The Arts Theatre is situated in London’s main Theatreland hub in the Leicester Square/ Covent Garden area. There are many other theatres in the vicinity and this area of London is famed for its performance culture. The area is frequented by theatregoers and tourists alike and is within walking distance of many other London attractions.
The Arts Theatre opened on 20 April 1927 as a members-only club for the performance of unlicensed plays, meaning that the censorship by the Lord Chamberlain's office did not apply. This allowed the theatre to present daring, experimental and controversial productions not available to other venues. Its first important production was Young Woodley by John Van Druten, staged in 1928, which later transferred to the Savoy Theatre when the Lord Chamberlain's ban was lifted. From 1967 to 1999 the Arts also became a home for the Unicorn children's theatre, with performances still continuing in the evening.
The theatre's lease was taken over by a consortium of UK and US producers in 2000 for a five-year period, and it was relaunched as a West End theatre. The venue went into a period of decline before it was taken over and given a major overhaul by the current management, who breathed new life into the venue and its programming and made it into the thriving creative hub that it is today.
Seating
The best seats for viewing the action on stage are the centre of rows B-H in the Stalls and the centre of rows B-C in the Circle. From these seats you will be able to clearly see all the action on stage without any kind of viewing restriction or inconvenience.
The Circle Slips are usually heavily discounted, due to facing side-on to the stage. These seats can be excellent value for money, particularly seats 8-14, which are in front of seats 1-7.
Facilities
The Arts is also home to two famous cocktail bars - the Covent Garden Social Club resides on the first floor, hosting regular party piano and comedy nights, and the basement is home to the Covent Garden Cocktail Club, infamous for its retro party music and world class cocktails. Both are founded and operated by celebrated bartender JJ Goodman.
Accessibility
Many shows offer access performances; audio described, captioned, relaxed/autism friendly and BSL signed performances. For further information on access performances please visit the specific show page or call the box office on 0207 836 8463.
The Arts Theatre is currently playing the worldwide smash hit CHOIR OF MAN until end of August 2025.
Details
- Address:
- The Arts Theatre
- WC2B 7JH
- Transport:
- The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square(Northern Line and Piccadilly) and Covent Garden(Piccadilly Line) Charing Cross is the nearest National Rail station The following buses stop along Charing Cross Road, 14, 19, 24, 38, 176