Duchess Theatre WC2

8 October 1940

By James Ramey

On 8 October 1940 at 8.33pm a high explosive bomb fell close to the stage door of the Duchess Theatre, at the intersection of Tavistock Street and Catherine Street WC2. A water main was broken but no casualties were reported. Debris blocked Catherine and Russell Streets. The incident took place at a time when the Theatre would normally be filled with people. Fortunately, the Theatre was empty. A government order had closed most theatre productions when the Blitz began.

The Duchess Theatre was designed and built by architect Ewen Barr. It is one of the smallest and youngest of the West End Theatres. The Theatre holds 482 seats and was opened on 25 November 1929, showing the play Tunnel Trench.

Today the Duchess Theatre continues to showcase popular plays for West End theatre-goers.