The theatre was designed by Walter Emden and Bertie Crewe in 1888; the interior was reconstructed in 1952, with further alterations in 1956 and 1980.
The Royal Court Cafe Bar and Kitchen are open to the general public as well as to theatregoers. The basement bar and restaurant is low lit, rustically comfortable, sparse with concrete pillars and walls, and plain wood floors. It is roomy though tends to be packed before the show and can be quite full even during the first act. Simple snacks are available at the bar. There's limited seating near to the bar (and in the restaurant); the bar does get crowded at intervals. You can see the performance on a very small TV screen upstairs behind the bookshop. The Royal Court was Britain's first national theatre company and was created to challenge and stimulate new writing. It is a writers' theatre, and modern British drama is considered to have begun here with the opening of John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in May 1956.
Keg-only beer eg Goose Island.
Historic Interest
Grade II listed, Historic England ref 1226628.
Royal Court Cafe Bar & Kitchen, London