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The Arts Theatre opened its doors on 20 April 1927, offering something delightfully different from the usual West End fare. Originally a members-only club (to dodge the Lord Chamberlain's censorship), it quickly became a hub for experimental and avant-garde productions, joining the ranks of theatres like Hampstead Everyman and the Gate. Fast forward a few decades, and this cozy spot is now the West End’s smallest commercial theatre, still championing quirky, daring performances. If you're after an intimate show that breaks the mold, the Arts Theatre is your go-to. Arts Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

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About Arts Theatre London

  • The Arts Theatre has a seating capacity of 353 people.
  • Seats are spread across two levels – Stalls, and Circles.

​Arts Theatre seating plan >

seatmap

The Arts Theatre opened in 1927, with the idea of giving experimental plays a platform to showcase themselves. The plays were mostly unlicensed, which meant they avoided censorship from the Lord Chamberlain’s office. The Arts Theatre started with a revue by Herbert Farjeon called ‘Picnic’, produced by Harold Scott. It has changed hands many times over the years, including being run by Sir Peter Hall from 1956 to 1959. From 1967 to 1999, the Arts Theatre was home to the Unicorn children’s theatre. The plays for adults would be staged in the evenings. The theatre keeps its name as a place for experimental work to this day.

The theatre, designed by the architect W. Granger Hutt, intended to provide a modern and functional space for both performers and the audience. It is an intimate space, allowing the audience and performers to feel connected, creating a truly immersive experience. The theatre also houses two incredibly functional rehearsal rooms, the Pigeon Loft and Front Room. It also houses 'Above the Arts', a studio room with a capacity of about 60 people.

The Arts Theatre opened to a production of Picnic in 1927,  produced by Harold Scott. Other famous productions include American Idiot, Bonnie and Clyde, Ghost Stories, Wipers Times and more. The more recent production of Choir of Man has taken the theatre world by storm. The theatre's production of Austentatious, modelled after the famous novels by Jane Austen, is also much awaited by the theatrical community.

Know Before You Go

  • Tube: The nearest tube station to Arts Theatre London is Leicester Square.
  • Bus: The closest stop is Charing Cross Road served by bus routes 24, 29, and 176.
  • Train: The closest train station is London Charing Cross.
  • Parking: The nearest Q-Park to the Arts Theatre London is Q-Park Chinatown. You could avail of 50% off on parking by showing your theatre ticket.
  • Recommended Mode of Transport: The tube is the most efficient way to reach the Arts Theatre, which is located just a minute’s walk away from the station.
  • Rehearsal and Studio Rooms: The theatre has 2 rehearsal rooms and a studio room, with a capacity of about 60 people. The rooms are available for hire. 
  • Office Spaces: The Arts Theatre now also has two floors of creative office spaces available for lease. 
  • Washrooms: Washrooms, both gendered and unisex, are available at the venue. 
  • Bar: The Arts Theatre has two on-site bars for refreshments and snacks.
  • Air conditioning: The theatre is air-conditioned and temperature-controlled.
  • Step-free Access: The theatre’s main entrance at Great Newport Street has step-free access. 
  • Adapted Toilet: A unisex access toilet is available on the auditorium floor.
  • Handrails: Handrails are available on all sides of the Circle and stairs leading to the Stalls.
  • Companion Tickets: Customers can purchase companion tickets for free. 
  • Guide Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome in the theatre. They can join their owner in the auditorium, or be under the care of the theatre’s staff for the duration of the performance.
  • Access Performances: Many shows offer audio-described, captioned, relaxed/autism-friendly and BSL-signed performances.
  • Bars: The on-site bars open one hour prior to the start of the performance. 
  • Companion Tickets: Visitors purchasing a complimentary companion ticket will be required to display valid proof.
  • Cloakroom: The theatre does not have a cloakroom so do avoid carrying large bags as you may be denied entry.
  • Food and Beverage Policy: Outside food is not permitted within the theatre.
  • Handrail: The Stalls seats do not have handrails to support visitors who require assistance.
  • Visitors with Special Needs: Visitors who require assistance are suggested to inform the theatre in advance of their needs, including the attendance of an assistance dog.
  • Dress Recommendation: There is no official dress code at the Arts Theatre London. Smart casuals are recommended.
  • Recording Policy: Photography and recording are not allowed in the theatre.
  • The Ivy: An upscale British restaurant with rich art decor on its walls, and known for its pre-theatre menu of classic British cuisine.

  • Directions

    to The Ivy

  • Dishoom: Try this Indian restaurant for delicious authentic cuisine amidst vintage Bombay-themed decor.

  • Directions

    to Dishoom

  • Hawksmoor Seven Dials: This steakhouse is known for its intriguing ambience, and also its dining prowess — serving delicious seafood and curated meats.

  • Directions

    to Hawksmoor Seven Dials

  • Five Guys Covent Garden: Five Guys is the best spot if you’re in the mood for finger food, fries, sodas and hamburgers before or after the performance. 

  • Directions

    to Five Guys Covent Garden

  • Bunsik: If you’d like to end the day with simple dining, head to this snug deli-styled Korean restaurant for hot dogs and street food.

  • Directions

    to Bunsik

Frequently Asked Questions About Arts Theatre London

Arts Theatre is located on Great Newport Street, in Westminster, Central London.