The Harold Pinter Theatre, formerly known as the Comedy Theatre, opened its doors on 15 October 1881 as the Royal Comedy Theatre.Designed by Thomas Verity in just six months, its horseshoe-shaped balconies and Renaissance-style interiors have witnessed the evolution of theatrical art for over a century.
During the First World War, the theatre solidified its reputation under the aegis of C.B. Cochran and André Charlot, who presented their iconic revue shows. The theatre’s eclectic mix of productions has included everything from musical comedies to experimental theatre. Notable hits have been Paul Scofield's stirring performance in Savages (1973) and the West End debut of The Rocky Horror Show in 1979, which undoubtedly rocked the house.
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads featuring Patricia Routledge, and Stockard Channing in Six Degrees of Separation—a play that snagged the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Play—are just a few highlights. The theatre also pays homage to its namesake, Harold Pinter, whose plays The Homecoming, No Man’s Land, Moonlight, and The Hothouse have graced its stage. The 2011 renaming of the theatre celebrated Pinter's indelible mark on the venue, especially with the acclaimed Pinter at the Pinter season directed by Jamie Lloyd.
But it’s not all high-brow drama. The Harold Pinter Theatre has a bar area, perfect for a pre-show tipple, and it proudly boasts accessible seating options. The theatre has survived wars, fires, and even government censorship, playing a crucial role in the formation of the New Watergate Club in 1956, which defied the restrictive Lord Chamberlain’s Office.
Details
- Address:
- 6 Panton Street
- SW1Y 4DN
- Transport:
- Railway station: Charing Cross Bus numbers: (Haymarket) 3, 6, 12, 13, 19, 23, 38, 88, 139; (Piccadilly Circus) 14, 22, 94