The theatre was started in 1976 by two Americans, Robert Rumpf and Clifford Dean, who trained and worked professionally in the United States before coming to Hamburg in the mid-1970s. They share the general management responsibilities, plan the artistic program and direct most of the productions. The theatre is located at Lerchenfeld 14, 22081 Hamburg, Germany.

While everyone who has ever worked at the English Theatre has made a valuable contribution to its success, it was the dedication, determination and willingness to take risks going far beyond what might be expected as well as the hours upon hours of hard work by these people at the beginning of our history that laid the essential foundation of this institution. Directors Clifford Dean and Robert Rumpf want to express their deep gratitude to these individuals: John Walther, Michael Medlinger, Heike Kock, Eloïse Jaffer, Gabi Ellis, Dianne Wilson, Anne Lange and Herbert Seeland.

The company performs from September through June, giving eight performances per week. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. every evening (except Sundays) and at 11:00 a.m. twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays).

The theatre presents a variety of distinguished plays in the original English on a professional basis, hoping thereby to contribute to international communication through language and the art of the theatre.

A season at The English Theatre usually includes an American or British drama from the classics or modern classics, a comedy, a thriller and a contemporary play. Past plays have included the works of Shakespeare, G.B. Shaw, Eugene O'Neill, Harold Pinter, Noel Coward, Tennessee Williams, Alan Ayckbourn, Neil Simon, Neil LaBute and John Godber.

In addition to performing plays in the original English, the theatre provides schools in Hamburg and the surrounding areas with free teaching material for each play and discussions are offered on request after performances with the director and actors. Students are admitted to all performances at greatly reduced prices.

The theatre's box office is conveniently located on the ground floor of the building HAMMONIA BAD. The auditorium itself, on the first floor, has 160 comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. Access for handicapped visitors is provided (For further information please call: +49 (0)40 227 7089). Each row is elevated so that all spectators have an excellent view of the stage. The foyer is equipped with bar and cloakroom facilities and there is ample parking space behind the building. A separate building near the theatre houses a rehearsal room, administrative offices, a workshop, costume and prop rooms and storage space for furniture and props.

Most of the theatre's audience comes from Hamburg and the surrounding areas of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, including students of English and those who have mastered English as a second language, as well as native speakers. Tourists and business people from all over the world also attend performances.

The theatre has a staff of approximately 30 people employed on either a full-time or part-time basis. This includes the directors of the theatre, the administrative and technical personnel, the stage management, as well as box office staff, bartenders and cloakroom attendants. Professional actors and set designers are hired in London for each production.