
Barbican Theatre
A vibrant hub for performing arts and historic waterfront charm, offering diverse theatre, unique architecture, and lively local culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For theatre and nightlife

Barbican Theatre
Best Time
For theatre and nightlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for performing arts and historic waterfront charm, offering diverse theatre, unique architecture, and lively local culture.
"The Barbican offers a magical establishment where you can meet artists, make friends, and create treasured moments."

🎯 Navigate the Barbican Estate
Arrive early! The Barbican Centre is vast and can be confusing to navigate. Allow extra time to find your way.
🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets in Advance
Popular shows and comedy nights sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Barbican Centre's Brutalist Architecture
Barbican Estate, London
Iconic brutalist design meets lush greenery and water features, creating a unique urban oasis.

Live Theatre Performances
Barbican Theatre, London
Experience world-class plays, musicals, and experimental theatre from renowned artists.

Plymouth's Historic Barbican Waterfront
The Barbican, Plymouth
Cobbled lanes, independent shops, and vibrant pubs offering a charming harbor atmosphere.

B-Bar's Quirky Events & Food
B-Bar, Plymouth
Enjoy Thai food, live music, comedy, and a cozy atmosphere with supportive staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Barbican Maze
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate the Barbican Estate
Arrive early! The Barbican Centre is vast and can be confusing to navigate. Allow extra time to find your way.
🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets in Advance
Popular shows and comedy nights sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Enjoy Thai Food at B-Bar
The B-Bar offers excellent Thai food cooked to order in a relaxed atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Explore Plymouth's Cobbled Lanes
Wander the charming streets of Plymouth's Barbican for independent shops and a lively harbor vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate the Barbican Estate
Arrive early! The Barbican Centre is vast and can be confusing to navigate. Allow extra time to find your way.
🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets in Advance
Popular shows and comedy nights sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Enjoy Thai Food at B-Bar
The B-Bar offers excellent Thai food cooked to order in a relaxed atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Explore Plymouth's Cobbled Lanes
Wander the charming streets of Plymouth's Barbican for independent shops and a lively harbor vibe.
🚢 Ferry to Royal William Yard
Take a short ferry trip from Plymouth's Barbican for beautiful coastal views and local food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Barbican Centre for its diverse and high-quality theatre productions and its striking brutalist architecture. In Plymouth, the historic Barbican waterfront is loved for its charming atmosphere, independent shops, and the B-Bar's good food and quirky events. However, some find the Barbican Centre's layout confusing and note a lack of nearby food options in Plymouth.
"When in Plymouth we always visit the Bbar at the theatre complex for Thai food, cooked as you wait....simply excellent. Good people serving and cooking their great dishes. Lovely atmosphere. Great place to visit and convenient for the National Aquatium just accross the harbour."
Richard Faisey
"Amazing cosy venue and very supportive staff. Great prices and quirky events. B Bar attached is a relaxing atmosphere and good food"
Nic Scott-Coyle
"Have attended a few great shows hear (anything comedy is our go to!) with family and friends. Always have a fantastic time. Great value for money with friendly helpful staff."
MJC Passive Fire Ltd Accredited Passive Fire Protection & Carpentry Services
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Barbican Centre is accessible via the Barbican tube station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines). It's also a pleasant walk from other central London locations.
Plymouth's Barbican is easily accessible by foot from the city center. You can also take local buses or enjoy a scenic ferry ride from nearby areas.
Yes, there are car parks available at the Barbican Centre in London, but they can be expensive. In Plymouth, street parking is available around the Barbican, but can be limited.
The nearest train station to Plymouth's Barbican is Plymouth Station. From there, it's a short taxi or bus ride to the waterfront.
Yes, the Barbican Estate in London offers a unique walking experience through its brutalist architecture. Plymouth's Barbican is best explored on foot to discover its charming streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Barbican website, by phone, or in person at the box office. For some shows, rush tickets might be available via apps like TodayTix.
Concessions may be available for students, seniors, and children for certain performances. Check the specific show's booking page for details.
The Barbican Centre's opening hours vary depending on the venue and ongoing exhibitions or performances. It's best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
For some performances, tickets may be available on the door, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular shows, to avoid disappointment.
Refund and exchange policies vary by performance. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the box office directly for assistance.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Barbican hosts a diverse range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, opera, and comedy. They are known for hosting both established and experimental productions.
Plymouth's Barbican offers a historic waterfront with independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and is near attractions like the National Aquarium.
The Barbican Centre is generally accessible, with lifts and accessible seating available for many performances. It's recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific needs.
Yes, guided tours are often available, offering insights into the architecture and history of the Barbican Estate and Centre. Check their website for tour schedules.
The B-Bar is described as having a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with quirky events and friendly staff, making it a great spot for food and entertainment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Barbican Centre has several cafes and restaurants offering a range of cuisines. For more extensive options, the surrounding Barbican Estate and nearby areas provide numerous choices.
Plymouth's Barbican boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, with a notable mention for the B-Bar's excellent Thai food.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the performance venues. There are usually bars and cafes available for refreshments.
Most dining establishments at the Barbican Centre and in Plymouth's Barbican area offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus in advance.
Dining prices can vary. While some high-end restaurants exist, there are also more affordable cafes and pubs, especially around Plymouth's Barbican.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is typically not allowed during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Check venue rules for common areas.
The Barbican Centre's unique brutalist architecture, water features, and greenery offer many striking photographic opportunities.
Yes, the historic streets, harbor, and boats at Plymouth's Barbican are very photogenic. Capture the charm of the cobbled lanes and waterfront.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within the Barbican Estate in London due to its residential and public nature. Always check local regulations.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for capturing the architecture. Daytime offers good light for exploring the grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In London, while the Barbican Centre is more geared towards adult arts, many of its performances can be enjoyed by older children and teenagers, especially musicals or visually engaging theatre. Check the specific show's age recommendations. The unique architecture of the Barbican Estate can also be an interesting visual experience for younger visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
In London, while Barbican Centre tickets can be pricey for major shows, look for rush tickets or consider attending free exhibitions or events if available. Exploring the brutalist architecture of the Barbican Estate itself is a free activity.
couples
In London, a theatre date at the Barbican Centre can be a sophisticated choice, followed by a drink at one of the Centre's bars or exploring the atmospheric estate. Consider a performance that appeals to shared interests for a memorable evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Barbican Centre: An Architectural Marvel
This unique design extends to the theatre spaces themselves, with some featuring distinctive architectural elements like the 'tuning fork' columns in the School of Music and Drama. Exploring the Barbican is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into a distinct architectural era that continues to inspire and intrigue visitors.
Visitors often find the sheer scale and layout of the Barbican Estate to be a point of fascination, and sometimes, confusion. It’s a place where art, living, and performance seamlessly blend, offering a truly immersive urban experience.
Plymouth's Historic Barbican: A Waterfront Gem
The Barbican is also a gateway to other attractions. A short ferry trip from here can take you to the impressive Royal William Yard, offering stunning coastal views and further historical exploration. For those interested in marine life, the National Aquarium is conveniently located just across the harbor.
Beyond its historical charm and amenities, the Barbican in Plymouth is known for its vibrant events, such as the annual Pirates Weekend, which draws crowds for family-friendly fun. It's a place that offers a blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination in Devon.
Experiencing Theatre at the Barbican
Recent productions have included notable shows like 'Rohtko,' an experimental piece exploring the intersection of live theatre and cinema, and 'Good Night, Oscar,' which earned a Tony Award for its lead actor. The theatre is also known for hosting touring productions, such as 'Fiddler on the Roof,' bringing beloved classics to its stage.
For those attending a performance, it's worth noting that the Barbican Centre's complex layout can be a challenge. However, the quality of the productions and the unique architectural setting often make the journey worthwhile.
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