Yoo Capital, the real estate investment firm known for transformational mixed-use developments, announces its bold new vision to revive and restore The Saville Theatre (‘the Saville’), 135 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8AH.

The iconic entertainment venue has contributed significantly to London’s “West End” culture for nearly a century. Since 1930, the 110,000 sq. ft, Grade II listed “the Saville” was home to live performances and known for hosting the likes of the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, The Who and Jimi Hendrix, before being converted to a four screen cinema in its later years. Yoo Capital acquired the site in October 2021 with a view to revive the venue and restore its place as one of Shaftesbury Avenue’s most thriving entertainment venues.

Yoo Capital is in discussions with a number of esteemed project partners to inspire and bring to life its vision for the development. In an exciting collaboration, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, the leader in live entertainment, confirms it is exploring the venue as its first permanent home in the UK, to bring a first of its kind artistic experience to London and the UK.

“We are thrilled at the idea of joining forces with Yoo Capital and the Camden community in rethinking the future of The Saville Theatre,” said Eric Grilly, President, Resident and Affiliate Show Divisions at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. ”We see a unique opportunity to bring back live entertainment to a beloved venue with fresh content and new ideas.”

Local Camden and renowned architects, SPPARC, is leading the proposed masterplan designs to accommodate Cirque du Soleil’s intended needs as well as the wider conversion plans that will look to incorporate a boutique hotel by affordable luxury lifestyle and hotel brand citizenM and a comprehensive F&B offering provided by Incipio Group, who specialise in curating beautiful spaces with vibrant atmospheres for great times.

This week, extensive consultation and engagement discussions have commenced with local groups to broaden connections between future partners, the building and the surrounding community. Yoo Capital has a strong track record in delivering complex developments in London, and its deep experience of engagement with local community stakeholders, including local authorities and residents’ groups, will ensure benefits and opportunities with future theatre operators and partners will be secured for locals to 135 Shaftesbury Avenue.

Lloyd Lee, Managing Partner, Yoo Capital, said:

“The Saville Theatre is part of the historical entertainment fabric of London’s world-famous West End. From its origins as a live performance venue that saw everything from plays, musicals and live concerts by The Bee Gees, Elton John, and the Beatles, to its closure in 1970 and conversion to a cinema, the Saville remains an iconic venue in the heart of London. Yoo Capital is thrilled to have the opportunity to restore the theatre’s original purpose as a live performance space, in partnership with the world’s most reputable live performers, Cirque du Soleil, who have chosen to explore the potential for the Saville to be their first ever permanent experience in London. We are also delighted to be in partnership discussions with world class operators citizenM and Incipio Group.

“We are committed to contributing this beautiful building back into the wonderful tapestry of live performance around the West End by revitalising its theatrical and hospitality history in a modern way. It has been relatively forgotten and underinvested in comparison to its sibling theatres and the buildings along Shaftesbury Avenue. Our plans will look to optimise benefits to the local community and the West End theatrical, live entertainment and hospitality industry.”

Trevor Morriss, Principal Architect at SPPARC, said: “Working with Yoo Capital to resurrect the iconic Saville Theatre is one of the most rewarding reimagining projects we’ve committed to. The Saville has been at the heart of entertainments cultural change since its 1930’s origins as a traditional West End theatre through into the 1960s Brian Epstein era.

Having not operated as a theatre for over 50 years, SPPARC is privileged to design a theatre space that will rekindle the free-spirited creativity that made it a special venue for a great many globally celebrated performers.”

Klaas van Lookeren Campagne, CEO at citizenM Hotels, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this new development at 135 Shaftesbury Avenue as we enter into Soho, an iconic and vibrant spot in the heart of London. This historic project is an icon within its community, and as a hotel brand which prides itself on welcoming guests who are culture-curious and conscious of the communities they are visiting, we understand the importance of being good neighbours.

We strive to foster a sense of community throughout the development process and into our operations, by featuring local artists in our spaces, supporting community initiatives, and heroing locals in our campaigns and through art displays on our buildings. We’re looking forward to bringing our affordable luxury concept to our new neighbours in Soho.”

Following public consultation, Yoo Capital will look to submit planning permission when all elements have been considered and finalised.