The Royal Court Theatre actually is two theatres, the small studio space of the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs and the larger Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. The Jerwood derives from one of their sponsors, who subsidise performances on Monday nights in the upstairs theatre.
The Royal Court is renowned for its promotion of new writing, and is the premier venue in London. It is situated in Sloane Square, right next to the tube station. The building itself is lovely and has just been renovated. There is a bar and a restaurant downstairs that i love, the ambience is divine, and the actors from the shows are always in there pre and post performances, which is great if like me, you thrive on that sort of atmosphere. The food is great, not too expensive. There is also a great bookshop, stocked high with every sort of play you could wish for! It is most certainly a popular venue, even for those that aren't actually watching a play, and it is full of trendy, gorgeous people, another plus!
As regards the material they present, which is obviously the most important factor, the breadth of new writing is substantial. They have currently just finished a Sarah Kane season, which was mind-blowing, whilst upstairs there was the new play Herons by Simon Usher. A double-bill by Harold Pinter is about to begin previews downstairs, whist Clubland begins its previews upstairs. Its Artistic Director, Ian Rickson, is doing a fantastic job of promoting this country's up and coming playwrights. The Royal Court also has a Young Person's Playwright scheme, and also supports new writing from around the world. Shortly, there will be new plays from Uganda and Palestine.
I am totally in love with the Royal Court as you might gather, but my opinion is heartfelt. I really admire the work they stage, and desperately want to work there. Perhaps one day.....