The Arts Theatre
6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB

Nearest underground:
Leicester Square (Northern Line, Piccadilly Line)

Nearest rail:
Charing Cross

In 1968 the Lord Chamberlain’s powers to censor stage productions were finally abolished - before that time all stage plays had to be licensed. Just off the Charing Cross Road, on the edge of London’s Chinatown, the “Arts” was established in 1927 as a theatre club allowing its members the opportunity of seeing unlicensed shows (including licentious ones). Over the years it became the in place to see talked-about shows, including premieres of Becket and Pinter; and more recently political satire, updated nightly, and even burlesque.

Despite a recent extensive refurbishment the theatre is currently ‘dark’ and its future uncertain. The site is due for development and it is hoped that plans will include a replacement for this much-loved venue.

What's on at Arts Theatre

< back