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.
The Garrick Theatre is a quintessential West End venue that is best known for staging a mixture of serious dramas, crowd-pleasing comedies and jukebox musicals. In 1982 the play No Sex Please, We're British played at the Garrick for four years and remains the longest-running comedy in West End history, playing over 6,700 performances. In 2000 the Garrick Theatre was acquired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group but was sold five years later to Nimax Theatres, who still own the venue today 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. The theatre continues to delight audiences with a mix of serious dramas, comedies, and musicals. In 2024, highlights included "Why Am I So Single" musical and the stage adaptation of "Boys from the Blackstuff." Coming up in 2025 is Imelda Staunton in George Bernard Shaw’s daring and controversial classic Mrs Warren’s Profession.
Seating
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 best seats on a budget can be found in selected seats towards the rear of the Stalls, where seats are usually discounted because of the many support pillars. For the best premium seats sit in the Dress Circle or between Row D and J in the Stalls for an excellent, unrestricted view of the stage.
Facilities
The theatre has a cloakroom available for visitors to store large items. There are two licensed bars including the Foyer Bar and the Circle Bar and theatre bars that are located on each level. There are both Male and Female toilets on each level and drinks and refreshments can be pre-ordered before arrival.
Access
The Garrick Theatre offers accessible seating for those with disabilities and has many accessibility features, such as accessible performances, hearing assistance, ramps, and others available to make the experience enjoyable for all visitors.
The Garrick Theatre is currently home to Mrs Warren’s Profession until Saturday 16 August 2025.
Details
- Address:
- 2 Charing Cross Road
- WC2H 0HH
- 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