The Ambassadors Theatre
West Street
London
A small theatre with an equally small stage - the depth of the stage is only 6.25metres. The inimate auditorium has a proscenium arched stage which suits revue style productions. The Ambassadors and the St Martin's next door where conceived as companions by their architect WGR Sprague in 1913 - although the St Martin's was delayed by three years. The theatre changed its name to The New Ambassadors Theatre in 1999.
The Ambassadors is perhaps best known as the original home of the Agatha Christie thriller "The Mousetrap" which opened here on 25 November 1952 - and stayed until 25 March 1974 when it moved next door to the St Martin's. Notable productions after this include 84 Charing Cross Road and a transfer of The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Christopher Hamptons play "Les Liasons Dangereuses". More recent productions have included revivals of "The Killing of Sister George" (with Miriam Margolyes) and "Dames at Sea" (with Kim Criswell, Sara Crowe and Peter Duncan).
The theatre was used by The Royal Court Theatre between 1996 and 1999 to stage their 'Theatre Upstairs' studio based work while their own theatre in Sloane Square underwent major reconstruction. Since June 1999 the theatre has been used to present short seasons of both new work and revivals.
Travel directions
Take the Piccadilly or Northern line to Leicester Square station. The theatre is approximately 5 minutes walk.
Nearest underground station: Leicester Square
Buses: 14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, 176