Mega-Producer Cameron Mackintosh Buys Two More West End Theaters; Will Rename Ambassadors After Stephen Sondheim

Cameron Mackintosh has added two more theaters to his West End theater group Delfont Mackintosh Theatres. The mega-producer will take over the Victoria Palace Theatre (the current home of Billy Elliot) in June of this year, as well as the Ambassadors Theatre (where Stomp plays) by 2015, which he will rename the Sondheim Theatre.

The acquisition will involve closing the Victoria Palace Theatre for about a year from fall 2016 to extend the stage, enlarge the front of house and restore the exterior. Additionally, Mackintosh intends, subject to planning consents, to reimagine the Ambassadors as a receiving house for extended seasons of new regional productions from the subsidized sector. In doing so, the theater will be rebuilt to create a non-proscenium stage.

In response to Mackintosh’s intent to rename the Ambassadors Theatre after Sondheim, the legendary composer said in a statement, “To have my name attached to such a vivifying contribution to British theater is an honor as well as a thrill.”

Mackintosh’s work as a producer includes the original production and current West End revival of Miss Saigon and the Tony-winning productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Miserables (as well as the current Les Miz Broadway revival). His many additional producing credits include Putting It Together, Mary Poppins, Swan Lake, Carousel and Five Guys Named Mo. Following Delfont Mackintosh Theatres’ acquisition of the Victoria Palace and Ambassadors, the producer will own nine London houses.