Barbican Theatre

The Barbican Theatre is part of the wider Barbican complex and arts centre, hosting a huge range of theatre performances, concerts, film screenings and so much more.

The Barbican Centre is home to two art galleries, two theatres, three cinemas, a concert hall and even a tropical conservatory.

The Barbican Theatre in London

The iconic building, rebuilt after the Second World War, is known for its bold brutalist design. One of London’s most unique architectural complexes, it’s a city within a city, now Grade II listed.

Within the Barbican Centre, you can find not one but two theatres (the main theatre and smaller studio theatre, The Pit), both known for showcasing some of the finest performances around. The programme is carefully curated, investing in outstanding talent and inviting audiences to experience international theatre and boundary-pushing live productions. 

What’s on at the Barbican Theatre

This year’s programme brings to life two groundbreaking productions, sure to captivate theatregoers.

Good Night, Oscar (31 July to 21 September)

The critically acclaimed Broadway play makes its debut in London, bringing Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Sean Hayes to the stage. Travel back to the 1950s, as Jack Paar hosts one of the most popular talk shows of the time and welcomes Oscar – his favourite guest and a charismatic character famous for his razor-sharp wit. Expect a one-of-a-kind performance, packed with hilarious lines and outrageous situations, that you definitely won’t forget anytime soon.

Book your tickets now for Good Night, Oscar.

Wendy & Peter Pan (21 October to 22 November)

Fly back to Neverland with the RSC's production, signed by playwright Ella Hickson and offering a thrilling new take on the classic story. This time, follow Wendy on a bumpy adventure as she leaves the safety of the Darling's nursery on a quest to find the key to her parents' lost happiness. Expect spellbinding staging, including sword-fighting and fairy dust!

Book your tickets now for Wendy & Peter Pan

Twelfth Night (8 December - 17 January)

This Christmas, see the spellbinding production of this Shakespeare classic. Twelfth Night is the same RSC production that sold out in Stratford-upon-Avon, directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah. Follow the journey of a woman who has survived a terrible shipwreck and is grieving for her twin brother, while also taking on a new secret life, torn between love and grief. Caught up in a love triangle, what follows is a bittersweet, chaotic love story.

Book your tickets to see Twelfth Night

Barbican Theatre history

The Barbican Theatre first opened in 1982, as part of the larger Barbican complex, which is known as one of the biggest multi-arts centres in Europe. The building, famous for its eclectic arts programme, is one of London’s top cultural venues.

The theatre itself was originally designed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, making it the perfect place to transfer their productions from Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, straight to the London stage. The Barbican is also home to the London Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s top orchestras. 

Recently, the Barbican welcomed the Olivier Award-winning My Neighbour Totoro, which was nothing short of a showstopper! Audiences can’t get enough of it, and now it’s moved to the West End, still wowing crowds with its magical mix of storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals.

Why you should go

• Diverse programme – Whether you're into groundbreaking theatre, or live music performances, the Barbican Theatre has something for everyone.
• Iconic performances – Home to bold productions and innovative performances, the Barbican Theatre is a must-visit for theatre lovers, offering a dynamic programme that brings acclaimed international and local talent to the London stage. 

Barbican Theatre seating plan

The Barbican Theatre not only offers a great view of the stage from every angle but is also known for its incredibly comfortable seating. With a capacity of 1,100 seats, the venue is designed for a relaxed yet immersive experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the different seating sections to help you decide what seat to choose for your next show:

• Stalls – Right at the heart of the action, the Stalls offer a closer view of the stage.
• Circle – With a slightly elevated view, seats within the Circle offers an overall view of the entire stage.
• Upper Circle and Balcony – If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, these sections still provide a good view of the stage while further away.

Is the Barbican Theatre accessible?

The Barbican Theatre is committed to being as accessible as possible, and in 2020 it won the prestigious Euan’s Guide Award for Best Accessible Venue in London. 

Currently, the following performances are scheduled to be captioned (with captions displayed on a screen near the stage, and accessible seating reserved nearby):

• Good Night Oscar: 27 August at 7pm
• Wendy & Peter Pan: 8 November at 1.30pm
• Twelfth Night: 20 December at 1.30pm

Audio described performances (headsets available from Stalls Left & Stalls) are also available on specific dates:

• Good Night, Oscar: 5 September at 7pm, with touch tour prior to the performance at 5.15pm
• Wendy & Peter Pan: 22 November at 1.30pm,  with touch tour prior to the performance at 11.30am
• Twelfth Night: 3 January at 1.30pm,  with touch tour prior to the performance at 11.30am

Additionally, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be available at select performances to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Stalls seats close to the signer are 
reserved for BSL users and need to be booked in advance. The upcoming BSL-interpreted performances include:

• Good Night Oscar: 23 August at 2.30pm

The Barbican Centre’s entrance is equipped with ramp access for wheelchair users, located on Silk Street, which leads directly to the Foyer on the ground floor. From there, lifts provide easy access to all levels of the building.

Please contact the venue for more details about accessibility.

How do I get to the Barbican Theatre?

The Barbican Theatre, located on Silk Street. 

How to get there: 

• Underground – Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith and Metropolitan lines) and Moorgate (Circle, Hammersmith, Metropolitan and Northern lines) are the closest Tube stations to the theatre.
• Bus –  Hop on the 153 bus and stop at Beech Street (Stop BN) just in front of the Barbican.
• Cycling – Rent a Santander Cycle bike and head towards Silk Street where you can find a docking station right by the Barbican Centre.

Visit London top tip

If you’ve booked tickets to see a show, make sure to arrive at the Barbican with a little extra time to spare. There’s plenty to explore, from the gift shops stocked with unique pieces by up-and-coming artists to free exhibitions and installations, including a fascinating model of the Barbican Centre and estate, straight from the archives. For a moment of calm, soak up the Barbican’s iconic architecture with a peaceful stroll along the Lakeside Terrace – a hidden oasis away from London’s hustle and bustle.

Don’t miss it: The Barbican Conservatory

For an extra treat, head to the Conservatory. Tucked away inside the Barbican, it’s one of London’s largest hidden tropical gardens and only open on selected days – an unexpected escape in the heart of the city!

Wander through lush greenery and enjoy a peaceful stroll or find a quiet spot to sit with a book and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Take your time to explore the variety of exotic plants and flowers, and don’t forget to head upstairs, where a striking cactus and succulent house awaits – a real hidden gem within this urban jungle.

Check the available dates and book your free ticket in advance on the Barbican website to avoid missing out.

What time does the Barbican box office open?

The Barbican box office is located on level G and is opened every day from 10am to 7.30pm. 

Please note that to avoid queuing on site you can book your theatre tickets for shows performing at the Barbican directly with Visit London by clicking on the Book Now button.

What food and drink is available at the Barbican?

Plenty of food and drink options are available within the Barbican Centre, the perfect option for all kind of cravings. 

• The Barbican Kitchen, located on the ground floor, offers a wide range of options from freshly made sandwiches and salads, as well as a selection of street food options.  
• The Barbican Bar and Grill by Searcy’s offers a menu blending modern British dining with comforting classics. The venue offers a pre-theatre menu featuring mouthwatering charred aubergines topped with burrata for starters as well as beef bourguignon for main, among other options.   
• The Martini Bar, located on the first floor, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before the performance, with a menu of fine cocktails ranging from classic Negronis to signature creations and, of course, expertly crafted martinis. 

Does the Barbican have a cloakroom?

A free cloakroom is available on Level -1, opening 90 minutes before a performance starts. Please note that only small items are allowed to be taken in the theatre, with larger bags to be stored in the cloakroom. 

Which hotels are nearby to the Barbican?

There’s no shortage of hotels around the Barbican, with options to suit every budget and style. Here are some of our top picks:

• Montcalm Brewery Townhouse (five minute walk)
  A historic boutique five-star hotel just moments from the Barbican. Set within a restored Georgian townhouse next to the Montcalm Brewery, it offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of London  and is perfect for those seeking quiet luxury.
• The Moorgate by Cove (eight minute walk)
  A stylish three-star hotel in the heart of the City of London, offering fully serviced apartments. With sleek interiors and all the amenities you could need, it’s an ideal choice for longer stays or anyone looking for a home-from-home experience.
• Travelodge London Central City Road (10 minute walk)
  Ideally located in vibrant Shoreditch and just a short walk from the Barbican, this budget-friendly hotel doesn’t compromise on comfort. Expect contemporary décor, a great night’s sleep and excellent value for your London adventure.