Playhouse Theatre
Nearby Playhouse Theatre

A short step away from the main strip of West End theatres, the Playhouse's stylish curved facade is rather lost among the towering architecture of Charing Cross and Embankment. If the exterior is a little too restrained however, the same cannot be said for the auditorium, which is a sumptuous tribute to theatrical excess. A cream colour scheme is obscured by giant murals, statues and a mountain of gold inlay. The boxes are supported by caryatids, the house lights are on three-meter golden pillars, while the carved balustrades twist and turn like snakes. Sadly none of this glorious excess was ever seen by the bulk of the audience for the Playhouse Theatre's most famous shows. Hancock's Half Hour and and The Goon Show were both recorded here, along with a host of other BBC Radio shows. Since the BBC left in 1975, the Playhouse has struggled to establish itself as a major West End venue. Hits, like the Almeida's Naked starring Juliet Binoche and the National Theatre's An Inspector Calls have been matched by an equal number of flops and the theatre has changed hands many times. The transfer of the Menier's La Cage aux Folles is currently doing wonders for its reputation.Playhouse Theatre events
Dreamboats And PetticoatsDreamboats And PetticoatsThis is a bopping rock 'n' roll musical; one that, like We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia!, is piggybacking on the success of a body of songs. While decent storylines are sidelined in favour of squeezing in yet another hit, the attraction of these shows comes from the toe-tapping, feel-good fun of cruising through classic tunes. As this kind of "nosta26th May 2012Saturday 24th November 2012
Where:
TIMES Various Times PRICING £15-£50
This is a bopping rock 'n' roll musical; one that, like We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia!, is piggybacking on the success of a body of songs. While decent storylines are sidelined in favour of squeezing in yet another hit, the attraction of these shows comes from the toe-tapping, feel-good fun of cruising through classic tunes. As this kind of "nosta... More about this event
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Playhouse Theatre

Playhouse Theatre
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Further articles featuring Playhouse Theatre on LondonTown.com
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London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 15% off from £565
Strand, WC2R | 6 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
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London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 77% off from £95
372 Strand, WC2R | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
This West End Art Deco hotel right on the Strand and next to Covent Garden is in a fantastic location for accessing central London and theatreland. ...More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 90% off from £97
Whitcomb Street, WC2H | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Set in between Trafalgar and Leicester Squares and right next to the National Portrait Gallery, the Thistle Trafalgar Square is a modern hotel set in a ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
St Martin's Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 5 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
London Coliseum is a magnificent historic building and an excellent venue in which to enjoy the soaring sounds and high drama of some truly thrilling operas. ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Situated alongside the Savoy Hotel, the building of the current theatre with its Art Deco auditorium, was financed by Richard d'Oyly Carte with the considerable profits ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
2 Charing Cross Road, London, Soho, London WC2H | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Named after the great 18th century actor-manager David Garrick, whose portrait hangs in the foyer bar, The Garrick is a fantastic piece of late-Victorian kitsch. It ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Belvedere Road, London, South Bank, London SE1 | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The Southbank Centre is a classic example of brutal 60s concrete architecture. Everyone has an opinion (usually negative) on its distinctive design - famous detractors include ...More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Belvedere Road, London, South Bank, London SE1 | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ...More
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
24-26 Leicester Square, London, Soho, London WC2H | 8 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the biggest of the week's ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: Every day 10am-9.30pm
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The London Eye is one of the most cherished tourist attractions in the capital and has been since its opening in 2000. Now, thanks to a ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 19th April 2012 to 26th May 2012 - Various Times
The Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2H | 12 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Sara Kestelman features in Peter Gill's production of Robert Holman's triptych of dramas, each looking at the effects of war and the universal bonds of suffering....More
London > Events > Clubbing and Nightlife Dates: Saturday 26th May 2012 - 4am-8am
The Den and Centro, 18a West Central Street, WC1A | 16 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Resident DJs spin indie, rock, R&B, pop and Motown....More
Sights and Attractions near Playhouse Theatre
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
32 John Adam Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Alex Proud started out as a Japanese antiques dealer but a twist of fate led Proud to switch to photography. The impetus for change came in ...More
London > Attractions > Sights
Whitehall, London, Westminster, London SW1A | 3 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Standing solemnly in the middle of Whitehall, visitors could be forgiven for passing the Cenotaph by unnoticed. But every November it becomes the focus of Britain's ...More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Trafalgar Square, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
This historic church of St Martin-in-the-Fields overlooking Trafalgar Square was built in 1726 and is the best known work of Scottish architect James Gibbs whose ...More
London > Shopping > Specialists
7 Charing Cross Underground Shopping Arcade, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
From budding Harry Potters and bumbling Tommy Coopers to dynamic David Copperfields, Davenports is a haven for magicians of every level and ability. Non-magicians too are ...More
London > Shopping > Specialists
27 Maiden Lane Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Especially for homesick Australians, this shop sells all manner of goods you would find on the shelves of a general store Down Under, from Vegemite to ...More
London > Shopping > Books
25 Cecil Court, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
As specialists in Modern First Editions, Nigel Williams Rare Books stocks 19th and 20th century literature, children's books by authors such as Enid Blyton, A.A. Milne ...More
Restaurants near Playhouse Theatre
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
25 Villiers Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Pret sells up market fast food, hand made from natural ingredients, to take away or eat on site, in its trademark no nonsense chrome interiors. The ...More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
11 Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
This chain of juice bars squishes together a delightful variety of flavoursome, healthy drinks. They press fresh juice fruit right in front of you, and blend ...More
London > Restaurants > Mediterranean restaurants
16 Northumberland Avenue, London, Westminster, London SW1A | 3 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Adding another notch to his London portfolio, David Collins has designed the exquisite Massimo restaurant within the grand 5 star Corinthia Hotel London in Whitehall Place. ...More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 9 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ...More
London > Education > Medical Schools
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 9 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the obvious ...More
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, London, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 17 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ...More
Leisure near Playhouse Theatre
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, London, South Bank, London SE1 | 8 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ...More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, South Bank, London SE1 | 8 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ...More
London > Leisure > Fitness
12 Floral Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 8 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll soon ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
10 Northumberland Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Thirsty Sherlock Holmes fans look no further than this homage to the great detective himself and to original Victorian pubs. While you indulge in a soothing ...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
90 St Martins Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 7 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Gastropub ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
33 Rose Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 8 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
One of the oldest pubs in London, the Lamb & Flag was once known as the Bucket of Blood, thanks to the bare-knuckle fights held here. ...More
Nightlife near Playhouse Theatre
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 1 minute from Playhouse Theatre
The cocktails in the Bassoon Piano Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which ...More
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern. Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, London, Westminster, London SW1A | 3 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
Hotel bar on Trafalgar Square with public roof terrace. This bar is all about location, location, location. Just a few steps from Nelson's Column, the Trafalgar Hotel ...More
Meeting venue hire near Playhouse Theatre
London > Business > Venue Hire
8 John Adam Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Whitehall, London, Westminster, London SW1A | 5 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The only surviving section of Whitehall Palace. In its heyday the largest royal palace in Europe, this historic venue is the only surviving section of Whitehall Palace ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from Playhouse Theatre
The London Eye (or Millennium Wheel) elbowed its way onto the capital's tourist scene as one of the statement pieces to mark the turn of the ...More
Also in Northumberland Avenue
Our recommendations in the same street as Playhouse Theatre
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What's On Today Near Playhouse Theatre ![]() Dreamboats And Petticoats Theatre | Until 24th November 2012 Playhouse Theatre At Playhouse Theatre This is a bopping rock 'n' roll musical; one that, like We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia!, is piggybacking ...More The Boat Show Comedy | On 26th May 2012 Tattershall Castle 2 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Energetic physical comedy from Terry Alderton, plus Bob Mills, The Noise Next Door and MC Michael Legge....More The Covent Garden Comedy Club @ Heaven Comedy | On 26th May 2012 Covent Garden Comedy Club, The Arches 2 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Controversial and aggressive humour from Australian stand-up Brendon Burns, plus Addy Van Der Borgh, Tom Toal and MC David Ward....More Naked Boys Singing Theatre | Until 29th December 2012 Charing Cross Theatre 2 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Comedy revue directed by Phil Willmott, which celebrates the splendour of the male nude. Contains full frontal male nudity, not ...More Step 9 (Of 12) Theatre | Until 26th May 2012 Trafalgar Studios 4 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Blake Harrison is stepping away from the screen and onto the stage for Step 9 (of 12) at the Trafalgar ...More Trafalgar Sinfonia Concerts | On 26th May 2012 St Martin-in-the-Fields 4 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre ...More London Brass Rubbing Centre Kids Events | Until 31st December 2012 London Brass Rubbing Centre 4 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Get to grips with characters from history with a selection of replica brasses on offer including Medieval knights in armour, ...More ![]() Elmgreen & Dragset: Powerless Structures, Fig 101 Exhibitions | Until 12th April 2013 Trafalgar Square 5 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, an artist duo based in Berlin and London, have brought a bronze sculpture of a ...More ![]() Turner Inspired: In The Light Of Claude Exhibitions | Until 5th June 2012 National Gallery 5 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre When Turner left the National Gallery two paintings - Dido building Carthage and Sun rising through Vapour - ...More National Gallery - Permanent Collection Exhibitions | Until 31st December 2012 National Gallery 5 minutes walk from Playhouse Theatre Located on Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world. Masterpieces ...More
Hotels near Playhouse Theatre
From cheap budget hotels to luxury 5 star suites see our discounts for Playhouse Theatre hotels, including The Royal Trafalgar Hotel from 90% off. |











