Dress Circle advertises itself as the longest running show business and musical theatre shop in the world. No one in London's theatre community would argue with that statement. Located in the heart of London’s West End on Monmouth Street near Seven Dials, the shop is within a ‘happening’ area of entertainment, shopping and places to eat. The shop was founded over 25 years ago to supply the widest possible selection of musical theatre and cabaret related products from around the world.
In August 2002, the shop was nearly reduced to ashes due to an arson attack and for a few days the shop’s future hung in the balance. Although the arson attack remains unosolved, the London theatre community rallied around to help save the shop. By November of the same year, the shop was rebuilt, repainted, restocked and ready to serve the theatre world and its fans for another 25 years and beyond.
The layout of the store is simple but the inventory is large. The upstairs is mainly CDs, DVDs and souvenir brochures. Remember that Region 2 DVDs in Europe will not play on Region 1 DVD players in America. The lower levels has an inventory of t-shirts, posters, mugs and other collectibles.
Dress Circle will also be happy to ship your purchases back to your home address. Just let the friendly staff know when ready to pay for your purchases. I usually visit this shop to pick up posters for the West End productions I’ll be seeing and maybe in addition find that rare import CD. "Phantom of the Opera" in Italian, anyone?
The shop regularly hosts casts of the productions playing the West End for autographs and special evenings at the theatre for Dress Circle customers. The shop is open Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm. For more information and to shop online visit www.dresscircle.co.uk.
