Photo Flash: Cameron Mackintosh and More at Opening Night of St. James Theatre!

St. James Theatre, the first newly-built theatre complex in central London in 30 years, officially opened to the public on September 13, 2012, rising from the site of the former Westminster Theatre at 12 Palace Street in the heart of Victoria. Check out photos from the Opening Night Gala below!

Guests at the Gala included Evgeny Lebedev, who officially opened the theatre, as well as Glynis Barber, Isla Blair, Peter Bowles, Gurinder Chadha, Wendy Craig, Nancy Dell’Olio, Lord Julian Fellowes, Geraldine James, Howard Goodall, Nicolas Kent, Belinda Lang, Cameron Mackintosh, Sarah Miles, Esther Rantzen, Stephen Poliakoff, Griff Rhys Jones, Cleo Rocos, Max Stafford Clark.

Entirely funded by private investment, and designed and built to the highest standards, St. James Theatre is one of the most luxurious venues in which to enjoy ambitious, quality theatre programming. The space includes a 312 seat theatre, a studio space, brasserie and bar.

Beginning during the week of 08 October 2012, the studio space will present Comedy at St. James Studio every Thursday night, Jazz and Roots Fridays every Friday night and Cabaret at St. James Studio every Saturday night. On Sunday nights the studio will play host to a range of shows from comedy to cabaret and music to magic.

St. James Theatre is a vibrant addition to the London cultural scene offering an unusual location for conferences and special events, with the bar and brasserie open for all-day dining. Additionally, the theatre has been fitted with state-of-the-art multi-media broadcast facilities which will be used to broadcast performances on the venues own BSkyB satellite TV channel.

Foster Wilson Architects have designed the theatre and accompanying public spaces. Artist and designer Mark Humphrey was commissioned to design a remarkable staircase installation which forms a focal point in the public areas.

The venue's management team includes Robert Mackintosh as joint CEO and Creative Director, David Gilmore as Artistic Director, Guy Kitchenn as Executive Theatre Director, James Albrecht as Associate Artistic Director and Lady Lucy French as Director of Development.

For more information visit www.stjamestheatre.co.uk

Tickets for all productions in the season are now on sale. Shows in the new season are BULLY BOY which runs from September 18 through October 27, 2012. Press night is September 19th. Monday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm; Thursday & Saturday at 3:00pm. Ticket costs are from £20 to £30. DADDY LONG LEGS which runs from October 31 – December 8, 2012. Press night is November 7th. Monday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm; Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm. Ticket costs are from £30 to £45. CINDERELLA which runs from December 12, 2012 – January 26, 2013. Press night is on December 18th. Monday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. Matinee performances are at 2.30pm and schools performances are at 10.30am. See website for details. Ticket costs range from £15 to £35. OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD which runs from January 30 – March 9, 2013. Press night is on February 4th. Monday through Saturday are at 7.30pm; Thursday & Saturday performances are at 2:30pm. Preview tickets range from £25 to 35. All other performances from £35 to£42.50.

St James Theatre is located at 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA The Box Office may be reached at 0844 264 2140. To follow the theatre visit www.stjamestheatre.co.uk, their Facebook, and Twitter.

NB. No additional fees are charged when booking tickets at the St. James Theatre box office or online at www.stjamestheatre.com, only £1 postage per order.

Photo Credit: DeeJ.