Top 10 Pub Theatres

Top 10 Pub Theatres

13 November, 2009
by: Naima Khan

Pub theatres, the pioneers of theatre if you will. Leading the arts through the recession, experimenting with the classics and providing homes for the tentative first steps of future theatrical legends. Pub theatre gets a special mention on Spoonfed for possibly doubling as your local, your weekend lounge or your after work watering hole, thereby contributing to that community, this-town-is-our-town feeling. It also gets a pat on the back for providing some real  gems along with a few utter shockers. Even when the productions are cringe-worthy, it gives us something to laugh about and spilling out of a pub with your sides splitting is often the start to a good night.

Theatre 503

We've likened 503's approach to theatre to Steven Sackur's approach to Hardtalk. Direct and challenging, some truly thought provoking pieces have popped up at this south London venue.   Perpetually contemporary, at times controversial, this venue is dedicated to works in progress and many a new writer, billed as the next big thing has actually gone on to be impressively sizeable in the world of London theatre after their plays were showcased here. We think Theatre503 deserves some kudos for that.

Best For: The Shock of the New
Nearest Tube: Clapham Common

The Tabard

A legendary Chiswick local, the Tabard has hosted some stellar comedy nights, being one of the regular haunts of stars like Al Murray and Bill Bailey.  Theatre here is generally above average and the pub showcases a striking range of productions from the innovative stuff created by the Arts Ed College nearby, to classic Shakespeare – plus some impressive in-house productions. A Spoonfed favourite, especially for drinking.

Best For: Comedy
Nearest Tube: Turnham Green
 
King's Head Theatre

Many an A-lister owes a significant part of their success to humble beginnings at King's Head. It's contributed to the careers of stars like Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves and has Jonanna Lumley, Tom Stoppard and Alan Parker for patrons.  Focusing on the cultivation of new talent, they've had 37 shows transferred from little Islington to the West End. Pretty impressive we thinks. The pub itself now has later opening times and live bands play on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights and on Friday their resident DJ makes an appearance.

Best For: Islington Intelligentsia
Nearest Tube: Angel
 
Landor Theatre

Daring, and pretty damn good-looking, the Landor is the slightly camp Indiana Jones of pub theatre. Setting out to produce musical theatre in an intimate setting, the Landor does just that. Not limiting themselves to quirky new stuff or crowd pleasing classics, The Landor provides both traditional pieces and contemporary, experimental productions to the people of Clapham and those who venture that way.

Best For: South London spirit
Nearest Tube: Clapham North

 The Lion & Unicorn

With the aim to provide a home for theatre people to develop their craft and refine their vision, Giant Olive theatre company have set up camp in the theatre space above this big pub. On a mission to discover new talent, they take full advantage of the space and despite being a fringe venue, their productions are consistently popular. This can make the pub a little crowded but there's generally a corner somewhere grab a seat.

Best For: New kids on the block
Nearest Tube: Kentish Town

 Barons Court Theatre

A pretty unusual cellar theatre below a pub that handles classic stuff for the most part but does dedicate a good 30% of its programme to new writing. We like the theatre space here because it's often used so that the actors spill out into the audience space; and wherever you sit amongst the 60 odd seats, you're never very far from the antics on the square stage, surrounded on three sides by rows and aisles.  This is the local pub and theatre for the world's best drama school LAMDA.

Best For: Young luvvies giving surly service behind the bar and creat performances downstairs
Nearest Tube: Barons Court

 Finborough Theatre

The multi-award winning Finborough gets major credit for its dedication to producing new writing and being the springboard for some truly talented playwrights. It gets even more credit for providing specials for the hungry pre-theatre crowd in the pub downstairs. Finborough doesn't just have a dedication to fringe, it has a devotion to leading-edge, high calibre fringe. Cosy seating and quality dramaturgy make this a solid bet.

Best For: A cheap and complete night  out: food, drink and drama
Nearest Tube: West Brompton

 Old Red Lion Theatre Club

The prices here have improved but are still a little more than you'd expect from pub theatre, but what this venue promises is an all hit, never miss programme. Showcasing old and new pieces from the likes of Tom Stoppard, it prides itself on producing thought provoking theatre. Hailed for its often intense atmosphere, the Old Red Lion Theatre Club has found some intangible way to connect the pub with the theatre and let the two feed off each other.

Best For: Reliably high standards
Nearest Tube: Angel

Etcetera Theatre

Its reputation overshadows its puny limitations for many reasons. The Etcetera has a tiny stage seating around 50, so surely it's only suited to stand-up comedians and one-man shows? Not so! Look past the narrow staircase, for Etcetera is a truly versatile venue that has provided a home for wandering festivals including the Festival of European Culture, Edinburgh Preview and Camden Fringe in addition to the stand-ups and one-man shows.

Best For: Variety
Nearest Tube: Camden Town

Rosemary Branch Theatre

Productions here vary from London jazz cabaret, stellar pantomimes and Madonna impersonators to  dialogue laden, contemporary new writing that challenges us to rethink a whole bunch of stuff like the nature and meaning of love, family, politics and all kinds of scary big issues. Having also played host to a music festival, puppetry festival and comedy night, its range is impressive. It's also our local and we like to give it some love – it has shown us many a good time. Props to you Rosie.

Best For: Atmosphere, beer and post-play fun
Nearest Tube: Old Street

 
Naima Khan

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Naima Khan