The Shubert Organization and Trafalgar Entertainment have announced a 50/50 joint venture partnership for the ownership and operation of the new flagship 1,575-seat Olympia Theatre.

The partnership marks the first time in 100 years that The Shubert Organization—owner of 17 Broadway theatres—has directly partnered and invested in London theatres.

The theatre, which is currently under a 70-year lease with Trafalgar Entertainment, is due to welcome audiences beginning in 2027. The largest new theatre of this scale to open in London since The National in 1976, the theatre is part of the £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia, a 140-year-old exhibition complex, into a cultural and entertainment destination for London.

The stage of the new theatre will be able to accommodate the most ambitious theatrical productions, while a wrap-around auditorium will offer intimate audience experiences.

Designing the venue without the spatial and land-marking restraints of traditional West End theatres will allow spaces that cater to the needs of contemporary audiences, including high-speed elevators and multiple entry points for easy access, generous bar space at every level, four exclusive premium lounges, and private seating boxes. Other welcome news for audiences include expanded auditorium seating with more legroom between rows as well as toilets available at every level (80-plus toilets in total).

Shubert Organization Chairman and CEO Robert E. Wankel said in a statement, “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Shubert to be part of shaping the future of London’s cultural landscape.”

Shubert Organization President Jeff Daniel added, “Theatre-making is an increasingly global endeavor, and the connection between Broadway and London has never been stronger. Our investment in the Olympia Theatre reflects Shubert’s deep commitment to world-class storytelling, wherever it takes place.”

Howard Panter, joint CEO and creative director of Trafalgar Entertainment, stated, “For Trafalgar Entertainment to have such an important company as the Shubert Organization with us operating the exceptional new Olympia Theatre, creates an appropriately global and exciting partnership.”

Lloyd Lee, co-founder and managing partner of Yoo Capital, part of the ownership group behind Olympia, said, “Olympia is deeply honored to be the home of this landmark moment in theatre history. Our vision has always been to establish Olympia as a global destination for creativity, live performance and innovation; a flagship where leading international and British brands, businesses, and artists can showcase their very best to the world.”

The theatre has been designed by a team headed by the award-winning architectural studio Haworth Tompkins. Other members of the theatre design team include Avison Young (project management), Charcoal Blue (theatre consultancy and acoustics), Buro Happold (mechanical and electrical consultancy), Robert Bird Group (structural engineering), and AECOM (cost consultancy).

The theatre is currently being fitted by building contractors Make One London. The wider development has been designed by London-based Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC architects.

The Shubert Organization is America’s oldest professional theatre company and the largest theatre owner on Broadway. Having produced hundreds and hundreds of plays and musicals throughout the last century, the Shubert Organization has remained dedicated to sustaining and advancing live performing arts.

Olympia Theatre will become Trafalgar Entertainment's 21st venue across London, the U.K., and Australia.

Once completed, the transformed Olympia entertainment complex will also boast exhibition and conferencing spaces for up to 20,000 people, a 4,000-capacity live music venue (operated by AEG Presents), hotels, offices, a co-educational senior school featuring a state-of-the-art community theatre hospitality and restaurant spaces, as well as the Olympia Theatre.

For more information visit Olympia.London.