
The Playhouse Theatre, originally opening in 1882 as the Royal Avenue Theatre, was rebuilt in 1907 after a partial collapse, establishing its elegant Edwardian architecture. Currently transformed into the immersive 'Kit Kat Club' for the acclaimed production of Cabaret, it offers a unique pre-show experience that transports audiences to 1930s Berlin. This transformation has redefined its atmosphere, blending historical charm with a vibrant, theatrical environment, making it a distinctive venue in London's West End.
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Seating
Stalls (Kit Kat Club)
The Stalls area has been completely reconfigured for the Kit Kat Club experience, transforming it from traditional theatre seating into an immersive 1930s Berlin club environment. The architectural layout features a dynamic mix of cabaret tables, banquettes, and booths, with the stage extending into and around this area.
Seating quality varies by type; tables offer ample legroom and an intimate experience, while banquettes and booths provide lounge-style comfort. Views are highly dynamic and immersive, with performers moving throughout the space, often interacting with audience members.
This means views can be incredibly close to the action but may require turning to follow performers. There are no traditional 'restricted view' seats in the proscenium arch sense, but specific table or booth locations might offer slightly angled or partially obscured sightlines depending on the specific staging and performer movement, which is integral to the immersive design.
Dress Circle (Kit Kat Club)
The Dress Circle retains a more traditional theatre balcony layout, offering an elevated and comprehensive perspective over the immersive Stalls area and central stage. Seating quality is standard for a West End theatre, generally comfortable with good padding.
Legroom can be somewhat limited for taller individuals, particularly in central rows, though aisle seats offer slightly more space. Views are generally excellent, providing a clear overview of the entire Kit Kat Club environment and the band, which is also on this level.
The rake is good, ensuring clear sightlines over heads. Front rows (A-C) offer particularly strong, unobstructed views.
Side seats provide a good angled view with minimal restriction. Potential minor obstructions might occur from the safety rail in the very front row for shorter people, or from extreme side angles.
Upper Circle (Kit Kat Club)
The Upper Circle is the highest seating tier, providing a distant but broad perspective of the entire venue and the immersive club below. Seating quality is standard theatre seating, potentially less padded than lower levels.
Legroom is generally the most restricted in the theatre, which can be challenging for taller people. Views offer a full, panoramic overview of the stage and the club.
While distant, the steep rake ensures good sightlines over audience members' heads. Details of facial expressions and intricate stage elements may be less discernible without binoculars.
Some seats, particularly at the extreme sides or very back, may experience minor obstructions from pillars or safety rails. The primary 'restriction' for some people will be the distance from the stage.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club), for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 10 min walk
- Strand Palaceabout 10 min walk
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circusabout 15 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located in the Main Foyer (step-free from Stalls) and rear of Stalls.
Space limited.
Ticket collection for current day's show within one hour before performance.
Location
Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE
Getting there
nearest first
- 2–5 min
Embankment
BakerlooNorthernDistrictCircle - 2–5 min
Charing Cross
BakerlooNorthernNational Rail
Step-by-step walking directions
The Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club) is located on Northumberland Avenue. The nearest Tube stations are Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District, Circle lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern lines). Charing Cross also serves National Rail services. Both stations are within a 2-5 minute walk.

