The Duke of York's theatre in London's West End is to be renamed the Tom Stoppard theatre in honour of the playwright who died in November at age 88. The venue is currently presenting a revival of Stoppard's 1993 masterpiece Arcadia, which also ran there in 2009.
Family and colleagues react to the honour
Sabrina Stoppard, the playwright's wife, 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.”
Melanie Smith, global CEO of ATG Entertainment which operates the venue, 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 … We look forward to welcoming audiences to the current run of Arcadia, and to future productions that continue to celebrate his lasting influence.”
Producer recalls friendship and legacy
Sonia Friedman, producer of Arcadia, said: “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.”
Stoppard also had a hit at the Duke of York's with Rock'n'Roll in 2006. The playwright died just before rehearsals began for Arcadia at the Old Vic. Director Carrie Cracknell noted at the time: “His work ethic remained resolutely undimmed – engaging in each casting decision and wanting to discuss his beautiful, complex and multilayered play. His loss will be felt keenly by the whole company.”
Historic venue and recent renaming trend
The Duke of York's, on St Martin's Lane, was originally called the Trafalgar Square theatre and was renamed in 1894 for King George V. Its neighbours include the Noël Coward theatre and the Coliseum. The official announcement on Wednesday made no reference to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his Duke of York title amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Last month, it was announced that London's Shaftesbury theatre will be renamed the Judi Dench theatre from February, an honour Dench described as “truly overwhelming”. The Arcadia revival, starring Isis Hainsworth as Thomasina Coverly, was nominated for best revival and best actress in a supporting role at the Olivier awards.
