Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone - Name

Name

Now known as "The Cockpit", the theatre has previously had a few other names. Initially named the "Gateforth Street Youth Arts Centre" (and referred to by variations thereof) it was soon decided that a simpler name would be more appropriate. The name 'Cockpit' derived from the 17th century Cockpit Theatre and Cockpit-in-Court, both venues used as theatre and cockfighting rings which nicely echoed the theatre's in-the-round design. Fortuitously, the original design of the foyer floor incorporated a roundel motif which linked nicley to the idea of a plane's cockpit. The name "Cockpit Arts Workshop" was adopted and eventually became the "Cockpit Theatre" or simply the "Cockpit".