Duke of York’s theatre to be renamed after Tom Stoppard

The Duke of York’s theatre in the West End is to become the Tom Stoppard theatre in honour of the playwright who died in November.The theatre is currently presenting Carrie Cracknell’s revival of Stoppard’s 1993 masterpiece Arcadia and the same play was produced there in 2009. The playwright’s wife, Sabrina Stoppard, 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.”Stoppard, who died aged 88, also had a hit at the Duke of York’s with Rock’n’Roll in 2006. 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.”Masterpiece … Seamus Dillane and Isis Hainsworth in Carrie Cracknell’s revival of Arcadia. Photograph: Manuel HarlanSonia Friedman, the producer of Arcadia (which has transferred from the Old Vic), 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 died just before rehearsals began for Arcadia at the Old Vic. “His work ethic remained resolutely undimmed – engaging in each casting decision and wanting to discuss his beautiful, complex and multilayered play,” wrote Cracknell at the time. “His loss will be felt keenly by the whole company.” The production was nominated for best revival at the Olivier awards as well as best actress in a supporting role for Isis Hainsworth. She is reprising her role as teenage prodigy Thomasina Coverly in the West End transfer of the play, which is being staged in-the-round and hops between two different centuries to explore matters of the universe and the heart.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 near neighbours include the Noël Coward theatre and the Coliseum.Last month it was announced that London’s Shaftesbury theatre will be renamed the Judi Dench theatre from February, an honour that Dench described as “truly overwhelming”.