Arts Theatre

The Arts Theatre opened in April 1927. It originally opened with the intention of being a performance space for unlicensed plays. Quickly, the Arts Theatre became known as a venue for shows that were not thought to be commercially viable.

In 1942, the theatre was taken over by Alec Clunes and John Hanau. Their tenure saw over 100 plays produced in a decade, earning the nickname of "The National Pocket Theatre". The Unicorn Theatre enjoyed a 32-year tenure in the late 20th-century, allowing straight plays to perform in the evenings whilst giving the touring children’s theatre company a permanent London home during the day.

It is now considered an independent commercial theatre, hosting short engagements, as well as cabarets, showcases and stand-up comedians. Recent successes at the Arts Theatre include Six and The Choir of Man.

Arts Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has two levels – Stalls and Circle. It’s an intimate space, so all patrons will feel close to the action. The Circle overhangs the Stalls from Row E.

The seating in the Circle is lightly raked.