The Garrick Theatre opened in 1889 and was financed by the playwright W. S. Gilbert, the theatre is named after the celebrated Shakespearean actor David Garrick. Designed by Walter Emden, the construction faced a significant challenge when an underground river was discovered on the site. With the help of consultant C. J. Phipps, this watery obstacle was overcome, and the Garrick Theatre emerged as a triumph of Victorian architecture and ingenuity.
Initially seating 800 patrons across four levels, the Garrick has since scaled down, closing its gallery and refining its space to focus on quality over quantity. Its early days were filled with melodramas, but it quickly pivoted to become a comedic powerhouse. Notably, the farcical "No Sex Please, We’re British" enjoyed a four-year run starting in 1982, only to be surpassed by J. B. Priestley’s "An Inspector Calls," which held court for six years from 1995.
The 21st century brought new life to the Garrick. In 2005, Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer added it to their Nimax Theatres collection, ensuring its continued prominence. The theatre has since hosted a variety of musicals and plays, including "Chicago," "A Little Night Music," and "The Scottsboro Boys." Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 residency brought a year-long season of critically acclaimed productions, cementing the theatre’s reputation for versatility.
Today, the Garrick’s seating is divided into three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle. Each offers unique views, though some seats have slightly obstructed views due to architectural quirks. The theatre continues to delight audiences with a mix of serious dramas, comedies, and musicals. In 2024, highlights include the anticipated "Why Am I So Single" musical and the stage adaptation of "Boys from the Blackstuff."
Details
- Address:
- 2 Charing Cross Road
- WC2H 0HH
- Contact:
- 020 7494 5085
- Transport:
- Tube: Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly) Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo) Embankment (District, Circle) Bus numbers: (Charing Cross Road) 24, 29, 176; (Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139