Comedy Theatre
Sections:
Theatre build date:
1881
History:
The Comedy Theatre is one of very few Victorian theatres in London to retain its original décor, and played a large role in the revision of theatre censorship in Britain. Opening in 1883 with the premiere of Flaka, a hugely successful comic opera, the Comedy Theatre has lived up to its name even from its inception.
The venue really made a name for itself during World War I with its famous revues. In 1956, the Comedy Theatre saw the establishment of the New Watergate Club. Due to outdated laws, new play manuscripts had to be approved by the Lord Chamberlain’s office before they could be staged in any patent theatre. The setting up of the club meant that in club conditions, unapproved plays could be performed. Productions staged in this way included the a London premieres of A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams’ classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Public demand to see such ‘private’ performances helped the loosening of the conditions of theatre censorship, and in 1958, Peter Shaffer’s controversial Five Finger Excuse opened at the Comedy Theatre to a public audience.
Other notable productions have included Secrets (1929), Journey’s End (2004) and Steptoe and Son: Murder in Oil Drum Lane (2006).
Previously called:
The Royal Comedy Theatre
Previously showing:
The Lover/The Collection (2007)
Boeing Boeing (2007)
The Rocky Horror Show (2006)
Donkeys’ Years (2006)
Steptoe and Son: Murder in Oil Drum Lane (2006)
School of Night (2006)
Caesar Twins and Friends (2006)
Epitaph for George Dillon (2005)
Close to:
Piccadilly Circus
The Trocadero
Trafalgar Square
Contact Details
Comedy Theatre
Panton Street
SW1Y 4DN
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
796
Stage door location:
The Comedy Theatre stage door is located to the left hand side of the building, on Oxendon Street.
Theatre layout:
The Comedy Theatre is arranged on four levels: stalls, Dress Circle, Royal Circle and balcony, and only the Dress Circle is split by aisles. Because of pillars supporting the Dress Circle, there are a number of seats in rows R to U and M-O of the stalls which may have restricted views; otherwise the stalls offer clear views throughout.
In the Dress Circle, there are pillars again, affecting only a couple of seats in rows D-F. Aside from this, the Dress Circle in the Comedy Theatre provides clear views from front to back. In both the Royal Circle and balcony, handrail affects the view from the front row, and there are some sideline views towards the sides.
Please note that the front row in the stalls is row B.
Air conditioned:
Air cooled
