The Theater Royal in Drury Lane — one of London’s most historic venues, tracing its origins back to 1663 — is closing this weekend for a $56 million refurbishment, in part to meet a very immediate need: for more women’s toilets (18, in this case).

The nearby Old Vic will start a $4.1 million project this month that includes adding 12 stalls, while the Queen’s, home of “Les Misérables,” will shutter for a renovation this summer that will include 18 more places for women to use the bathroom. Read More