The theatre in St Martin’s Lane [No Swan So Fine_CC BY-SA 4.0]

THE historic West End theatre known as the Duke of York’s is ditching its moniker – and re-opening as the Tom Stoppard Theatre.

Playwright Stoppard, who died last year aged 88, enjoyed a string of hits – and two of his biggest successes were staged at the theatre in St Martin’s Lane.

It originally opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square theatre, but was renamed in honour of King George V, who had previously been the Duke of York.

The title has in recent years been considered as something of a black mark against the monarchy, as it was conferred by the late Queen Elizabeth II on her disgraced son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who stands accused of sex offences and links to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The theatre is currently hosting Stoppard’s 1993 play Arcadia, which was also staged in 2009.

Sabrina Stoppard, Tom’s widow, said: “Tom was in his element whenever he had a play in the West End, so I am thrilled to bits that this theatre will be named after him.

“It means that his memory will live on, not just through his plays, but also through this building.”

Melanie Smith, CEO of ATG Entertainment, the firm that runs the theatre, added: “We believe today’s announcement recognises the significant impact Sir Tom Stoppard made to theatre.”