The Duke of York’s theatre in London’s West End will be renamed the Tom Stoppard theatre in tribute to the late playwright, who passed away in November at the age of 88. The announcement comes as the theatre stages Carrie Cracknell’s revival of Stoppard’s 1993 play *Arcadia*, continuing a longstanding connection between the venue and the writer’s work.

*Arcadia* first played at the Duke of York’s in 2009, and Stoppard also enjoyed success there with his 2006 production *Rock ’n’ Roll*. The current revival marks a further celebration of his legacy, featuring Isis Hainsworth reprising her role as the teenage prodigy Thomasina Coverly. This production, staged in the round, moves between two centuries to explore themes of knowledge, love, and the universe. It was nominated for best revival at the Olivier Awards, along with a supporting actress nod for Hainsworth.

Stoppard’s widow, Sabrina Guinness, expressed her delight at the theatre’s renaming, noting that her late husband felt most at home when his plays were performed in the West End. “His memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building,” she said.

ATG Entertainment, which operates the venue, highlighted Stoppard’s enduring influence on British theatre. Melanie Smith, the company’s global CEO, called the renaming a recognition of his significant contributions and expressed anticipation for audiences to experience *Arcadia* and future productions that reflect his impact.

Producer Sonia Friedman, who worked closely with Stoppard and produced numerous plays of his, described the tribute as deeply meaningful. Recalling personal moments shared with the playwright near the theatre, she imagined his pleasure at seeing his name adorn the building.

Stoppard died just before rehearsals for *Arcadia* began at the Old Vic, where the current production originated. Director Carrie Cracknell noted his unwavering commitment throughout the staging process, including his involvement in casting and discussions about the play’s complex themes.

The Duke of York’s theatre, located on St Martin’s Lane, was originally known as the Trafalgar Square theatre before receiving its current name in 1894 in honour of King George V. Nearby venues include the Noël Coward theatre and the London Coliseum. The recent renaming announcement did not reference Prince Andrew, whose Duke of York title was revoked amid the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case.

This change follows similar recent decisions in London theatre, including last month’s news that the Shaftesbury theatre will be renamed the Judi Dench theatre from February. Dench described the honour as “truly overwhelming.”