shaw Theatre!
Our history
In the heart of London, the 446-seat Shaw Theatre has played host to a wide range of drama, dance, musical theatre and concerts for over fifty years.
Opened by HRH Princess Anne on 2nd April 1971 as the Library Theatre within the St Pancras Library, the venue's inaugural production was Zigger Zagger by Peter Terson, featuring Barrie Rutter and Paula Wilcox. The theatre quickly became a hub for notable performances, with early appearances by Simon Ward and Sinéad Cusack in Romeo and Juliet, and Vanessa Redgrave and Nyree Dawn Porter in Twelfth Night. The venue also hosted a series of 'Sunday nights at the Shaw', featuring actors such as Dame Judi Dench, Dame Flora Robson, and Dame Patricia Routledge.
Musical highlights in the early years include a performance from Elton John in 1972, and welcoming Queen to rehearse for Live Aid in 1985. Other musical highights include shows by Van Morrison (2005), Dionne Warwick (2006) and Boy George (2008).
In 1998, it went under a colossal renovation and was renamed The Shaw Theatre, after the notorious Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who spent his later life in the Kings Cross area.
As of 2012, The Shaw Theatre has been part of the London Pullman St Pancras Hotel.
Statue
The St Joan sculpture outside the theatre is a striking abstract artwork created by artist Keith Grant in 1971. It was commissioned to commemorate George Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan, which is considered one of his most significant works. The sculpture symbolically represents Joan of Arc's military involvement and the destructive nature of the culture she embraced. Its design features a stylised knight's helm intersected by lances and surrounded by longbows.
How to hire us
We have a beautiful auditorium and rehearsal space available to hire.
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