The Best Theatres Outside the West End

The West End is a London powerhouse, attracting tourists from across the UK and beyond. But for those that live here, it’s pretty dull to see the same bright bulbs every time you pass through. After all, once you’ve seen a West End musical, the decade-long runs no longer apply to you. So where do you go when the place to be becomes the place to avoid?

I often find people expect Londoners to take constant, full advantage of what goes on here, never taking into account that there’s too much stuff and too little money. With West End shows costing more and more, we locals have to look elsewhere for our theatrical fix.

The Major Player – National Theatre

It’s not just Fringe theatre when you escape the West End. The National Theatre has been housed on the South Bank since 1976, and shows up to 25 plays a year. While these often make it to the West End, you can catch them well before that. What makes the NT special is its determination to spread theatre to all. Can’t afford a ticket? They have phenomenal discounts for under 25s. Too old? They’ve also set up NT Live, which broadcasts plays to cinemas worldwide. It makes sell-out must-sees way more accessible, and every one of their productions is a masterpiece. A real playhouse for the people.

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

We loved: Frankenstein, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. The two newest Holmes boys swapped parts in this mind-blowing two man play.

Experimental – Southwark Playhouse

Southwark Playhouse is a small venue with big ideas. Some are sensational, others seem utterly mad. There’s a certain rough and ready charm here, with the audience sat so close to the cast that you’re almost props. What makes Southwark is its willingness to produce young, emerging and experimental theatre. They’re the kind of shows you can’t help but love.

http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/

We loved: Studio Ghibli adaptations. Howl’s Moving Castle was a riot of an adaptation, though based more on the original book. Their run of Kiki’s Delivery Service is about to begin.

Dance – The Place

Despite being so central, The Place is pretty well hidden. You’d never know about it until you were stood in the foyer. The Place is home to a dance school and company, whose shows are packing real punch. They’re not simply a great alternative to expensive, mainstream ballets – they’re a game-changer. Go check out what they’re producing and be prepared to have your image of dance theatre transformed.

http://www.theplace.org.uk/

We loved: Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me). Interpretive dance fills many with snickers and dread, but this hilarious and heart-breaking piece from Ben Duke is absolutely astounding.

The Pub – Rosemary Branch

Pubs theatres are kinda like banana sandwiches. They’ve been around for years, but until you experience it you probably won’t realise it’s a thing – or the fact they’re brilliant. London has a load of them: the Hen and Chickens is probably the best known but we’d like to bring the Rosemary Branch in Islington to your attention. It’s an award-winning little theatre that has a real mix of productions, from plays and stand-up comedy to poetry, music and talks. There’s a lot going on in a lovely local atmosphere, and best of all, normal-priced pints.

http://www.rosemarybranchtheatre.co.uk/

We loved: Believers Anonymous, the mandatory 12 step rehab programme to cure people of faith. A mammoth topic and edge-of-your-seat performance contained in the tiniest of spaces.

The Multi-talented – Jackson’s Lane

Jackson’s Lane calls itself a multi-art venue: with circus, contemporary theatre, cabaret, children’s shows, outreach programmes and art classes, it’s spot on. A quick flick through their ‘what’s on’ page is overwhelming, like walking into a sweet shop and wanting to try everything. The venue itself is spectacular – it’s a Grade II listed building, with the vaulted, wooden-beamed Studio 1 as its crowning glory.

https://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/

We loved: The Boy Who Kicked Pigs – a performance from Kill the Beast troupe that takes you to I-can’t-breathe-anymore levels of hysterics. Who knew theatre could be that funny?

 

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