Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
One of the West End’s most historic venues, the Theatre Royal Haymarket is a Grade I-listed gem that has hosted legends since 1821. Known for its opulent interior and classical façade, it brings elegance and intimacy to bold, contemporary theatre. The auditorium’s horseshoe shape ensures excellent sightlines, and recent refurbishments offer enhanced comfort without compromising its vintage charm. From Waiting for Godot to Heathers, this venue balances tradition with innovation — and with Othello storming its stage, you’re in for a truly dramatic night out in one of London’s most iconic spaces. The Theatre Royal Haymarket seating plan can help you find the best seats in the theater.
About Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
- The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse has a seating capacity of around 340 members of audience.
- The seating is intimate and spread over 3 major sections — Pit, Lower Gallery and Upper Gallery.
- Additionally, a small gallery behind the stage is sometimes available for sale while the back two rows of the Upper Gallery have standing spaces.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse seating plan >
In the early 1600s, Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre was constructed and by 1644 it had been demolished. In 1970, Sam Wanamaker, an American director, had the vision to recreate the original Globe, and in 1997 that dream was fulfilled. The current-day Shakespeare’s Globe was his brainchild, and the complex consists of one outdoor and one indoor theatre. The indoor theatre is Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, named after the director. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse was supposed to be a simulacrum of Blackfriars Theatre, which was used by Shakespeare’s company in the 1600s, but exact plans were not available for Blackfriars. The blueprint, therefore, was inspired by 17th-century plans for indoor theatres. In 2012, the Playhouse’s shell started seeing some progress in construction, and it finally opened to the public in 2014.
Shakespeare Globe’s Architecture Research Group worked with architects Allies & Morrison to draw up plans for the Playhouse. The Playhouse is built almost entirely from wood — green oak set within a brick shell. The decorative features in Sam Wanamaker’s Playhouse are based on those in recorded or surviving Jacobean buildings. The famous ceiling mural is based on an early 17th-century painted ceiling at the Cullen House in Scotland. An attic winch facilitates sophisticated flying effects. The inside of the theatre is lit by over a hundred beeswax candles, providing an intimate and dramatic atmosphere. The Sam Wanamaker’s Playhouse may be staged to look like a Jacobean theatre but it has all the 21st-century facilities like accessible seating and washrooms.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse opened to the public in January 2014, with a production of John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi. Other notable productions staged by the theatre include the White Devil in 2017, Deep Night Dark Night in 2019, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet in 2021, and Merchant of Venice in 2022. Othello by Ola Ince is set to be staged in 2024.
Know Before You Go
- Tube: The nearest tube station to Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is London Bridge on the Northern Line, which is a 9-minute walk to the theatre.
- Bus: The closest stop is Blackfriars Bridge, served by lines 45, 63 and 100.
- Train: The closest train station is Blackfriars, a ten-minute walk from the theatre.
- Boat: You can disembark at the Bankside Pier, which is a mere 10 meters from the theatre. The River Bus operates frequently.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking is only available to blue-badge holders. For other visitors, the NCP car park on Thames Exchange is the closest car park available.
- Recommended Mode of Transport: The tube is the easiest mode of public transportation to reach the theatre.
- Washrooms: The Shakespeare Globe complex has gender-neutral washrooms on the premises, next to the shop.
- Baby Changing Facilities: The gender-neutral washroom is also equipped with a baby-changing facility.
- Gift Shop: The venue has a shop selling clothing, stationery, posters, bags and more.
- Thrust Stage: The playhouse has a stage that extends into the audience, enhancing connections between the performers and the visitors.
- Air Conditioning: The theatre is air-conditioned and temperature-controlled.
- Lost and Found: The security team collects all the lost items. You can get in touch with them to retrieve it.
Motor
- Two dedicated disabled parking spaces are available at the theatre on a first come first serve basis.
- Adapted washrooms are available at the theatre.
- Elevators provide access to seats and bars at the theatre.
- Two wheelchair seats are present in the Lower Gallery, along with companion seats.
Auditory
- At the Playhouse, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretations are available for some performances, as well as captioned performances.
- Hearing enhancers are available for guests to pick up at the Desk in the main foyer.
Visual
- Sam Wanamaker Playhouse regularly organises assisted performances, including audio-described performances.
- Touch tours can be organized prior to the performance.
- Large print and braille cast lists are available for guests.
Others
- For sensitive audiences, sensory-adapted performances and relaxed performances are staged at the theatre with toned-down audio and visuals.
- Season: Sam Wanamaker’s main theatrical season runs from October to April, while they do have events running through the summer as well.
- Access: For differently-abled visitors, it is recommended that they inform the venue in advance of their requirements and regarding the accompaniment of a guide dog for a hassle-free experience.
- Dress Recommendation: There is no official dress code at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. However, smart casual attire is recommended.
- Recording Policy: Photography and recording is not allowed in the theatre.
- Baby Carriage: Strollers and prams are not permitted inside during performances, instead baby carriers are recommended.
- Child Tickets: Children aged three and below are permitted to attend a performance without a ticket.
- Guided Tours: In addition to performances at the theatre, guided tours of the venue are available as well.
- Educational Projects: The Playhouse is the venue for numerous school workshops, community projects, university courses and other public events.
Swan Bar and Restaurant: Located right next to Shakespeare’s Globe, with views of St Paul’s across the river, this restaurant is known for its British cuisine. The restaurant is open for afternoon tea and all-day drinks and has elegant indoor and outdoor seating options.
- Directions
The Real Greek Bankside: This Greek restaurant serves classic Ouzo and Gyros, a local Greek favourite. The authentic cuisine is complemented by magnificent views of the Thames river, culminating in a great dining experience.
- Directions
Zizzi - Bankside: An Italian restaurant with a menu of pastas, calzone, pizzas and risottos. Zizzi is part of a UK chain of restaurants and has secured a stunning riverside location, providing its customers with outstanding service and views.
- Directions
Anchor: This outdoor and indoor bar provides just what you need for a weekend of relaxation. Enjoy the real ale, experiment with the fun drinks and the extensive beer menu, and munch on delectable bar snacks.
- Directions
to Anchor
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is located on the banks of River Thames in London, in the Shakespeare's Globe complex.
.Sam Wanamaker Playhouse London is easily accessible by all forms of public transport, the easiest being the tube, as the station is quite close to the venue.
The theatre is primarily dedicated to staging performances based on Shakespeare’s plays, however, lately the venue also stages musicals and other acts. Some notable productions are the White Devil, Deep Night Dark Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet, among others.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse has a seating capacity of around 340 across 3 sections — Pit, Lower Gallery and Upper Gallery. A small gallery behind the stage is sometimes available.
Yes, the theatre has made its performances accessible to those with motor, audio, visual and other stimulatory challenges. It offers facilities like access performances, elevators, wheelchair seats and more to patrons.
The price of the tickets depends on the show that you choose to watch and the timing of the same at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
You can book your tickets to shows playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse online at London Theatre Tickets. You will get the best deals and discounts and all the information you need at your fingertips.
There are many spots the eat near the Playhouse. Some of them include the Swan, Zizi and Anchor Bankside.
There are quite a few attractions near the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse that you can explore before you go for a show. Pay a visit to the Tate Modern Museum which is one of London’s most famous art galleries, which happens to be a stone’s throw from Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Millenium Bridge is another landmark that you could visit, close to the Playhouse.
