'It's hard not to rave about the Royal Court'
Guardian
'The undisputed epicentre of new writing in this country'
Time Out
'Absolute proof of the power of live theatre'
Observer
'The most important theatre in Europe'
New York Times
As Britain's leading national company dedicated to new work, the Royal Court produces new plays of the highest quality, working with writers from all backgrounds, and addressing the problems and possibilities of our time. In 1956 Artistic Director George Devine aimed to discover 'hard-hitting, uncompromising writers' and create a company that would challenge and stimulate British theatre.
This is an ethos the Royal Court has continued to produce work under and has presented premieres by almost every leading contemporary British playwright from John Osborne's Look Back in Anger to Caryl Churchill's A Number and Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll. Some of the other writers to have premiered their work at the Royal Court include Edward Albee, John Arden, Mike Bartlett, Richard Bean, Samuel Beckett, Edward Bond, Leo Butler, Jez Butterworth, Martin Crimp, Ariel Dorfman, Stella Feehily, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Eugène Ionesco, Ann Jellicoe, Terry Johnson, Sarah Kane, Martin McDonagh, Conor McPherson, David Mamet, Joe Penhall, Lucy Prebble, Mark Ravenhill, Simon Stephens, Wole Soyinka, Polly Stenham, David Storey, Debbie Tucker Green, Laura Wade, Arnold Wesker and Roy Williams. The Royal Court has also premiered work by many eminent American writers including Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Bruce Norris and Christopher Shinn.
In addition to full-scale productions, the Royal Court also facilitates international work at a grass roots level, working in over 30 different languages and in over 100 countries worldwide developing exchanges which bring young writers to Britain and sending British writers, actors and directors to work with artists around the world.
Café Bar at the Royal Court.
Opening Hours
• Monday - Saturday: 12pm till late
• Lunch and dinner served 12pm - 8pm
• Bar snacks throughout the evening
The Café Bar is a lively meeting place for audiences, writers, directors, actors and the general public. Set within the 19th Century auditorium pit, it occupies a space steeped in history. High vaulted ceilings with natural light pouring in through glass pavement blocks make a welcome addition to the original theatre's cramped public spaces.
Food is locally and ethically sourced and we pride ourselves on the fact that we use reputable and award winning suppliers. Cured meats, oils and olives from Brindisa; meat from Smithfield Market and cheese from Neal's Yard Dairy all combine to create a menu that appeals and inspires.
For something more substantial, choose from our full menu. Served daily from 12pm until 8pm, it changes regularly and offers seasonal British food inspired by the comforts of home cooking. Ideal for a pre-theatre meal or for those with a little more time. Menus change regularly, see www.royalcourttheatre.com for more information.
Our food ethos at the Royal Court Theatre Café/Bar is dedicated to British produce that has been locally sourced where possible and is always seasonal. The kitchen team produce all stocks, sauces, cakes and even cure meat and fish on the premises. Our talented chefs have also built a reputation for making their own style of sourdough bread that accompanies some of the dishes on the menu.
To make a reservation, please call 020 7565 5058 or email foodanddrink@royalcourttheatre.com, supplying your full name, a contact telephone number, the date and time of your booking request and the number of people in your party.
The Royal Court Bookshop
The Royal Court Bookshop prides itself on offering a diverse selection of contemporary plays and publications on the theory and practice of modern drama. With each new play that comes through the theatre, a brand new playtext is put on sale containing the full script for just £3. Playtexts from past productions are also available, many sold at £3.
For further information, please contact our Bookshop team on 020 7565 5024 or at bookshop@royalcourttheatre.com
Opening Times
Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm
Sat- 2pm-8pm
Please mention: Thebestofkensingtonandchelsea when contacting the Royal Court Theatre
Theatres in Kensington and Chesea.Theatre in Chelsea ,arts, centre,entertainment and shows in Kensington and Chelsea.
The Royal Court is a miracle: it was the most interesting, exciting theatre in London when I first went there more than fifty years ago, and it can still make …
For over 50 years, it has acted as the favoured academy of playwriting for the significant majority of young and leading British playwrights. Its recent resurgence, under its present artistic …
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