Dominion Theatre Claims Ownership—The Drama Never Ends
Let’s put it straight: the legendary Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road has finally seized its future by purchasing the freehold from its landlord. It’s the dream done for the family that’s been on the London scene since 1919.
When history steps onto the stage
The Dominion opened its doors in 1929 and has been the hub for some of London’s most iconic shows—think The Judy Garland Show, The Sound of Music (yes, the same one that turned Popes into pop singers!) and We Will Rock You. Now it’s set to host The Devil Wears Prada, with a score slapped on by none other than Elton John. Talk about dressing up the theatre in celebrity chic!
What’s on the bill for 2024‑25?
- King & I (short‑run)
- Sister Act (short‑run)
- Elton John‑composed The Devil Wears Prada (full‑time)
With over 60,000 visitors a month, the show‑time spots are booked faster than a late‑night pop‑concert ticket. But that’s not the only trick; the Dominion is throwing in one‑off events and concerts, keeping the line-up fresh and pulling in fresh crowds.
The Nederlander & Lloyds Bank partnership
Owned and run by the Nederlander family—known worldwide as the original “Broadway” of New York—the Dominion is the third gold‑mine in London that the family manages (the other two being Aldwych Theatre and Adelphi Theatre in partnership).
Why the freehold? It’s the tip‑of‑the‑iceberg on a multi‑decade quest to invest and revive the theatre’s authentic art‑deco charm. A multi‑million-pound loan from Lloyds Bank helped pull the deal together, a major win for culture aficionados all around the globe.
Behind the scenes: the big upgrade
- Backstage makeover: from a cramped space to a modular stage that’s basically a “change‑out” of theatrical superpowers.
- New flying system that can hoist well over 40 tonnes of props & sets—yes, the kind of weight that could make The Lion King seem light.
All this means the Dominion can now host bigger, bolder productions than ever before.
What the people behind the doors are saying
Jerry Katzman, CEO, Dominion Theatre: “Our landlords were super supportive, and owning the property outright lets us keep investing endlessly. The Nederlander family’s passion runs deep; they love keeping theatres alive and glorious. With this freehold, we’re free to unleash unforgettable shows for generations to come.”
Delcan Mulcahy, Lloyds Bank: “West End is a worldwide magnet for culture lovers. The Dominion is at the epicentre of that buzz, and this purchase protects a vital cultural treasure. We’re proud to deliver this strategic milestone for a place that dreams big and delivers wonder.”
The next chapter: a future full of show‑stopping magic
So, the next time you’re passing by the diamond‑trimmed façade on Tottenham Court Road, remember that the Dominion is now the proud owner of its own story, ready to grow, play, and create memories that will last forever.
Let the lights burn bright and the theatre roar louder—because at the Dominion, the drama never ends.
