Playhouse Theatre London
Playhouse Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Playhouse Theatre
Since November 2021, the Playhouse Theatre has operated under the Kit Kat Club moniker, with a refurbished Front of House space and auditorium experience. This updated look is for an immersive version of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret musical that has enticed vast numbers of theatregoers with its exciting star casting and bold design. No other West End venue offers a night out quite like this; from the moment you step inside, you are ushered into Weimar Era Berlin, where the drinks flow freely but the Nazis are slowly coming into power. This critically acclaimed production won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and with its ever-changing top billing for the Emcee and Sally Bowles, is one of the hottest shows in London.
About the Playhouse Theatre
The Playhouse Theatre first opened in 1882 under the name of the Royal Avenue Theatre and is a Victorian-style building, designed by F. H. Fowler & Hill. The venue is Grade II listed and maintains its historic façade. Since renovation in the early 1900s, the theatre reduced its seating capacity to fewer than 800, making it an intimate yet accessible venue for medium-scale musicals and plays.
The venue was taken over by the BBC in 1951 for use as a recording studio for live performances, including The Goon Show and the radio version of Steptoe and Son. Iconic bands such as The Beatles, KISS, Led Zeppelin and The Who have also played live performances at the venue.
The Playhouse Theatre is renowned for its celebrity-filled productions. Legendary British actor and Star Wars star Alec Guinness made his stage debut at the Playhouse in 1934 in the Ward Dorane play Libel!. Recent stars to tread the boards include James McAvoy in Cyrano de Bergerac. The venue is owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group.
Should I get there early?
Audience members should definitely make their way down to the Playhouse Theatre early when watching Cabaret, as there is plenty of immersion and pre-show entertainment from the moment you step foot into the building. Take a shot of schnapps, grab a pretzel and watch the lovely damen und herrs of the Kit Kat put on a show in the bar, catapulting you right into the world of 1920s Berlin before the show has even begun.
Map and Address
Northumberland Ave, London, WC2N 5DE
Rail: Charing Cross station is within a few minutes' walk via Craven Street. Waterloo station is within a 15-minute walk across the Golden Jubilee Bridge.
Tube: Embankment Station is the closest underground station to the theatre, a few minutes' walk along Victoria Embankment. It is on the Bakerloo, Northern, Circle and District lines. Charing Cross station is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines.
Bus: Bus routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 23, 24, 87, 88, 91, 139 and 453 all stop within a 10-minute walk of the theatre.
Car: Q Park Covent Garden and Leicester Square are both within a 10-minute walk from the Kit Kat Club. Both of the car parks have Blue Badge spaces. There is very limited parking on nearby streets. Drop-offs are possible on nearby streets.
Nearby Attractions
The Kit Kat Club has taken over the Playhouse Theatre. The theatre sits between Trafalgar Square, with its sights and art galleries, and the River Thames.
Covent Garden and the West End are in easy reach, or the Golden Jubilee Bridge crosses the Thames to the South Bank, making it easy to spend time in any of the venues on that side of the river. The Southbank Centre is home to several performance venues, as well as shops and restaurants. The London Eye is around 10 minutes walk along the river.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Playhouse Theatre box office open and how do I collect my tickets?
The box office opens from 10am to 7:30pm from Monday to Saturday. Tickets for future dates can be purchased up until an hour before performances, at which time the box office only handles collections and purchases for that day’s show. It is recommended you arrive in plenty of time to avoid queues and ensure to have your confirmation email and ID to hand.
What time does the Playhouse Theatre open for a show?
The theatre opens an hour before show time, where you are able to collect your tickets, relax in the bars and get comfortable in your seats.
What food and drink are available at the Playhouse Theatre?
There are three bars in the theatre, one on each level of the venue, serving light snacks, soft drinks and alcohol. The Stalls bar is slightly bigger however can often get busier, so it is generally advised to go to the bar nearest to your seat, before performances. Food and drinks purchased from the bars can be taken into the auditorium, as long as they are transferred into plastic containers.
Does the Playhouse Theatre have a cloakroom?
The theatre has a cloakroom where theatregoers can store coats, bags and suitcases for the duration of the performance. Please note, items are stored at the discretion of staff and availability of space.
Is the Playhouse Theatre air-conditioned?
The theatre is fitted with air-conditioning in the main auditorium, meaning that theatregoers can still stay cool in Summer months.
Where should I eat near the Playhouse Theatre?
A short walk away from the theatre you will find a good range of London eateries to suit your taste. Northumberland Avenue has a range of gastro-pubs and high end restaurants including Kerridge’s Bar & Grill from the Michelin-Starred chef. While Villiers Street offers a range of smaller quick-eats on a budget, such as Wasabi, Herman Ze German and Five Guys.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Playhouse Theatre?
For those looking for five-star luxury, both the Corinthiana and the Royal Horseguards are some of the finest hotels in London and are located a short walk away from the theatre. For those on a budget, it is recommended to take a short walk across the river to Waterloo where pleasant budget hotels from the chains Travelodge and Premier Inn can be found.
How do I contact the box office?
If you need to contact the box office directly, please call 03330 096 690. Please be aware that phone calls are charged at normal geographic rates.
