Being Shakespeare
Harold Pinter Theatre
Venue
Panton St, SW1Y 4DN
The Harold Pinter Theatre, known as the Comedy Theatre until 2011, is a West End theatre, and opened on Panton Street in the City of Westminster, on 15 October 1881, as the Royal Comedy Theatre. It was designed by Thomas Verity and built in just six months in painted (stucco) stone and brick.
Photos via Google. Attributions: The Harold Pinter Theatre, Chris Hudson, Rebecca Mae
Google rating
4.5 ★ (3.9k)
The Harold Pinter Theatre opening on 15 October 1881, under its original name of The Royal Comedy Theatre. It’s early years were host to operatic productions Falka and Erminie, before presenting revue shows throughout World War 1. The formation of The new Watergate Club in 1956 allowed plays previously banned under the Theatres Act 1843 to be performed, which allowed the theatre to host the UK premieres of Tea and Symphony, A View From the Bridge, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The censorship was loosened in the late 50’s and the law was finally revoked in 1968.
This allowed the theatre to produce successful shows such as Savages in 1973 and the West End debut of The Rocky Horror Show in 1979. The theatre’s two biggest successes happened at the end of the 20th Century. A sell out eight-week run of Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs broke box office records, and was quickly followed up in 2000 buy an extremely well received production of The Caretaker starring Michael Gambon.
Recent years have seen productions as diverse as Donkey’s Years (2006), Boeing-Boeing (2007-8, then transferred to Broadway for a Tony-award winning run) , and Sunset Boulevard (2008-9).
On September 7 2011, it was announced that the theatre would be renamed the Harold Pinter Theatre, in tribute to the writer’s influential 50-year career. Pinter plays produced at the theatre have included The Homecoming, The Caretaker, The Collection and the Lover. Pinter himself directed a 2005 production of The Old Masters by Simon Gray. The new name came into effect on October 14.
The Importance Of Being Earnest (2014)
Mojo (26 October 2013 - 2014)
Chimerica (7 August 2013 - 19 October 2013)
Old Times (31 January 2013 - 6 April 2013)
A Chorus of Disapproval (27 September 2012 - 5 January 2013)
South Downs and The Browning Version (24 April - 21 July 2012)
Absent Friends (26 January - 14 April 2012)
Death and the Maiden (24 October 2011 - 21 January 2012)
Betrayal (27 May - 20 August 2011)
The Children's Hour (22 January - 30 April 2011)
Birdsong (28 September 2010 - 15 January 2011)
La Bête (8 July - 4 September 2010)
Prick Up Your Ears (30 September - 6 December 2009)
Too Close to the Sun (24 July - 8 August 2009)
Sunset Boulevard (4 December 2008 - 30 May 2009)
Dickens Unplugged (23 May 2008 - 29 June 2008)
The Lover/The Collection (12 January 2008 - 3 May 2008)
Boeing-Boeing (5 February 2007 - 5 January 2008)
The Rocky Horror Show (18 December 2006 - 29 January 2007)
Donkeys' Years (9 May 2006 - 15 December 2006)
Steptoe and Son in Murder at Oil Drum Lane (22 February 2006 - 15 April 2006)
Box office closed · opens 10am
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.
Tube
Piccadilly, Leicester Square
Train
Charing Cross
Bus
3, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 24, 29, 38, 88, 91, 94, 139, 159, 176, 453
Parking
NCP Denman Street, Trafalgar (Q Park Scheme)
Access entrance and wheelchair spaces available
Are there adapted toilets?
Royal Retiring Room toilet, located 6 steps down from foyer level for patrons who are able to manage some steps. Strada restaurant opposite the front of the theatre on Panton Street offers the use of their accessible toilet. A member of theatre staff would be available to accompany patrons to and from the restaurant.
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 in all parts of the theatre.
Please contact the theatre directly for further information.
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
£25
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
Harold Pinter Theatre
One of londons oldest theatres which was actually the Comedy theatre way back when. Great venue for plays. Attended for High Noon production and what an amazing production. Billy Crudup was amazing as were the rest of the cast. I think besides BC and Rosa Salazar were Brits whose American accents seemed spot on. 👍🏾
I loved the play High Noon. 🤠 The theatre was a lot smaller than expected which I liked. However there was a pole directly in front of me. Thankfully I was a le to move seats since the show wasn't fully booked. I like that the beer is served in a glass. Access to the gents is somewhat awkward.
We just had the privilege of attending a matinee of the Weir, starring Brendan Gleason, it was fantastic. We have been lucky enough to have visited this great theatre many times over the past 20 years or so and had a great experience every time. This lovely theatre has super staff, just a heads up to visitors, the lovely stalls bar is quite tight for space, the staff are really lovely but you need to be ok with lots of folk in a small area. Folks, Do mind yourselves and take care when moving about the stalls areas and walkways as folks can take things at a rush and not always paying a heed to the safety of older folks or those less able. Thanks to lovely staff and all cast and crew for this outstanding show.
I watched High Noon today and absolutely loved it. The play was very engaging, with incredible chemistry between the actors. The story completely pulls you in. Don’t miss the January discounts when buying tickets!
Reviews sourced from Google Maps.
There is no production currently on sale at Harold Pinter Theatre. Check back soon, or browse our full list of West End shows.
The nearest tube station is Piccadilly, Leicester Square.
Harold Pinter Theatre is located at Panton St, SW1Y 4DN.
The Harold Pinter Theatre box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Sunday: Closed. Right now the box office is closed · opens 10am. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.
Harold Pinter Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.