Harold Pinter Theatre London

Opening on 15th October 1881 this Victorian theatre only took six months to build, and was at first called the Royal Comedy Theatre, with the Royal being dropped by 1884.

The theatre’s reputation was enhanced during the First World War when C B Cochran and André Charlot presented their review shows.

Significant reconstruction took place in the mid-1950′s with the theatre reopening on 14th December, 1955. One feature of this theatre is the use of columns to support the circle seating areas, which means that a number of the seats have a somewhat restricted view. The Comedy was possibly best known for the role it played in the late 1950′s, helping to overturn stage censorship.

More recent productions include the award-winning comedy Steaming, and the fabulous award-winning musical Little Shop of Horrors making its West End debut in 1979, both of which played at The Comedy in the early 1980s.

The Comedy was renamed in 2011 after Harold Pinter CH, CBE Playwright, screenwriter, actor, theatre director and poet.

Pinter was a renowned British playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor. Born in Hackney, London in 1930, Pinter began writing plays in the 1950s, and quickly established himself as one of the most important and influential voices in contemporary theatre.

Pinter's plays are characterized by their sparse, elliptical dialogue, their tension-filled silences, and their exploration of power dynamics and the human condition. Some of his most famous works include "The Caretaker," "The Birthday Party," "The Homecoming," and "Betrayal."

Pinter's influence extends far beyond the theatre world. His work has been adapted into films, television shows, and even opera. Pinter was also a prominent political activist, and was vocal in his opposition to war, imperialism, and human rights abuses.

Pinter was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005. He was also a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and a Companion of Honour. Pinter passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and thought-provoking work that continues to be studied and performed to this day.

Overall, Pinter was a towering figure in 20th-century theatre, whose contributions to the art form have had a lasting impact on audiences and artists alike. His unique voice and vision will continue to inspire and challenge us for generations to come.

6 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DN
Harold Pinter Theatre Seating Plan

Venue and Travel Information
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Tube Lines: Bakerloo, Piccadilly
Directions from nearest tube: Coventry Street to Oxendon Road; the theatre is 100 metres along on the right.
Railway Station: Charing Cross
Bus Numbers: (Haymarket) 3, 6, 12, 13, 19, 23, 38, 88, 139; (Piccadilly Circus) 14, 22, 94
Night Bus Numbers: (Haymarket) 6, 12, 23, 139, 88, N3, N13, N18, N19, N38, N97, N136, N550, N551; (Piccadilly Circus) 14, 94, N22
Car Park: Leicester Square, Whitcomb Street
Within Congestion Zone: Yes
Venue Facilities: Air conditioned, Bar, Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Toilets, Wheelchair accessible

TUE 11 APR - SUN 18 JUN 2023
A Little Life
A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude.

As ambition, addiction, and pride threaten to pull the group apart, they always find themselves bound by their love for Jude and the mysteries of his past.

But when those secrets come to light, they finally learn that to know Jude St Francis is to understand the limitless potential of love in the face of life.

THU 29 JUN - SAT 7 OCT 2023
Dr Semmelweis
Mark Rylance returns to the West End as one of medicine’s greatest pioneers, maverick Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis – the man whose research could save many millions of mothers’ lives. But what good is a discovery that is ignored?

In Vienna, a city of artistic and scientific revolution, thousands of women are still dying in childbirth each and every year. Only Dr Semmelweis can see the invisible killer at work, but to stop it, he must convince his colleagues to admit culpability and approve change.