Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre originally opened in 1882 as the Royal Avenue Theatre. Its early life reflected the entertainment tastes of late Victorian London, with comic opera, burlesque and popular theatrical fare forming part of its identity.

The building was later reconstructed in the early twentieth century and became the Playhouse Theatre. Over time it hosted a wide range of productions, from drama and comedy to musicals and notable West End transfers. Its position near Charing Cross and Embankment gives it a slightly different feel from the theatres around Shaftesbury Avenue and Covent Garden, while still keeping it right in the heart of central London.

In recent years, the venue has become best known as the home of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The theatre was extensively reimagined for the production, turning the building into an immersive nightclub-style environment and making the venue itself part of the experience.

Embankment is the nearest Underground station, with Charing Cross also very close by for both Underground and National Rail services. The theatre is on Northumberland Avenue, a short walk from Trafalgar Square, the Strand and the river, making it easy to combine with dinner or drinks in central London.

For Cabaret, treat the venue as part of the show rather than just a place to sit down before curtain up. Arriving early is worthwhile, especially if the production is still using the Kit Kat Club format, as the atmosphere begins before the main performance. The area is also useful for both Strand restaurants and riverside options.