Perfectly positioned above Tottenham Court Road underground station, the Dominion Theatre is a Grade II listed building with a varied and colourful history as a cinema, variety hall and music venue. The Nederlander Organisation currently runs the theatre.
Hosting shows starring Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and Elizabeth Taylor, the Dominion Theatre is no stranger to big names, so much so that a statue of Freddie Mercury stood above its entrance during the long run of We Will Rock You. The show started in 2002 and was scheduled to close in late 2006; however, due to its success, the show was extended indefinitely, eventually closing in 2014. Interestingly, the theatre has also been home to the London auditions for ITV1 show Britain’s Got Talent.
The Dominion Theatre’s acclaimed history isn’t limited to theatre alone. Throughout the 1980s, the venue was a popular venue for music concerts, seeing the likes of Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi, David Bowie and Sinead O’Connor gracing the stage.
Opened in 1929 and recently renovated to the tune of 6 million pounds, this theatre is well worth a visit for big-budget bonanzas. Much work was done on the outside façade, including the installation of illuminations which light up the theatre at night. In addition to this, a new studio space for rehearsals and functions was installed above the main foyer. Despite these new renovations, the theatre retains its original light fittings and art deco plastering.
Most recently, the Dominion Theatre was home to An American In Paris and Jim Steinman’s epic rock musical Bat Out Of Hell.