West End theatre to be named after Dame Judi Dench
The Shaftesbury Theatre is to be renamed to honour Dame Judi's contribution to the performing arts.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming."
— Dame Judi Dench , Celebrity
"We have such fond memories of Judi at the Shaftesbury. We are therefore delighted to recognise her extraordinary talent and extensive contribution to many in the renaming of our theatre."
— Donald Taffner Jnr , Executive
"We don't celebrate brilliant women enough in our West End theatre names, so we are delighted that her name will be forever in lights above our doorway."
— Eleanor Lang , Executive
"Shaftesbury Theatre has always had a special place in my heart."
— Dame Judi Dench , Celebrity
"We are very excited to honor Dame Judi."
— Eleanor Lang , Executive
"The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart."
— Dame Judi Dench , Celebrity
"We are therefore delighted to recognise her extraordinary talent and extensive contribution to many in the renaming of our theatre."
— Donald Taffner Jnr. , Executive
"We are so excited to rename the Shaftesbury Theatre in honour of Dame Judi."
— Eleanor Lang , Executive
Key People
Dame Judi Dench is a renowned British actress known for her extensive career in stage and screen over seven decades.
Donald Taffner Jnr is the chairman of the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Donald Taffner Jnr. is the chairman associated with the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Donald Taffner Jr. is the Chairman of the Board related to the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Eleanor Lang is the chief executive of the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Tags
All Coverage
The Shaftesbury Theatre is to be renamed to honour Dame Judi's contribution to the performing arts.
The Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre from February 2027, honoring the actor's unparalleled contribution to British theatre and the performing arts.
The Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End is officially changing its name to Judi Dench Theatre in celebration of the 91-year-old's contribution to the performing arts, effective from February 2027.
The Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, is set to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre, honoring the actor's contribution to the performing arts.
Londra West End'deki Shaftesbury Tiyatrosu, Judi Dench'i onurlandırmak için yeniden adlandırılıyor. Dame Judi, adın değiştirilmesinin 'gerçekten tarifsiz bir onur' olduğunu söyledi.

The Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027, celebrating Dame Judi's unparalleled contribution to British theatre and the performing arts.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Cate Blanchett to become visiting Oxford professor
Blanchett will be the new Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at St Catherine's College.
June 16, 2026 at 12:22 PMPaddington musical set for Broadway debut
The production will launch in the US at New York's Al Hirschfeld Theatre in March 2027.
June 16, 2026 at 01:12 PMAuthors Blackman and Donaldson made dames in honours list
Noughts & Crosses author Malorie Blackman and Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson are made dames, as the rugby league star is knighted.
June 13, 2026 at 09:08 AMLacey Turner confirmed as first Strictly contestant
The actress is best known for her role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders, the BBC One soap she joined in 2004.
June 10, 2026 at 02:20 PMLondon Museum Smithfield site to open in November
The building will become a new home for Banksy's piranhas and the UK's oldest hand-written document.
June 18, 2026 at 10:19 AMTake That tightrope walker says it's an 'honour' to perform with the group
Ellis Grover walked between two stages with a six-metre drop below him as Take That performed in Cardiff.
June 16, 2026 at 05:05 PM