London Theatre to Be Renamed After Playwright Tom Stoppard

The Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End will be renamed the Tom Stoppard Theatre, the venue's owner said. ATG Entertainment said the new name will serve as a lasting tribute to one of the most influential playwrights in British theatre. The theatre will change its signage within the next few months.

Background on the venue The theatre opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square Theatre and was renamed the Duke of York's Theatre in 1895. It hosted the premiere of Peter Pan in 1904 and an appearance by Charlie Chaplin in 1905. Actors who have performed there include Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Glenda Jackson and Michael Gambon. Arcadia, one of Stoppard's plays, is currently running at the venue.

Announcement and reactions Andrew Rawlinson, ATG Entertainment's business director in London, said naming the theatre after Stoppard felt like the right and natural way to keep him among us. He added that Stoppard gave British theatre some of its most brilliant and best loved work.

Stoppard's children said the West End was close to his heart and that he would be thrilled and humbled by the honour. The announcement did not mention any connection to the former Duke of York.