The Garrick Theatre was financed in 1889 by the playwright W. S. Gilbert. It was designed by Walter Emden, with C. J. Phipps brought in as a consultant to help with the planning on the difficult site after an underground river was discovered in the excavation. Originally the theatre had 800 seats on four levels, but the gallery has since been closed and the seating capacity was reduced. To begin with The Garrick specialised in melodrama but has since been known primarily for comedies including a four year run of No Sex Please, We’re British. Eddie Izzard in Great Great Expectation is currently playing. The Garrick Theatre was purchased in 2005 by Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer forming part of the Nimax Theatres group.