Cockpit Theatre

The Cockpit Theatre was built by the Inner London Education Authority as a studio theatre, ownership later passing to the City of Westminster College. Externally, the theatre is in a separate block of two storeys and attached to a multi-storey hall of residence. Constructed in concrete and glass, a pleasing and functional post-War design. Funky painted foyer, bar and cafe. Original period spiral staircase gives access to upper levels and work spaces. The brown, brick lined, box auditorium has a maximum capacity of 240 for performances in the round and on retractable seating. In a thrust stage format the capacity is reduced to 180. The stage is fully flexible and adaptable as well as the grid. Intimate space, and cherished by its users. There is also a large workshop and ample facilities. During 1992-5 the College provided rent free accommodation for the Soho Theatre Company. In 2012 the College moved to new premises at Paddington Green, a campus designed by architects schmidt hammer lassen, and including the Sarah Siddons Theatre. The Cockpit is still very much in use at present and presents a programme of professional theatre.