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Venue

Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Barbican Theatre, London

4.6 · 4.6k Google reviews Box office closed · opens 8am

Barbican Theatre ligger i hjärtat av Barbican Centre på Silk Street i Londons finansdistrikt, ett av Europas mest ambitiösa kulturkomplex. Ett resmål för äventyrliga teaterlskare, här presenteras allt från storskalig drama och dans till opera och gästspel av internationella sällskap. Med imponerande siktlinjer, djärv programsättning och en verkligt unik atmosfär belönar Barbican Theatre publik som söker något bortom den konventionella West End-upplevelsen.

Book High Society at the Barbican Theatre 020 7870 2500 Open in Google Maps

Photos via Google. Attributions: Tomaso Mainardi, Liga Letina, Christopher Sharp, Julian Valdez

Current attached shows

2

Google rating

4.6 ★ (4.6k)

Venue info

Barbican Theatre ligger i hjärtat av Barbican Centre på Silk Street i Londons finansdistrikt, ett av Europas mest ambitiösa kulturkomplex. Ett resmål för äventyrliga teaterlskare, här presenteras allt från storskalig drama och dans till opera och gästspel av internationella sällskap. Med imponerande siktlinjer, djärv programsättning och en verkligt unik atmosfär belönar Barbican Theatre publik som söker något bortom den konventionella West End-upplevelsen.

History

The Barbican Centre, including its main theatre, opened in the early 1980s as part of a major post-war regeneration project in the City of London. The site had been devastated by bombing during the Second World War, and the resulting Barbican estate became one of the most celebrated examples of Brutalist architecture in Britain. The arts centre was conceived as a cultural anchor for the new residential and commercial development surrounding it.

From its earliest years, the Barbican Theatre became closely associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, which used it as its London home for a significant period, staging landmark productions that drew critical acclaim and introduced many audiences to the work of major classical and contemporary dramatists. This relationship helped establish the venue as one of the most important theatrical addresses in the country.

Over the decades the Barbican has continued to evolve, broadening its programming to embrace international theatre, dance, and performance art alongside more traditional drama. The building has undergone various improvements to its facilities and public spaces, while retaining the distinctive character of its original design. Today it remains a cornerstone of London cultural life and a venue of genuine international standing.

Box office hours

Box office closed · opens 8am

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

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.

Transport

Tube

Barbican, Moorgate

Train

Farringdon

Seating plan and where to sit

Barbican Theatre, London seating plan

Accessibility

Available at this venue:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Accessibility information supplied by Google Maps. Please contact the venue directly to confirm details for your visit.

Shows currently at this venue

Full what's-on listing for Barbican Theatre, London

Previous productions

What visitors say

5.0 · 2 months ago
The Barbican Centre a personal view! I would like to share my personal experience at the Barbican Centre. I live in London, and my closest multicultural arts centre is Southbank, so, to be quite honest, I tend to go there more often. However, recently I have been visiting the Barbican Centre more frequently, in various ways, from visiting the conservatory, to attending concerts with my family, and taking part in guided tours through the Barbican Estate. We have experienced many different activities there. I was curious to know more about this interesting place in London because, quite honestly, I am not very fond of Brutalist architecture. I don’t naturally connect with its harsh lines and concrete buildings. Nevertheless, I was really interested in learning more about it. I must say that the guided tour is exceptional, very enlightening indeed. The centre offers an incredible variety of activities. We particularly enjoyed the concerts. I love the Conservatory, although I feel it really needs some attention, and as the guide mentioned, it will soon close for refurbishment, which I personally think is very much needed. It is a beautiful place, but it has the potential to be even better. Overall, our experience at the Barbican Centre has been outstanding. Thank you for giving us the chance to experience so much joy and culture. The Baker Family
— Paola De Paola Photography
5.0 · 4 months ago
What can I say! This brutalist masterpiece is pretty much my favourite place in London. So much to see. Great arts centre I love the art gallery and the library and the conservatory is well worth a visit but be sure to check out the opening times. Great place for a photo safari too!
— Paul Norman
5.0 · 5 months ago
The Barbican is a sprawling residential and commercial district built in a grand brutalist style, both imposing and strangely beautiful. Recognized by Queen Elizabeth II as a unique and important development, it’s truly surreal to walk around and explore its maze-like walkways and concrete grandeur. I admit, I visited while tracking down filming locations from the Star Wars series Andor (and it’s also home to the London Symphony Orchestra, known for performing the Star Wars soundtracks!). The history and design of development itself are fascinating. Highly recommended for fans of architecture, urban planning, and Star Wars alike!
— M
5.0 · 4 months ago
World famous centre for the performing arts in the heart of London. Despite the scale of the Barbican Centre it maintains an air of casual and informal acceptance of all who take the time to visit and share in the joy of the performances on offer. The staff are as passionate as the visiting fans and are part of the overall experience.
— Phil Scarr

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: A Strange Loop, Barbican Theatre ✭✭✭✭

1 July 2023

View listing

REVIEW: Anything Goes, Barbican Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

4 August 2021

View listing

REVIEW: Grief Is The Thing With Feathers, Barbican Theatre ✭✭✭

29 March 2019

View listing

REVIEW: Hamlet, Barbican Theatre ✭✭

25 August 2015

View listing

REVIEW: To Kill A Mockingbird, Barbican Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

2 July 2015

View listing

Nearby venues

0m away

Barbican Centre London

View venue →

0m away

The Barbican

View venue →

1.1km away

London Theatre Workshop

View venue →

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Barbican Theatre located?

<p>The Barbican Theatre is located at Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS, within the Barbican Centre in the City of London. The nearest Underground stations are Barbican and Moorgate, both within a short walk of the venue.</p>

What kind of productions does the Barbican Theatre stage?

<p>The Barbican Theatre is known for ambitious, often large-scale productions spanning classical drama, contemporary theatre, dance, opera, and visiting international companies. It has a long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company and continues to attract prestigious productions from around the world.</p>

What is the atmosphere like at the Barbican Theatre?

<p>The theatre has a distinctive character shaped by its Brutalist surroundings and its reputation for serious, adventurous programming. The auditorium is spacious yet intimate in feel, with steeply raked seating that brings audiences close to the stage. Many visitors make an evening of it by exploring the bars, terraces, and public spaces of the wider Barbican Centre before the show.</p>

Is the Barbican Theatre suitable for first-time visitors to London theatre?

<p>Absolutely. While the Barbican is celebrated for challenging and international work, it programmes a wide range of productions suitable for audiences of varying experience. Its exceptional facilities, accessible location, and welcoming public spaces make it a great choice for anyone visiting London theatre for the first time.</p>

How do I get to the Barbican Theatre by public transport?

<p>The Barbican Theatre is very well connected. Barbican Underground station on the Circle, Hammersmith and City, and Metropolitan lines is the closest stop, just a few minutes on foot. Moorgate station also provides easy access and is served by several Underground lines as well as the London Overground and National Rail services. Farringdon station, served by the Elizabeth line among others, is also within comfortable walking distance.</p>

Where can I buy tickets for the Barbican Theatre?

<p>Tickets for productions at the Barbican Theatre are available through tickadoo, where you can browse upcoming shows and secure your seats online. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for high-profile productions which tend to sell out quickly.</p>

What's on at Barbican Theatre, London?

The current production at Barbican Theatre, London is High Society at the Barbican Theatre. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to Barbican Theatre, London?

The nearest tube station is Barbican, Moorgate.

Where is Barbican Theatre, London?

Barbican Theatre, London is located at Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS.

How can I contact Barbican Theatre, London?

You can call Barbican Theatre, London on 020 7870 2500. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

What are the box office hours at Barbican Theatre, London?

The Barbican Theatre, London box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Right now the box office is closed · opens 8am. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is Barbican Theatre, London accessible?

Barbican Theatre, London offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets, wheelchair-accessible parking. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.