St Pauls Church, Covent Garden
The Actors Church at St Paul's
St Paul's Church is a Church of England parish church, in Covent Garden. It was designed by Inigo Jones as part of a commission for the 4th Earl of Bedford in 1631.
As well as being the parish church of Covent Garden, the church has gained the nickname of "the actors' church" by a long association with the theatre community.
The church holds services every Sunday and most weekdays. They also host as wide variety of theatre memorial services and concerts, totaling almost 300 events last year!
St Paul's History
The connection with the theatre began as early as 1662 with the establishment of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and was further assured in 1723 with the opening of the Covent Garden Theatre - now The Royal Opera House. Those two theatres became the starting place for ‘the west end’ theatre, and both were, and are, in the Parish.
Memorials in the church are dedicated to many famous theatrical personalities, including Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Gracie Fields, Vivien Leigh, Ivor Novello, Richard Beckinsale, Barbara Windsor and Diana Rigg. The ashes of Ellen Terry and Dame Edith Evans rest at St Paul’s.
How to Find Us
There are usually five entrances to the Actors' Church - only one will be open for the performances. This entrance can be found in Covent Garden Piazza, next to King Street. It is a short walk from Covent Garden station.
- Toilets
- Food & Drink
The Great British summertime is famous for its unpredictable weather! In 99% of chances, the performance will continue come rain or shine. In cases of heavy rain, it may be necessary to halt the performance for a short period. In the unlikely circumstance of extreme weather (including extreme heat), the performance may be postponed until a further date.
Do please dress for the weather accordingly! If possible, try to avoid bringing umbrellas as they can block sight-lines for other audience members. Raincoats and ponchos are just as fetching - St Paul's can provide free ponchos for audience members without any suitable cover!
Most performances has unreserved seating, and is on a first come, first served basis. Alternatively, if you would prefer to bring your own chair or picnic blanket, please let the Front Of House staff know, and will do the best to seat you.