Duke of York's to be renamed The Tom Stoppard Theatre

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright, whose show Arcadia opens at the venue tonight, had a career spanning more than five decades.

Summary

• West End venue the Duke of York’s will now be known as The Tom Stoppard Theatre
• Stoppard's Arcadia opens at the venue tonight (1 July)
• The playwright had a career spanning more than five decades

West End venue the Duke of York’s will be renamed The Tom Stoppard Theatre, as a lasting tribute to the late playwright who passed away in 2025.

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright, whose show Arcadia opens at the venue tonight, had a career spanning more than five decades. Some of his most well-known shows include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Jumpers, Travesties, The Real Thing, Arcadia, The Invention of Love, The Coast of Utopia, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Leopoldstadt.

Stoppard’s connection with the St Martin’s Lane theatre spanned many years, including a celebrated revival of Arcadia in 2009.

Physical changes to the theatre’s signage will take place over the coming months, subject to planning approvals, while internal branding and digital updates will roll out in the coming weeks.

Melanie Smith CBE, Global CEO of ATG Entertainment, said: "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.

"Sir Tom's legacy lives on every day, as guests continue to discover and enjoy his work and we believe this is the perfect testament to his contribution to the West End.

"We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence. This landmark theatre has entertained visitors for over a century, and we are honoured today to unveil its new name."

Stoppard's children, Ollie, Barny, Will and Ed, said: “We are moved and delighted that ATG has chosen to honour our father with this fitting tribute.

“The West End was close to his heart and we feel sure he would be thrilled and humbled in equal measure by this great honour.”

His wife, Sabrina Stoppard, said: “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.

“I know he would have felt deeply moved and profoundly honoured by this extraordinary tribute, and I would like to thank ATG and Sonia Friedman for making it happen.

Producer Sonia Friedman added: “It feels entirely fitting that one of the West End’s great playhouses should now bear the name of one of our greatest playwrights.

“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.

“I hope The Tom Stoppard Theatre inspires new generations to discover the curiosity, humanity, wit and extraordinary imagination of his work, and in doing so, understand why he secured his place among the true giants of theatre.”

Book Arcadia tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk