British Theatre

Venue

Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5DE

Playhouse Theatre

4.6 · 4.6k Google reviews Box office closed · opens 6pm

The Playhouse Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster, in Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square, central London. The theatre was built by F.

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Photos via Google. Attributions: Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre, Alex Foster

Current attached shows

1

Google rating

4.6 ★ (4.6k)

Venue info

Het Playhouse Theatre is een bekende theaterlocatie in Londen die wordt belicht op British Theatre. Ontdek de nieuwste voorstellingen, praktische informatie over het theater en handige tips voor het boeken van tickets voorafgaand aan uw bezoek. Het Playhouse Theatre opende voor het eerst zijn deuren op 11 maart 1882 als het Royal Avenue Theatre, met een openingsproductie van Madame Favart. In de beginjaren lag de focus voornamelijk op komische opera's, burlesques en kluchten. Dat veranderde in 1894, toen George Bernard Shaw hier zijn West End-debuut maakte met 'Arms and the Man'. Het grote succes van dit stuk stelde hem in staat om zich volledig op zijn schrijfcarrière te storten. In 1905 startte een grootschalige verbouwing, maar het project liep flinke vertraging op door een tragisch incident: het dak en de steunbalken van het aangrenzende station Charing Cross stortten door de muur naar binnen, waarbij drie arbeiders om het leven kwamen. Na herstelwerkzaamheden werd het theater op 28 januari 1907 heropend onder de huidige naam, The Playhouse. Vanaf dat moment stonden er regelmatig serieuze toneelstukken op het programma, waaronder 'Libel!' in 1934, waarin de legendarische Alec Guinness zijn podiumdebuut maakte. Tussen 1951 en 1976 deed het gebouw dienst als live-opnamestudio voor de BBC. Iconische Britse programma’s zoals 'Steptoe and Son', 'Hancock’s Half Hour' en 'The Goon Show' werden hier opgenomen. Ondanks dreigingen van sloop werd het theater volledig gerestaureerd en in 1987 opnieuw in gebruik genomen. Hoewel er werd geopend met de musical 'Girlfriends', stond de jaren '90 vooral in het teken van drama, met producties als 'The Rose Tattoo', 'Tartuffe', 'Jane Eyre', 'A Doll’s House' en de West End-première van 'The Wood Demon'. Nadat het theater sinds de heropening vijfmaal van eigenaar was gewisseld, werd het in 2002 gekocht door Maidstone Productions, terwijl de Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) de dagelijkse exploitatie op zich nam. The End Of Longing (2 februari - 14 mei 2016)Lord Of The Dance - Dangerous Games (10 oktober 2015 - 24 januari 2016)The Rocky Horror Show (11 - 16 september 2016)Women On the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (12 januari - 23 mei 2015)1984 (28 april - 23 augustus 2014)Monty Python's Spamalot (14 november 2012 - 2014)Dreamboats and Petticoats (6 januari 2010 - 4 augustus 2012)La Cage aux Folles (20 oktober 2008 – 2 januari 2010)The Harder They Come (23 maart – 13 september 2008)Ring Round the Moon (19 februari – 29 maart 2008)Kuifje: De avonturen van Tintin (9 december 2007 – 12 januari 2008)Footloose – The Musical (17 augustus - 6 december 2007) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139 Nabijgelegen parkeergarages zijn onder andere NCP Bedfordbury en Masterpark Spring Gardens. Daarnaast kunt u terecht bij Q-Park locaties in Trafalgar Square en Chinatown. ROLSTOELTOEGANKELIJKHEID:Plaatsen voor rolstoelgebruikers en transfers zijn mogelijk.Zijn er aangepaste toiletten?Er is een invalidentoilet aanwezig in de foyer.HULPMIDDELEN BIJ VOORSTELLINGEN:Zijn er voorzieningen voor slechthorenden?Er is een infraroodsysteem in de hele zaal, waarbij zowel ringleiding- als conventionele headsets beschikbaar zijn.Zijn blindengeleidehonden en/of hulphonden toegestaan?Hulphonden zijn toegestaan in de zaal. Er is personeel aanwezig voor hondenoppas. Neem rechtstreeks contact op met het theater voor meer informatie. Welkom bij de Kit Kat Club. Het Playhouse Theatre is omgetoverd tot een decadente nachtclub in het Berlijn van de jaren 30 voor deze recordbrekende revival, winnaar van maar liefst zeven Olivier Awards. In een tijd waarin de wereld voorgoed verandert, is er één plek waar iedereen zichzelf kan zijn. Met iconische songs als 'Willkommen', 'Maybe This Time', 'Money' en natuurlijk het onvergetelijke 'Cabaret'. Hier is het leven mooi. Wees er als eerste bij voor de beste tickets, exclusieve aanbiedingen en het laatste nieuws uit West End. U kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden. Privacybeleid

History

The Royal Avenue Theatre (as the Playhouse was originally known) opened on 11 March 1882, beginning with a production of Madame Favart. The theatre would follow the model of staging comic operas, burlesques and farces until 1894, when George Bernard Shaw made his West end debut with Arms and the Man. The success of the play allowed him to pursue writing full-time.

Rebuilding work began on the theatre in 1905, but suffered a setback after the roof and girders from the adjacent Charing Cross station broke through the wall, killing three workmen.

The theatre was finally repaired and reopened in 1907 under the new name The Playhouse on 28 January 1907, and began producing regular dramatic works (including 1934’s Libel!, which marked Alec Guinness’ stage debut).

The theatre was taken over by the BBC in 1951, and used as a live recording studio until 1976. Programmes recorded during this period include Steptoe and Son, Hancock’s Half Hour, and The Goon Show.

Surviving threats of demolition, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1987. Whilst a musical (Girlfriends) was the opening production, the 1990s were dominated by dramatic pieces, including The Rose Tattoo, Tartuffe, Jane Eyre, A Doll’s House, and The Wood Demon (its West End premiere).

After changing hands 5 times since its reopening, the theatre was purchased by Maidstone Productions in 2002, with the Ambassador Theatre Group managing the venue.

Past performances

The End Of Longing (2 February - 14 May 2016)
Lord Of The Dance - Dangerous Games (10 October 2015 - 24 January 2016)
The Rocky Horror Show (11 - 16 September 2016)
Women On the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (12 January - 23 May 2015)
1984 (28 April - 23 August 2014)
Monty Python's Spamalot (14 November 2012 - 2014)
Dreamboats and Petticoats (6 January 2010 - 4 August 2012)
La Cage aux Folles (20 October 2008 – 2 January 2010)
The Harder They Come (23 March – 13 September 2008)
Ring Round the Moon (19 February – 29 March 2008)
The Adventures of Tintin (9 December 2007 – 12 January 2008)
Footloose – The Musical (17 August - 6 December 2007)


Box office hours

Box office closed · opens 6pm

  • Monday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Wednesday: 1:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Saturday: 1:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

These are the box office (ticket desk) hours supplied by Google. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — always check your ticket for the performance start time. You can book online any time through British Theatre.

Transport

Tube

Charing Cross, Embankment

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

3,6,9,12,13,15,23,24,29,53,77a, 88, 91, 139

Parking

NCP Bedfordbury. Masterpark Spring Hadens. Trafalgar, Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

Seating plan

Playhouse Theatre seating plan

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available.Are there adapted toilets?An adapted toilet is available in the foyer.ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Shows currently at this venue

Previous productions

Angry placeholder artwork

Show

Angry

Playhouse Theatre

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Show

Bound

Playhouse Theatre

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Show

Kes

Playhouse Theatre

Swive placeholder artwork

Show

Swive

Playhouse Theatre

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Show

Tube

Playhouse Theatre

What visitors say

5.0 · 2 months ago
Another great show. This is really an all out performance from the moment you enter the club. Performers hang from the stairs, around the bar, amongst the audience. Small round tables, with little table lights hug the stage to higher seats in the round. Great music of course, great cast and some fabulous outfits. You had the feeling of being transported in time … made all the more perfect with a glass of fizz at the interval served in a martini glass. @mimramcam
— Mim Ram Cam
5.0 · 5 months ago
I went in blindly, booking a last minute ticket and only trusting my friend's suggestion to go. The show was incredible, the cast did an amazing job and it's overall so immersive and deeply reflective. Especially with how the world is today, I would absolutely recommend this show! As you enter they tape your camera so there are no pictures, but there are performers at the bar and as you enter, with music playing non-stop and just an incredible atmosphere!
— Master Bate
5.0 · 3 months ago
The most incredible show I have ever seen. I took my Grandfather here as an 80th birthday treat as he has always wanted to see it. We sat in row G of the stalls and had a little shelf for our drinks and plenty of leg room. All staff were friendly and helpful and the performance itself was mesmerising. Drinks and snacks standard prices for London theatres, toilets nice and clean. Super easy to get to this venue as just a two minute walk from Embankment station. Once inside the theatre, staff place stickers over the cameras of everyone's phones so that no pics can be taken at all once inside the theatre. It was so nice to see people absorbed in a show without taking photos and videos all the time - myself included! The Kit Kat Club vibe is instant from the second you enter - a free shot on arrival, dark and atmospheric, dances and performers all around. Electric!
— Holly Wadsworth-Hill (Picture-This Books)
5.0 · 2 months ago
Absolutely fabulous experience! A wonderful performance with genuinely kind and welcoming staff. I’m already looking forward to returning. The entire experience was beautifully planned and seamless from arrival to the final moments of the show. The immersive atmosphere was outstanding, and I couldn’t have been happier with the experiance! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a stunning musical show while in London! The theatre’s location is also fantastic, right by the river and next to Embankment station, making it both scenic and convenient.
— Charlotte

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: Caroline Or Change, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

21 December 2018

View listing

REVIEW: Glengarry Glen Ross, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

31 January 2018

View listing

REVIEW: An Inspector Calls, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

12 November 2016

View listing

REVIEW: The End Of Longing, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭

12 February 2016

View listing

REVIEW: 1984, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭✭

23 June 2015

View listing

Nearby venues

Frequently asked questions

What's on at Playhouse Theatre?

The current production at Playhouse Theatre is Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to Playhouse Theatre?

The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, Embankment.

Where is Playhouse Theatre?

Playhouse Theatre is located at Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5DE.

What are the box office hours at Playhouse Theatre?

The Playhouse Theatre box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM; Wednesday: 1:00 – 7:45 PM; Thursday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM; Friday: 6:00 – 7:45 PM; Saturday: 1:00 – 7:45 PM; Sunday: Closed. Right now the box office is closed · opens 6pm. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is Playhouse Theatre accessible?

Playhouse Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

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