Fantastic, tiny theatre in Covent Garden, with a small, square stage surrounded on three sides with bench seats and galleries. Looking down from these raked seats puts the audience right in the heart of the action, and this is one of the most immediate theatrical spaces in London - terrifying, sexy and intimate.

The Donmar is basic and very small, but the West End location and the artistic direction of Michael Grandage have kept the place constantly fresh and challenging, with big names performing and writing for the space. Donmar is a not for profit producing theatre and has created some marvellous shows.

2006's most talked about play was Don Juan in Soho, written by Patrick Marber and played with gusto by Rhys Ifans. This was followed by Othello with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ewan McGregor and Kelly Reilly – big names for such a determinedly arty and edgy venue. The 2008/2009 season will see the Donmar lending some of its gravitas to a succession of big West End shows, with stellar casts including Kenneth Brannagh, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench and Jude Law.