Looking for a playhouse with real character? These small theatres in London host some of the best fringe and independent productions in the UK. Whether you want to squeeze an extra show into your London theatre break, or just fancy a break from the norm, these pint-sized venues are the biz. Without further ado – here are 12 theatres with under 120 seats, in under 120 words each!
Union Theatre (75 seats) – SE1 0LR, Southwark
Nestled beneath the railway arches, this small Off-West End theatre has a roaring reputation for musicals. After you’ve witnessed one of the big West End shows, why not pop in here for something intimate? All types of musical theatre are embraced, from brand new works to classics like Stephen Sondheim and Gilbert & Sullivan. It’s praised for its friendliness too.
Opened by Sasha Regan in 1998, the current building is the Union’s second incarnation – its old location was just across the road. You’ll now find swanky tiered seating, accessible toilets, and a nice restaurant next door. Look out for an upcoming production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and a monthly Sunday Social populated by West End performers.
Tristan Bates Theatre (70 seats) – WC2H 9NP, Covent Garden
The Tristan Bates Theatre is the flagship venue for The Actors Centre; a leading organisation for supporting performers during their acting careers. It was established in 1994 by Sir Alan Bates, in memory of his son. Patrons of The Actors Centre have included Sir Alec Guinness and Dame Julie Walters, alongside a star-studded list of tutors.
With a cosy setting and an unbeatable location in the heart of London’s West End, the Tristan Bates has an excellent atmosphere. You’ll find actors at the height of their fame, alongside fresh-faced drama graduates just starting out. Look out for a festival of musical theatre by Goldsmiths University and the all-female production of Sherlock Holmes.
Bromley Little Theatre (113 seats) – BR1 1SB, Bromley North
Further south from the centre, this local community theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1938. They present one full-length play once a month, with a crowd-pleasing mixture of contemporary dramas, comedies, thrillers and musicals. Look out for established classics like Goodnight Mister Tom, A Christmas Carol, and Picnic at Hanging Rock.
The BLT has everything you need for an enjoyable night – comfortable seats, air conditioning in the auditorium, and a bar. You’ll find tried-and-tested, good quality scripts, performed by enthusiastic ‘am-dram’ volunteer actors. They also premier brand new plays, if you’re feeling more adventurous. A vibrant little playhouse, converted from an old Victorian bakery.
Jermyn Street Theatre (70 Seats) – SW1Y 6ST, Piccadilly Circus
Not ready to venture away from the bright lights? The Jermyn Street Theatre is an Off-West End theatre in the heart of London’s West End. Opened in 1994, it has hosted a huge range of successful theatre productions and has become somewhat of a London staple. It has won The Stage 100 Best Fringe Theatre award and is fully air conditioned (applause).
Committed to forward-thinking, this high quality theatre is especially keen to showcase female producers, directors and playwrights. If you’re looking for outstanding new plays, rare revivals and new versions of European classics, try this arthouse theatre with a West End gleam. Look out for One Million Tiny Plays About Britain, coming up this winter.
Theatre503 (63 seats) – SW11 3BW, Clapham Junction
All new writers need to start somewhere, and they could do a lot worse than Theatre503. Offering the warmest of welcomes, this independent theatre is a springboard for emerging artists and playwrights. Over 100 debut pieces of writing are performed here every year, to a supportive audience. You could be one of the first to enjoy the next William Shakespeare!
Theatre503 was founded in 1982, as an offshoot of the highly rated Gate Theatre in Notting Hill. It sits above the handsomely decorated Latchmere pub, who do a fantastic steak if you want to make a big night of it. Take a chance on one of the upcoming productions – from tense thrillers and challenging dramas, to fun family-friendly pantomimes.
Little Angel Theatre (80 seats) – N1 2DN, Angel
There’s something a little different about the Little Angel Theatre’s actors… they’re all puppets! This internationally-recognised theatre is a treat for both youngsters and adults alike. It hosts a wide variety of touring productions, alongside producing its own innovative marionette shows. Get ready to laugh, cheer, and feel like you’re a kid again.
Opened in 1961, the Little Angel Theatre does a lot of work with London schools and youth groups. If you’re interested in having a go yourself, they even provide regular puppeteering courses for beginners and hobbyists. Look out for ‘The Dong With a Luminous Nose’ – a creative retelling of the Edward Lear poem with a colourful cast of puppets.
Finborough Theatre (50 seats) – SW10 9ED, Earl’s Court
Boasting nearly as many awards as it has seats, the Finborough Theatre has a glowing reputation that belies its tiny size. Founded in 1980, this renowned Off-West End theatre sits above a welcoming West London pub. You can rely on an excellent standard of actors and creatives, no matter what the script. Microphones are not used; it really is that intimate.
The Finborough Theatre primarily hosts new British works – which must avoid a checklist of cliches including “plays about urban, middle-class ‘twenty/thirtysomethings’ preoccupied with relationships or emotional problems” – and rediscovered 19th and 20th century plays. You may even catch an old, forgotten piece of musical theatre (if you’re lucky).
Canal Cafe Theatre (60 seats) – W2 6NG, Warwick Avenue
Get ready to giggle at this award-winning venue, loved for its colourful comedy and cabaret productions. Situated in the Little Venice area of London, why not enjoy a pre-show meal by the banks of Regent’s Canal? This small theatre opened in 1979 and is known for big comedians – Catherine Tate, Eddie Izzard and Dara O’ Briain have all graced its boards.
The Canal Cafe Theatre sits above The Bridge House Pub, and has a typical cabaret setup of chairs around tables. Don’t miss NewsRevue, “the world’s longest running live comedy show”, a mix of sketches poking fun at the week’s events. An intimate setting, delicious food downstairs, and the cream of stand-up comedy talent. What more could you want?
Gate Theatre (75 seats) – W11 3HQ, Notting Hill Gate
This independent theatre in Notting Hill has won numerous awards for its work, and has an acting alumni that includes Kathy Burke, Rachel Weisz and Jude Law. What it lacks in size, it makes up in its reputation as one of London’s best Off-West End theatres. You’ll find a diverse programme of ground-breaking plays, with a focus on international theatre.
The Gate is a distinctive, somewhat awkward space that transforms for every performance – no two visits are ever the same! Expect creative set designs and work that delights both the brain and eyes. The foyer is tiny, but the Prince Albert pub is just downstairs. Celebrating its 40th year, this little theatre with big ideas shows no sign of slowing down.
Camden People’s Theatre (60 seats) – NW1 2PY, Euston Square
With its tourist-friendly location and eclectic selection of productions, the Camden People’s Theatre makes extraordinary theatre accessible to everyone. Established in 1994 and housed in a former pub, the CPT champions quirky productions that explore today’s big issues. It also has a reputation for supporting emerging and early-career artists.
Camden People’s Theatre hosts festivals like Common People – an exploration of working-class experiences – and Sprint, London’s biggest festival of new, unusual theatre. There’s a bar selling drinks from just £3 a bottle (a bargain in London!) and many tickets cost under a tenner. Stay tuned for an upcoming season of drama, music and dance.
Old Red Lion Theatre (60 seats) – EC1V 4NJ, Angel
Getting ready to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the Old Red Lion Theatre is a must-visit Off-West End theatre. This playhouse sits on the first floor of the Old Red Lion pub – a Grade II listed building and watering hole of Jude Law, when he’s in the area. Staging no-budget plays since 1979, this is where The Play That Went Wrong first started!
Their ambitious productions receive a huge amount of interest from The Offies (Off-West End Theatre Awards). In fact, a significant number of productions eventually transfer to the West End. It’s an intimate, atmospheric setting – possibly too crowded for some – and you can grab a drink from downstairs. Dare you participate in the ghostly Last Orders?
The Yard Theatre (110 seats) – E9 5EN, Hackney Wick
Built from recycled materials and housed in an old warehouse, this progressive playhouse is the new generation of theatre. With a younger clientele and as many music events as plays, The Yard is becoming one of the liveliest venues in London. Telling “contemporary stories in contemporary ways”, some of The Yard’s works have been adapted for television.
As a new build, The Yard Theatre has level access and is accessible to everyone. With its pared-down, industrial aesthetic, and a variety of 5-star performances on the horizon, it’s a night to remember. In the bar, you’ll find a wide range of ales and a kitchen full of Tapas dishes on show nights. A cutting-edge theatre for artists to share their stories.
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