West End Theatre Guide
Arts Theatre
A smaller West End theatre with bohemian credentials, close to the heart of Covent Garden’s creative life.
The Arts Theatre has a different energy from many of the grander West End houses. Tucked just off Leicester Square and close to Covent Garden, it is known for a more intimate scale and a history tied to artistic experimentation, transfers and productions that feel slightly more adventurous than the mainstream commercial norm. Currently closed for renovations.
What’s On at Arts Theatre
History
Compact, characterful and artistically minded, the Arts Theatre has long offered a different flavour of West End theatre.
Opened in 1927, the Arts Theatre was created with a spirit that set it apart from the larger commercial houses around it. It became associated with club performances, new writing and productions that sat slightly outside the mainstream, giving it a reputation for artistic credibility as well as central London convenience. Although it has evolved over time, that sense of intimacy and difference still clings to the building. For audiences, the Arts Theatre remains one of the most appealing smaller venues in Theatreland, offering a more compact and often more immediate theatrical experience.
Getting Here
Leicester Square is the nearest Tube and the simplest option for most visitors, though Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road can also work depending on your route. Because of the theatre’s location, it is easy to combine a visit with Covent Garden, Seven Dials or Soho. The streets nearby are often lively, so leaving a little extra time is sensible.
Grand Circle Tips
If you enjoy smaller auditoria and a slightly less formal West End feel, the Arts Theatre is one of the best options in the district. It is particularly easy to fold into a central evening of drinks, dinner and theatre without much walking.
Restaurant Recommendation
Dishoom Covent Garden
Dishoom Covent Garden is a dependable and much-loved pre-theatre option, combining atmosphere, generous service and a location that works brilliantly for the Arts Theatre.
View Restaurant