Comedy Theatre

Theatre History

The History of The Comedy Theatre

The Comedy Theatre was originally known as The Royal Comedy Theatre and was opened on October 15th 1881. The name had to be changed in 1884 as the original theatre owner didn't have the warrant to call the theatre 'Royal.' The first performance, 'La Mascott', was, however, attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The New Watergate 'Theatre Club' formed in 1956 and was held in The Comedy Theatre. 'Theatre Clubs' arose as a reaction to the decision by the Lord Chamberlain to ban certain plays which were deemed unsuitable to appear on a public stage. For a nominal membership fee, members were able to view previously banned plays. Under such guise, the Comedy Theatre presented plays such as Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' until censorship rules were relaxed and, eventually, disposed of.

Many famous faces have graced the stage at the Comedy Theatre over the years from Maureen Lipman to Ewan McGregor and Alan Bennett. As well as an association with famous faces the Comedy Theatre has been home to numerous successful productions from fringe to musicals such as the Rocky Horror Shows which made its West End debut in 1979 at the theatre. The theatre continues to prove a success, housing box office hits and drawing in large audiences.