London’s vibrant and diverse theatre scene is one that everyone should definitely check out. With various locations and companies, finding classic plays to new works, musicals, and experimental theatre is not uncommon.
The West End is the most famous theatre district in London that is known to be home to some of the city’s largest and most famous theatres. You can find a wide variety of plays in these theatres, ranging from big-budget musicals, plays by world-famous writers and revivals of classic works. However, London’s theatre scene is not limited to the West End. There are many smaller, independent theatres, such as the Arts Theatre, which offer a stage for budding artists.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything about Arts Theatre in London, from its history to its seating plan and tickets. If you are a theatre enthusiast and would love to spend an evening revisiting the classical works of the greatest writers of all time, then London’s Arts Theatre is your go-to place.
How did the Arts Theatre in London come to be?
The Arts Theatre in London was founded in 1927 by a group of theatre enthusiasts, including the playwright J.B. Priestley. Their dream was to establish a platform that cherished the classical works yet gave a stage to new and experimental voices.
Due to their innovative programming, the theatre soon picked up quite the attention and became known as a venue for experimental theatre. Works by Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and John Osborne were also produced by the theatre.
In the 1990s, the theatre built a second theatre space known as the Studio. Today, the Arts Theatre continues to be a popular venue for new and established productions. It is considered a vital part of London’s theatre scene.
Arts Theatre in London: Seating Plan
The seating area in the Arts Theatre in London is divided into three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. The Stalls are the closest to the stage, followed by the Dress Circle and then the Upper Circles. The Stalls are further divided into three sections, with the centre one offering the best seats in terms of the view and sound quality. The theatre offers a total of 300 seats. Here are some pro tips that you should keep in mind when picking a seat while booking.
1. Consider the Stalls
The seat in the Stalls area provides the best view of the stage and experience of the play. While the other two seat levels do provide a good view of the shows, the front rows of the Stalls offer an up-close view of the action and allow you to see the actors’ facial expressions and body language.
2. Choose the centre seats
When it comes to the Stalls, the front row and the middle section are the best. If you’re opting for the Stalls, try to get seats in the centre section for the best view and sound quality. This section offers a clear view of the stage, and the sound quality is optimised for this area.
3. Check the view
It’s always better to check the view from your chosen seats. Some seats might have a restricted view due to the pillars or any other blockages. When booking your seats, it’s important to choose seats that offer an unrestricted view of the stage.
4. Look for deals
The Arts Theatre occasionally offers discounts on specific seats, like the ones at the back on the Upper Circle level. These discounts will come in handy if you are looking for affordable tickets for particular shows. When booking the tickets, make sure to check for these discounts on their official website.
Arts Theatre in London: Ticket Details
Before you book your tickets to the Arts Theatre in London, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.
1. Booking options
You can book your tickets for the Arts Theatre in London online, over the phone, or in person at the box office. Their tickets often get sold out. Always book your tickets in advance so that you don’t miss your favourite show. This way, you can also book the seats with the preferred view.
2. Prices
Ticket prices at the Arts Theatre in London vary depending on the show you are watching. It can also depend on the day of the week and the seat location. Usually, tickets for midweek shows are less expensive than those for evening performances and weekend shows. Prices for the Arts Theatre’s own productions usually start at around £20, while prices for West End shows can be higher.
3. Refunds & Exchanges
Tickets for the Arts Theatre are generally non-refundable so make sure you can attend the show before booking your tickets. However, the theatre may be able to exchange your tickets for a different performance, depending on the availability and an exchange fee.
4. E-tickets
You can easily book your tickets for the Arts Theatre in London online. You’ll receive the e-ticket, you’ll be required to take a printout of it, or you can also show it on your phone at the theatre. This saves you the time to go down to the box office to buy physical tickets.
Conclusion
Arts Theatre is one of the most cherished and historic venues in the city’s theatre scene. Its intimate size and diverse range of productions make it a popular choice for all theatre and art lovers. If you are in the city and want to catch a classic work or an up-and-coming play, then the Arts Theatre in London will not disappoint you. From its great location to its comfortable seats and friendly staff, the Arts Theatre is a must-visit destination for all theatre enthusiasts.
FAQs
How big is Arts Theatre London?
The Arts Theatre in London is a relatively small venue. It has an intimate atmosphere that allows for a more immersive theatre experience. But because it’s small, this means that every seat in the house provides a great view of the stage.
How many seats are there in the Arts Theatre London?
The seating area in the Arts Theatre in London is divided into three levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle. The Stalls are the closest to the stage, followed by the Dress Circle and then the Upper Circles. The total capacity of the theatre is 300 seats.
What is the nearest tube to the Arts Theatre in London?
The nearest tube station to the Arts Theatre in London is Leicester Square, which is served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines. Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations are also within walking distance.