From the outside it is obvious the Cockpit was built in the 70s, as it has the same sort of concrete modernist design that makes many deem the Barbican an eyesore. Since opening, the Theatre has changed hands several times, from the Inner London Education Authority who used it as a community centre to the City of Westminster College, who would host lectures and student performances here. After moving premises the college built a new venue for its students, and the Cockpit became a full time theatre. In terms of performances, the Cockpit has a bit of everything; comedy, drama, jazz performances, musicals, Shakespeare, classical music… the list goes on. There’s an educational aspect too in the form of acting and dance classes and literary workshops, additionally the theatre runs courses in technical areas like rigging and pyrotechnics. The theatre has a capacity for 240 people and is available for private hire.