The Duke of York’s theatre in London’s West End is to be renamed the Tom Stoppard theatre in tribute to the celebrated playwright, who died in November at the age of 88. The theatre, located on St Martin’s Lane, is currently staging a revival of Stoppard’s 1993 masterpiece Arcadia, directed by Carrie Cracknell, which originally premiered at the same venue in 2009.
Family and Colleagues React
Stoppard’s wife, Sabrina Stoppard, expressed her delight at the honour. “Tom was in his element whenever he had a play on in the West End, so I am thrilled to bits that this theatre will be named after him. It means that his memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building,” she said.
Melanie Smith, global CEO of ATG Entertainment, which operates the venue, stated: “We are proud to be the custodians of such a historic theatre, and believe today’s announcement recognises the significant impact Sir Tom Stoppard has made to British theatre. We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence.”
Stoppard’s Legacy at the Duke of York’s
Stoppard enjoyed multiple successes at the Duke of York’s, including the 2006 production of Rock’n’Roll. Producer Sonia Friedman, who worked closely with Stoppard on several plays, recalled their friendship. “I had the privilege of producing many of Tom’s plays, including at this theatre, and more importantly, of calling him a dear friend. We shared countless coffees opposite the theatre, and I can just imagine him looking up at his name on the building, utterly tickled pink,” she said.
The revival of Arcadia, which transferred from the Old Vic, has been nominated for best revival at the Olivier awards, as well as best actress in a supporting role for Isis Hainsworth, who reprises her role as teenage prodigy Thomasina Coverly. The play is staged in-the-round and alternates between two centuries, exploring themes of science, love, and the universe.
Historical Context
The Duke of York’s theatre, originally named the Trafalgar Square theatre, was renamed in 1894 after King George V. Its neighbours include the Noël Coward theatre and the Coliseum. The official announcement on Wednesday made no reference to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his Duke of York title following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
This renaming follows a similar honour for Dame Judi Dench, with London’s Shaftesbury theatre set to become the Judi Dench theatre in February. Dench described the tribute as “truly overwhelming.”
Stoppard’s Final Days
Stoppard died just before rehearsals began for Arcadia at the Old Vic. Director Carrie Cracknell noted that his work ethic remained undimmed: “Engaging in each casting decision and wanting to discuss his beautiful, complex and multilayered play. His loss will be felt keenly by the whole company.” The production continues to celebrate his enduring legacy.
