Location

 

The Phoenix Artist Club is located in the heart of Theatreland in central London underneath the Phoenix Theatre. The entrance is on the corner of Charing Cross Road and Phoenix Street.

There are two local tube stations: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Line) and Tottenham Court Road (Northern and Central Line).

 

Our telephone number is 020 7836 1077.

 

History

The lively and nostalgic theatre bar is located in the original dressing and rehearsal rooms of the Phoenix Theatre where Laurence Olivier made his debut on stage in the thirties in "Private Lives" with Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence.

In the late 70s it was transformed into a wine bar and restaurant with a decor to compliment its theatrical past. The unique decor includes some very special artworks such as the costume designs of the Rhine Stone Ballet, a hand-made model of the Old Vic Theatre and prints detailing how to dress well in 1930s London.

The collection is also constantly changing as members regularly add their own memborabilia. Scattered around are props from past productions and signed prints from West End shows.

Maurice Huggett (The Huggett Bird - waistcoaticus garishus)

The Huggett Bird is a native of Southern England choosing to nest in quiet, dark corners - often underground. It is known for its incredibly elaborate and brightly-coloured, even garish, plummage which it regularly changes to attract mates. Frequently heard late into the evening singing a mournful showstopper, it adopts a strange - what some experts have called - "beard" fluffed up from scattered debris around its nest.

The Huggett Bird is fiercely territorial frequently berating rivals with a colourful call of "don't touch the props". Best seen at night, this little marvel is regularly found near a watering hole where it sits chirping with a strong G&T.

(photograph courtesy of Birds of Britain magazine)

Maurice waxing lyrical with a few celebrities...