London’s most unusual theatre venues
When you go to see the best West End shows, you’ll invariably find yourself in one of theatreland’s famous venues - the Lyceum, the Dominion, the London Palladium and the Apollo Victoria for example. But away from this hub are some fantastic locations where theatre shows take on a new dimension. These smaller, more intimate venues add an extra layer of ambience, providing an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting and unusual settings for shows.
The Menier Chocolate Factory
Located a short walk from London Bridge, the Menier Chocolate Factory was once - as the name indicates - a chocolate factory. In 2004 it was converted into a theatre with a small yet flexible capacity, and provides an intimate setting for plays and musicals. Constructed between 1865 and 1874, the building is now Grade II listed and houses a bar and restaurant alongside the theatre.
County Hall, Southbank
This stately building might seem like an unlikely place for a theatre show, but its atmosphere is the perfect fit for Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution. Opened in 1922, County Hall served as the headquarters of local government for 64 years; now the octagonal Council Chamber is an immersive setting for performances of one of the crime genre’s best stories.
The Vaults
Hidden beneath Waterloo station, The Vaults is a truly spectacular and unique venue with winding tunnels and cavernous rooms that provide plenty of atmosphere for theatre productions. Ranging over almost 30,000 square feet it enables creators to bring whole worlds to life, making it perfect for family shows in particular. The venue has previously hosted Alice Underground, The Twits and Goosebumps.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Modelled on the candlelit theatres of Shakespeare’s London, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is located at The Globe Theatre in Southwark. It’s lit by over 100 beeswax candles and offers an intimate space to see both modern and Shakespearean works. Previous plays have included Cymbeline and The Winter’s Tale.
The Donmar Warehouse
A former Covent Garden hop warehouse, the Donmar Warehouse is a 251-seat venue that hosts productions where audience members are never more than four rows from an actor. A number of productions have transferred from here to the West End and Broadway, and stars such as Nicole Kidman, Tom Hiddleston and Dominic West have trodden the boards.
The Old Operating Theatre
Located in the roof space of St Thomas’ Church, the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret is part of a museum that runs workshops and events, and sometimes hosts plays. Audience members must climb a 52-step spiral staircase and take their seats in a horseshoe-shaped gallery around a small performance space. Here, they can enjoy productions by small collectives and single performers in a unique and historic venue.
Whether you’re looking for the best West End plays to see this season, or the best off-West End shows to enjoy in unusual venues, choose KX Tickets for your tickets. We offer access to some of the best West End theatre productions, such as Evita, as well as tickets to a range of other shows.
