Venue Description

Opened in 1881 and previously named the Comedy Theatre, the Harold Pinter was renamed to honour playwright Harold Pinter when he passed. Originally housing operattas and small comedies, the Harold Pinter was pivotal in overturning theatre censorship, staging productions such as ‘Arthur Miller’s A View from a Bridge’. Throughout the 90’s the theatre became home to a large number of Harold Pinter productions and was renamed after the playwright when ATG purchased the theatre in 2011. A range of stars have appeared at the Harold Pinter including Keira Knightley, Joanna Lumley and Damien Lewis. In 2014, the Olivier Award Winning Musical ‘Sunny Afternoon’ transferred to the theatre and remained in residence for 2 years. Following the musical’s departure Mark Rylance’s Broadway Play ‘Nice Fish’ arrived in 2016 and will be followed by Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.’

Accessibility

The Harold Pinter Theatre has access for up to 4 wheelchairs in row E of the Dress Circle and the foyer and the dress circle are accessible via a ramp from street level. The HPT has recently installed an Access Toilet in the Foyer area of the theatre, has Seinnheiser's state-of-the-art mobile device system installed in the venue and assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the theatre. The HPT also runs captioned performances, audio described performances and signed performances. Our Box Office and foyer are situated at street level. The Stalls seating is accessible down a flight of 23 steps. Our Dress Circle seating has the easier access, being on foyer level and can provide up to 4 wheelchair spaces per performance. Seats in front of these spaces can be moved forward to accommodate longer chairs and small scooters - please provide measurements of chairs and scooters at time of booking to enable Box Office Staff to advise you correctly.

Accessible Performances

The Theatre tries to incorporate at least one Audio Described and Captioned performance of a production during it's run. Information on these performances will be advertised on our social media platforms or on the main ATG Tickets website.

Toilets

Ladies and Gents toilets are located down 23 steps from the foyer to Stalls level, up 23 steps from foyer to Royal Circle and up 49 steps from foyer to Balcony level. Our Royal Retiring Room toilet is located 6 steps down from foyer level for patrons who are able to manage some steps. There is one handrail. Alternatively the Access Toilet is located in the Foyer which can be accessed from street level via a ramp.

Staff

There are members of staff within the theatre who are trained in BSL.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

St James's Park is a short walk from the theatre and offers a large space for assistance dogs to be exercised on.

Other assistance dog facilities

Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.