The Pit

The Pit is a small theatre space inside the Barbican Centre in the City of London. It opened in 1982 at the same time as the rest of the arts complex. The room seats 164 people and can be rearranged for different kinds of performances. It is used by new theatre companies and individual artists who are starting out. The Barbican Centre itself is one of Europe’s largest cultural venues. The theatre is worth visiting because it gives a stage to work that might otherwise go unnoticed. Emerging writers, directors and performers use the space to test ideas before wider audiences. The Barbican’s reputation for bold programming began here. The Pit shows that even in a big arts organisation there is room for risk and experiment. Inside, the room is plain and flexible so every show can shape the space to its needs. The seating can be moved or removed to create standing areas. The lighting rig is simple but effective, letting designers light each production exactly as they wish. Outside, the Barbican’s concrete towers and gardens provide a dramatic backdrop. The theatre sits at the heart of a complex that also includes cinemas, art galleries and a concert hall.