London's Shaftesbury Theatre to be renamed in honour of Dame Judi Dench
West End venue celebrates Dame Judi’s contribution to British theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End is set to be renamed after Dame Judi Dench, recognising her exceptional impact on British theatre and the performing arts.
The renaming also acknowledges Dame Judi's longstanding relationship with the venue, where she was a founding member of the Theatre of Comedy in the 1980s and 90s.
During this period, Dame Judi worked closely with the theatre's owners, the Taffner family, and their production company.
Dame Judi expressed her deep connection to the Shaftesbury Theatre, noting the honour as "truly overwhelming."
Dame Judi is celebrated as a leading actress across stage, musical theatre, and television, with a career spanning seven decades.
She also starred in the BBC comedy "As Time Goes By," produced by the Taffner's company.
The renaming marks the first West End theatre to be dedicated to an actress.
Dame Judi elaborated on her commitment to live theatre:
"Live theatre continues to be so important as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, something I have aimed to do all my working life."
Chairman Donald Taffner Jnr expressed fond memories of Dame Judi at the Shaftesbury, emphasising the decision to honour her talent and extensive contributions through the theatre’s new name.
Chief Executive Eleanor Lang highlighted the importance of celebrating brilliant women in West End theatre names, pleased that Dame Judi’s name will "forever be in lights above our doorway."