Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre is a major theatre in London. The theatre first opened in 1870 as The New Chelsea Theatre and has garnered a reputation as one of Britain’s premier theatres. The New York Times once referred to it as “the most important theatre in Europe.” Known as the “writers’ theatre”, the Royal Court primarily cultivates new plays and has harnessed playwrights like Athol Fugard, Sam Shepard, David Hare, and Martin McDonagh. One of the Royal Court’s early productions was Caryl Churchill’s first professionally-produced play, Owners, in 1972. Churchill has since written 17 plays for the theatre. This guide will explain the history and current status of the Royal Court Theatre.

Terminology

• Angry young men: A group of young British playwrights whose work realistically depicted the struggles of the lower class.

Key Dates & Events

• 1870: Royal Court Theatre opens as The New Chelsea Theatre.
• June 19, 1973: The Rocky Horror Show premieres at the Royal Court.
• May 8, 1956: Look Back in Anger premiers at the Royal Court.
• December 6, 1972: Caryl Churchill’s Owners premiers at the Royal Court.
• 1974: Caryl Churchill becomes the Royal Court’s first female playwright in residence.