A Guide to (Mostly) Off West-End

By Theatre Sub-Editor Audrey Lau

London is such a treasure trove when it comes to good theatre, and I’m not just talking about our average sold-out West End musical. Here are some really cool theatre venues and companies around London that I would recommend keeping an eye out for.

Almeida Theatre

Based in Islington, the Almeida is an absolute powerhouse. Originally a small, local theatre, they gained national acclaim for their stunning set designs and beautiful adaptations of both new work and reinterpreted classics.

Now or coming soon:

A Streetcar Named Desire—an adaptation of the iconic play by Tenessee Williams (who I love) and directed by Rebecca Frecknall (who I love even more)

Otherland—written by Chris Bush, the playwright behind the award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at the Almeida Theatre. Courtesy of Marc Brenner.

Punchdrunk

Punchdrunk is a theatre company that specialises in immersive theatre experiences, experimenting with things like sound or even VR.

Now or coming soon:

Nothing in London yet but keep a lookout!

The Burnt City at Punchdrunk Theatre. Courtesy of Julian Abrams.

Camden People’s Theatre

They tend to do really weird and subversive stuff that’ll leave you in equal parts awe and confusion. The CPT is also conveniently located super close to campus if you’re ever looking for a last-minute show to cap off your evening.

Now or coming soon:

Venus in Fur—a duologue and revival of the original play by David Ives.

Twelfth Night—adaptation of the quintessential Shakespeare play.

Royal Court Theatre

They specialise in amplifying new writing and diverse voices. If you’re into playwriting, they also have original play submissions open year-round.

Now or coming soon:

A Good House—a new comedy by Amy Jephta, a South African writer.

More Life—a sci-fi gothic horror with time travel to a world where pain and death no longer exist.

A Good House at the Royal Court Theatre. Courtesy of Camilla Greenwell.

Kiln Theatre

Kiln Theatre has an incredibly diverse selection all year round, focusing on reflecting the cultural diversity of their home in Kilburn.

Now or coming soon:

The Lonely Londoners—an adaptation of the novel by Sam Selvon.

Shanghai Dolls—some new writing by Amy Ng, about the relationship between Madame Mao and Sun Weishi during the Cultural Revolution

Pass Over at the Kiln Theatre. Courtesy of Marc Brenner.

The Cockpit

They describe themselves as a ‘theatre of ideas and disruptive panache’. From their home base in Marylebone, The Cockpit always has a programme with a combination of both pioneering new works, experimental theatre and also their highly successful Jazz in the Round. They also have monthly scratch nights or poetry and spoken word readings if you’re into that!

Now or coming soon:

Conversations We Never Had as People We’ll Never Be—a queer love story with a reflection on catharsis, break-ups and what ifs.

Mariupol—based on the intersection between history and memory, and is Katia Haddad’s personal response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

I hope this gives you a taste of what the London theatre scene has to offer this season!