Garrick Theatre, London

Thinking of catching a theatrical performance during your visit to London? If you're in the mood for a light-hearted comedy, your best bet is the Garrick Theatre, conveniently situated on Charing Cross Road.

This theater was conceived by the collaborative efforts of Walter Emden and C.J. Phipps, though they encountered some challenges during construction when they unexpectedly unearthed an underground river while laying the building's foundations. This setback led to a temporary delay in construction, but the issue was ultimately resolved, and the theater proudly opened its doors in 1889.

The interior design, while perhaps somewhat extravagant, exudes an Italian Renaissance aesthetic, adorned with numerous depictions of cupids and laurels in gilded embellishments, as well as classical statues gracing the auditorium. The Foyer Bar, on the other hand, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with an elegant lounge and an impressive portrait of the theater's namesake, David Garrick. The Circle Bar boasts a comfortable lounge area and a covered balcony that overlooks Charing Cross Road. Intricate marquetry patterns embellish the bar floors, while mosaic tiling graces the vestibule floor.

With a seating capacity of 656, the Garrick Theatre is relatively intimate, yet its three-tiered seating arrangement ensures a spacious feel. This theater primarily serves as a receiving house, hosting touring theater companies rather than producing its own repertoire. The productions typically lean towards comedies and comedy/dramas, as opposed to Shakespearean plays, which may seem surprising given David Garrick's reputation as a renowned Shakespearean actor.