Listings for Fortune Theatre
Description
Located on Russell Street, the Fortune Theatre is one of Covent Garden’s smallest, most intimate venues. It is not therefore not surprising that it is home to the intense, thrilling show, the Woman in Black, which is the second longest showing production on the West End after the Mousetrap. While it is most famous for the Woman in Black, the Fortune Theatre has welcomed a huge variety of theatrical productions such as Beyond the Fringe and Flanders, as well as hosting the likes of Dame Judie Dench, Dirk Bogarde and Maureen Lipman.
Named a Grade II listed building in May 1994, the Fortune Theatre boasts a beautiful, old auditorium and exterior. Close to Covent Garden, you can make a day out of it and enjoy all the restaurants and shops nearby. The Fortune Theatre has been managed by the Ambassador Theatre Company, who owns more than fifty other theatre companies across the UK. Famously, actors have reported that the Fortune Theatre is said to be haunted...
The Fortune Theatre Seating
With a capacity of only 419 seats, the Fortune Theatre is undoubtedly one of the smaller auditoriums, but this adds to the dramatic effects of the Woman in Black and creates an intimate theatrical experience. It is worth noting that depending on where you decide to sit in the theatre, ticket prices vary greatly.
Fortune Theatre Seating Plan Map
Fortune Theatre Seating
As a small theatre, the auditorium is divided across three levels: the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle.
The Stalls
With a capacity of 189 seats, the Stalls provides the most intimate theatrical experience, as the section of the theatre closest to the stage. Alternatively, some discounted seats can be found towards the back of the Stalls.
The Dress Circle
As the second tier of the Fortune Theatre, the Dress Circle has 106 seats and some of the best seats in the house can be found in this section of the theatre.
The Upper Circle
As the section of the theatre furthest away from the stage, the Upper Circle in the Fortune Theatre has 124 seats but you still feel close to the action as the theatre is so small.
Seats with best visibility
Considering that the auditorium is so small and boasts and older interior, there are some obstructions and seats with restricted viewing. For example, the Circle overhang means that there is restricted viewing in the back rown of the Stalls.
- Premium Seating: If you are looking for premium seating, these can be found in the centre of the Stalls and at the front of the Dress Circle.
- Good Value for Money Tickets: there are some slightly cheaper tickets at the back of the Dress Circle or to the sides but viewing is not restricted too much. There are also some cheaper tickets in the Upper Circle and viewing is not restricted too much as the theatre is so small.
- Discounted tickets: most of the cheaper tickets can be found in the back row of the Stalls or the Upper Circle. Although there is some restricted viewing, tickets are heavily discounted.
The Fortune Theatre Contact and Opening Times
Fortune Theatre Contact Numbers
- Telephone Booking*: 0844 871 7626
- Group Bookings: 020 7206 1174
- Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971
*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: Closed
Useful information
Getting there
The Fortune Theatre is located in the heart of the West End, so it is easily reached by both public transport and car. However, it is worth noting that the Fortune Theatre is in the London Congestion Charge Zone so it is advisable that you take public transport.
The Fortune Theatre address is:
Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HH
- Tube: the closest tube station to the Fortune Theatre is covent garden tube station (Piccadilly) which is about a 5 minute walk away. There are also other tube stations nearby such as Leicester Square (Picaddilly, Northern) and Holborn (Picadily, Central).
- Train: if you are planning on taking the train, then the Fortune theatre is about an 18-20 minute walk from the Fortune Theatre which has many national rail services.
- Bus: there are many buses which stop near the Fortune Theatre. The closest bus stop is Aldwych 4, 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 87, 172, 243, 341 and RV1. You can also take the bus to lower Charing Cross Road which is served by: 24, 29 and 176.
- Car: the Fortune Theatre is a member of the Q Park Scheme so you can benefit from 50% off on your parking ticket. The closest Q Car Parks to the Fortune Theatre is ChinaTown and Trafalgar Square. Without the discount, these car parks normally cost £22 for 3 hours and 4 hours for £29.40.
Access
If you have any enquiries or access requirements, please call the Fortune Theatre access line on 0844 871 7677 (calls cost 7p/pm) or email: fortuneboxoffice@theambassadors.com beforehand. There are also discounted tickets available for access customers, please call the access line beforehand to enquire.
Getting into the Fortune theatre
The main entrance of the Fortune Theatre is on Russell Street, where there is step-free access and also a drop-off section for access customers.
Inside the theatre
There is no customer lift inside the Fortune Theatre; all sections must be accessed by stairs. The most accessible area of the theatre is in the Dress Circle, as it is only 7 steps down from the foyer with handrails. Alternatively, Box A is also accessible and is 5 steps down. Box A can be accessed using another exit on Crown Court.
In these sections of the theatre, transfers are possible, however it is advisable that you bring a companion with you to assist. Staff are happy to look after the wheelchairs throughout the performance.
Given that there is no customer lift, the Stalls and the Dress Circle are much less accessible. The Stalls are 21 steps down from the foyer and the Upper Circle is 40 steps up from the foyer.
For customers with limited mobility, an at-seat service from the bar is possible. If you require this service, please let staff know beforehand.
The Fortune Theatre History
Located on the site of the Old Albion Tavern, the Fortune Theatre was originally a public house owned by Laurence Cowen. Situated by the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, the theatre was situated next to Crown Court Church.
As the first theatre to be built after the end of the First World War, the Fortune Theatre itself was built between 1922 and 1924 and designed by architect Ernet Schaufelberg. On top of the theatre, there is the famous figurine of Terpsichore, which is perched just above the entrance and was sculpted by M.H. Crichton of the Bromsgrove Guild. An Italianate style building with bronze double doors, the Fortune Theatre is an extremely beautiful building and was one of the oldest buildings in the UK to be made of hammered concrete.
Photos of Fortune Theatre
Featured videos
Austentatious - Fortune Theatre - ATG Tickets
The Woman in Black - Fortune Theatre - ATG Tickets
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