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Is there a theatre on board?

Yes, there’s a Royal Court Theatre on board each of our ships.

Queen Anne - The theatre is located forward on decks 2 and 3 with a capacity of 722. 

Queen Victoria – The theatre is located forward on decks 1, 2 and 3 with a capacity of 865. 

Queen Elizabeth – The theatre is located forward on decks 1, 2 and 3 with a capacity of 861 (751 seated and eight wheelchair spaces)

Queen Mary 2 – The theatre is located forward on decks 2 and 3 with a capacity of 1094 seats. 

 

For information about accessibility / wheelchair spaces, please click here.

Performances

  • During a typical 14 night voyage, guests will have the opportunity to see up to six Cabaret performers and up to five Production Shows*. All shows are played twice on the same evening, usually at 20:00 and 22:00, once for the first dinner sitting and once for the second dinner sitting.
    *Please note, not all shows will be performed on all voyages.
  • Full details of the acts, shows and performances will be made available once on board via the Daily Programme.
  • If guests are travelling on a back to back voyage i.e: Southampton to New York and then New York to Southampton, the productions and Guest Speakers are alternated so guests should have the option to see different productions on each voyage.
  • There is no set opening time for the theatre, it will open for individual events which can vary day to day. Please see the Daily Programme, for entertainment events and times. 
  • Children under the age of thirteen must be accompanied by a parent/carer in the theatre during show times. Unescorted children will not be permitted to enter the theatre.
  • Please also see What entertainment and activities are available on board? for more details on the type of activities you will find on board. 

Introducing Cunard Showcases

With unexpected theatre like nothing else at sea, guests can find themselves transported into another world again and again, with Cunard Showcases…

Taking place in the Royal Court Theatre and around Cunard's ships, we call it "Cunard Showcases" because that’s exactly what it is: a celebration of live performance, showcased through extraordinary experiences. We like to immerse guests in the action, with our ships setting the stage for some of the most unique productions at sea. On selected voyages, guests can find performances of a more intimate nature, delivered in places they probably wouldn’t expect. 

 

Private Boxes - Production Show evenings

Guests on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth can experience private boxes.

Celebrate special evenings in the Royal Court Theatre with our Theatre Box programme. Guests will be offered finger desserts and champagne cocktails in a private lounge area. At performance time, guests will be guided to their private box, where bar staff will serve chocolates and cocktails. Guests can make a reservation via the Purser's Office. Please note reservations close at 15:00 on the day of the performance. A charge of US$55 + 15% Service Charge per couple applies, which will be added to guest's on board account. 

Private Boxes further information:

  • If the theatre is showing a comedian, film or other such entertainment the boxes are complimentary and available on a "first come first served" basis.
  • It's not possible to reserve a box or any seat in the theatre prior to embarkation.
  • Please note that Queen Mary 2 does not have any Royal Boxes.
  • There are steps that lead down into each box, however there are two boxes which are wheelchair accessible. A guest may join, however please note that space is restricted to one wheelchair and this may lead to guests feeling a little cramped.

Production Shows:

Queen Elizabeth
  • The Great British Songbook - The combined musicians across the ship join together in an 18 piece orchestra, alongside our four lead singers, in a spectacular evening which features the music of Queen, Elton John, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Dusty Springfield, the Beatles and many more.
  • Hollywood Nights - Experience a roller coaster ride through the history of the silver screen. See the movie icons of yesteryear get ready for their big moment, then journey through time before clicking your heels and arriving in the 21st century. Prepare to be astounded by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show. Your Hollywood Night could be tonight.
  • Palladium Nights - This is an homage to the iconic and much-loved British TV show, ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’, showcasing songs from the stars of the 60s and 70s. Starting with Britain’s ‘Mr. Showbiz’ with his signature hat and cane, moving to the romantic ballads of Engelbert Humperdink, "Blue-Eyed Soul" from Dusty Springfield, Eurovision fun from Lulu, classic Tom Jones, the ever popular songs of Cliff Richard and a glamorous finale featuring the songs of Shirley Bassey tied up with a James Bond theme.
  • The Outsider - Personne was once bustling, joyful and vibrant, but now the whole town has lost its spark. Even childhood sweethearts Constance and Hubert haven't spoken to each other for several years. Can the arrival of a mysterious Outsider breathe joy and passion back into their hearts? A story of love, life and lavender; told to the tune of vibrant gypsy jazz.
Queen Victoria
  • Thank You For The Movies - The ship's four lead singers join with an 18 piece orchestra comprised of musicians for a very special evening celebrating music from some of the most successful movies of all time.
  • Land of Make Believe -  A young designer finds her life changes forever one day through her uncle's intervention which leads her to discovering something about herself. Directed and choreographed by Olivier-award winner and Strictly choreographer, Bill Deamer.
  • One Way or Another - Journey around the world at the speed of light in this tour-de-force of song and dance. Fly across the Atlantic to New Orleans and Miami before diverting to “steamy” Argentina. Experience the romance of Paris and the elegance of Vienna before arriving back in London. This is a night to remember… jaw-dropping, eye-popping, show-stopping and amazing.
  • Hollywood Rocks - Experience a roller coaster ride through the history of the silver screen. Meet the stars of the silent movies, then journey through the entire history of the cinema before clicking your heels and arriving in the 21st century. From here to eternity prepare to be astonished by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show.
Queen Mary 2
  • Apassionata – An extravaganza of exciting styles of dance from around the world. From Fred & Ginger’s Quickstep to the upbeat Jumpin’ Jive, this show features some of the most incredible dances ever seen at sea.
  • Broadway Rocks – Join a turbo-charged cab ride through the streets of New York City’s world famous theatre district. Take in the classics – West Side Story and South Pacific before journeying on to enjoy all the blockbuster Broadway hits of the 21st century. Prepare to be astounded by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show. Broadway Rocks – so be there! Oh… and don’t forget your Hairspray.
  • Symphony – The Royal Court Theatre Company vocalists and Musicians of Queen Mary 2 take you on a whistlestop tour of the most iconic music venues in London. From the Royal Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall, from Ronnie Scott’s to Abbey Road, Symphony is a music experience not to be missed.
  • Rhythm of the Night – Go on a magical journey through the sights and sounds of Latin America. From the passion of the tango and the mighty beats of the samba to the hypnotic glamour of the salsa and the heat of the Paso doble. May your hearts beat in time with the "Rhythm of the Night" tiempo de fiesta.
Queen Anne
  • Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) – Direct from the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this is a riotously funny, unique and audacious retelling of Austen’s most iconic love story, produced by acclaimed theatre producer David Pugh. This show contains strong language and suggestive dialogue.
  • Brief Encounter – Watch Emma Rice’s uniquely adapted production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, produced by David Pugh. One of the most haunting love stories ever created, Brief Encounter has received critical acclaim throughout the UK and around the world. This unique theatrical experience has left both audiences and critics overwhelmed by emotion, laughter, and tears.
  • Let’s Dance – From the elegance of ballroom to the exuberance of hip-hop, this show has it all! Let’s Dance combines classic and modern dance styles in a contemporary and entertaining way to give you a high-tempo show that will have you up on your feet.
  • Imagination – Step into mesmerising worlds beyond your imagination. This futuristic show combines clever contemporary dance styles with state-of-the-art technology to leave you wondering what’s real and what’s virtual? 

The RCT cast also has a show in the Queens Room:

  • Sounds of London – London's music scene comes to life in the Queens Room as the Royal Court Theatre cast celebrate the sounds of the city.

*Prices subject to change and inclusive of service charge.

An exclusive collaboration with David Pugh

Acclaimed theatre producer David Pugh has brought award-winning shows to Queen Anne. David is one of the most successful theatre producers on both sides of the Atlantic, winning every major theatre award across the globe. The renowned West End and Broadway producer worked with Cunard to launch two iconic stage shows during Queen Anne’s maiden season. Neither production has ever graced an ocean stage. The collaboration kicked off with a uniquely adapted production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, directed by Emma Rice, which debuted on Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in the Royal Court Theatre. Meanwhile, Isobel McArthur’s Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) was debuted on the British Isles Festival Voyage the night after Queen Anne was named.

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