Located in Panton Street in Westminster, the Harold Pinter Theatre is a West End house that was initially used exclusively as a comic opera house. Named the Royal Comedy Theatre when it first opened in 1881, the Harold Pinter Theatre was designed by famed architect Thomas Verity. Construction work was completed in just six months and three years after its opening, the theatre was renamed the Comedy Theatre. The theatre underwent a major renovation in the mid 1950s and reopened in 1955 but retained the auditorium layout of the original. The Harold Pinter Theatre is also famous for the part it played in helping abolish the outdated Theatres Act 1843 by establishing the New Watergate Club in 1956, which simplified the rules of stage censorship. In 2011, the theatre was renamed after famous British playwright and actor, Harold Pinter and housed many of his works. The theatre was Grade II listed by the English Heritage in 1973 and is presently owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group.
While the Harold Pinter Theatre was originally meant to host comedy operas, it ventured out to all types of plays and musicals later in its existence. Some iconic productions hosted at the theatre include Monsieur Beaucaire, Sunday, The Dictator, Raffles, Shell Out, This and That, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, A View From the Bridge, The Homecoming, The Caretaker, Moonlight, No-Man's Land, and The Hothouse and many others. Presently, the theatre is housing Betrayal starring Tom Hiddleston. Looking forward to catching the show? Our Harold Pinter Theatre seating plan guide has all the information you would need to make your West End experience memorable.
Venue Details
Address: Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN, UK
Opened: 1881
Seating Capacity: 796
Stalls : 416
Dress Circle: 109
Upper Circle: 126
Balcony: 134
Seating Chart
Check out the Harold Pinter Theatre Seating Plan here.
Now Playing at Harold Pinter Theatre London
Betrayal
Regarded as of one of Harold Pinter's finest works, Betrayal first premiered in London on 15th June 1978. The show became an instant classic and was produced in different countries around the globe including New York, Australia, Hong Kong, Spain, Turkey, and others. The show makes a triumphant return to West End with a limited engagement running from 20th April to 8th June. Featuring the classic character tropes and distinct dialogues that are a staple for any play penned by Harold Pinter, Betrayal follows a reverse chronology in revealing its plot. The show features interesting characters with hidden motivations and self-absorbed abandon, making for a riveting viewing experience.
The 2019 West End production is directed by Jamie Lloyd and features Hollywood superstar Tom Hiddleston in the lead role of Robert. Joining him on stage are Zawe Ashton as Emma and Charlie Cox as Jerry. The talented trio have quite an impressive acting resume and is sure to attract massive crowds!
The Story
Partly inspired by Pinter's own extramarital affair with BBC reporter Joan Bakewell, Betrayal features a series of interconnected betrayals amongst a group of friends, each hiding something from the other. The show follows three characters, Emma and Robert, a married couple and Jerry, Robert's close friend. Jerry and Emma carry on their affair five full years, with Jerry assuming that no one knows about them. Emma, on the other hand, has her own secrets she is hiding from Robert and Jerry. Following a series of meetings between the three characters over 7 years, the truth is finally revealed to the audience in typical Harold Pinter fashion!
Director
Writer
Leading Roles
Tom Hiddleston as Robert
Zawe Ashton as Emma
Charlie Cox as Jerry
Show Timings
Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri - 7:30 PM
Thu & Sat - 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Running Time
TBC
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Stalls: You can access the stalls by climbing down 24 steps from the foyer to the auditorium.
Dress Circle: The dress circle is most accessible section in the theatre and is step-free from the foyer to the end of the section.
Royal Circle: The royal circle is accessible via 23 steps up towards the auditorium.
Balcony: You can access the balcony by climbing up 49 steps from the foyer. Patrons with limited mobility should avoid this section.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair Accessible: Only the dress circle section in the theatre is wheelchair accessible. There are four wheelchair spaces in the last row of the dress circle and these seats can be accessed without any steps. There are transfer seats available in all aisle and rear seats of the dress circle. Patrons who intend to use the transfer facility should contact the theatre staff beforehand and present them with their wheelchair measurements to allow for a seamless experience.
Restroom: There are women's and men's toilets available at the stalls level. The Royal Retiring Room toilet is six steps down from the foyer and can be accessed by patrons with limited mobility. There are no toilets in the dress circle section but the royal circle and balcony sections have both women's and men's toilets.
Bar: There's a bar located in all four levels of the theatre but only the dress circle bar offers step-free access for users with limited mobility.
Assisted Listening Device: The theatre is equipped with Sennheiser MobileConnect sound amplification system which allows patrons to connect their phones to the system for a superior audio quality. Headphones or necklaces are available for hearing aid users at the theatre box office.
Handy Tips
- If you need seats with extra legroom, opt for seats in row A of the stalls. In the dress circle section, extra legroom can be found in boxes C and D. If you're looking to book seats in the royal circle, aisle seats offer the most leg space.
- The closest adapted toilet is available at the Strada restaurant located across the street from the theatre. Front of house staff is available to help with navigating and to escort patrons to and from the theatre.
- Guide and hearing dogs are allowed in all parts of the theatre. If required, a member of the staff can look after the dog for you.
- If any special assistance is needed, be it in terms of wheelchair spaces or induction loop necklace, patrons should contact the theatre well in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
- Take advantage of the Q-Park offer by showing your parking ticket at the theatre box office and availing a discount of 50% on your parking fees.
- The theatre is home to the Moonlight Bar, a luxury watering hole which offers a premium selection of wines and cocktails. Visit this bar to begin your theatre experience on a great note!
Getting There
The Harold Pinter Theatre is located in central London which makes it a very easy place to get to. There are tons of public transport options you can choose from. Here are some of the top picks:
Tube: If you wish to take the tube to the theatre, Piccadilly Circus is the closest stop. The stop is linked via the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. The Leicester Square station is also close to the theatre and connected via the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
Bus: There are many bus routes going through the theatre, such as 6, 12, 14, 19, 23, 38, 88, 94, 159 and 453.
Vehicle: If you're getting your own vehicle, there are many parking lots available close to the theatre, including Q-Park.
Restaurants near Harold Pinter Theatre London
1. Tasting Sicily - Enzo's Kitchen: Gorge on regional Italian delights including pizza and sip on wine from an extensive collection, all in a stylishly minimalist decor.
2. Shoryu Ramen: Visit this minimalist noodle bar for their special handmade ramen in pork broth plus sake and Japanese whiskies.
3. Estiatorio Milos: This classy, white tablecloth pescatarian restaurant serves delectable imported Greek fish, prepared to order.
4. Byron Haymarket: Serving scrumptious and posh hamburgers with a choice of toppings, salads and sides, this American-inspired chain diner is a must visit!
5. Ikoyi: Offering a contemporary twist on traditional West African flavors, Ikoyi features a chic space that reflects its cuisine.
6. Hawksmoor: Mouth-watering Devonshire market fish and prime cuts of matured beef are served in an Art Deco surrounding.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
The post West End Guide: Harold Pinter Theatre London | Betrayal appeared first on Headout Blog.
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