GETTING INTO THEATRE 
Our series for EMERGING THEATRE MAKERS

1. Finding a venue
INTRODUCTION

London Pub Theatres Magazine came into existence to raise the profile of pub theatres.  We love these smaller theatres which are at the heart of their local communities but which also attract a wider audience.    The performing space is close to the audience which allows for a more intimate connection.  We often see shows which offer an immediate response to what is going on in the world today (not seen in the West End), raising conversations, as well as shows for entertainment.  Their sheer versatility is staggering but one of the biggest advantages is that they offer huge opportunities for emerging theatre companies and theatre professionals.  They offer a safe space for experimentation and exploring work that would be too risky to put on in bigger venues; and it's okay to fail and learn from mistakes.  

For those of you trying to make your way in theatre, it can a frustrating and sometimes an overly expensive venture. In this series we want to give you a summary of what you need to know to get into theatre. If you’d like us to cover other topics, please get in touch with the Editor, Heather Jeffery, Enquiries@londonpubtheatres.com

We hope the series is helpful. 


1. FINDING A THEATRE VENUE

Where to start
It isn’t advisable to go chasing the most prestigious theatres if this is your first production. Usually, you will need good reviews from reputable publications to have a chance of being programmed by them even on Sunday and Monday off peak slots.  

When looking for the best pub theatres for first timers, choose a theatre which has the following benefits:

1. Clear hire charges, which are fixed rather than depending on how large an audience you can bring – unfortunately, a large audience can be much harder to access than expected. It isn’t always possible to predict so don’t fall down this pit. 
2. A following and good social media input. Some theatres already have an audience base who keep coming back because they love the venue. Others will help you to find an audience by publicising your show. However, you should note that you will have to work on finding an audience yourself as well. (How to do this is covered in our fourth article in the series)
3. Value added. Some theatres are run by professional theatre experts who can help you to develop as a company. 
4. A good relationship with the pub. This can be hard to assess but try asking the pub whether you can put out flyers on the tables, or a poster in the window. It might give you an idea of how well they are working with the theatre. A good relationship can help smooth the path and make sure you have a brilliant first-time experience. 

Recommended theatres 
These are three of the theatres we know and love which have the above benefits. These are well established theatres with excellent reputations. 

Etcetera Theatre in Camden – Run by artists for artists, this theatre is open access and plays host to a colossal variety of exciting, original, daring and critically acclaimed shows every year. They have been supporting new theatre-makers since 1986.   The current Artistic Director Otto Jaeger, has a technical background and the theatre prides itself on its outstanding technical team. 
The theatre is located right on Camden High Street, one of the busiest tourist and shopping areas in London only a couple of minutes walk from Camden Town tube station. The Etcetera works to establish a healthy and sustainable relationship with all incoming companies and are happy to provide support and advice throughout the production process. They work hard to help you publicise your show (although you will also need to have some social media presence for the best results – covered in the fourth article in our series). 
Etcetera Theatre  
Above the Oxford Arms
265 Camden High Street
London NW1 7BU
In brief: Capacity 42, fixed seating, lighting rig, PA system, dressing room, front of house staff, box office, technician available at extra cost

Hen and Chickens Theatre in Highbury & Islington – This venue is run by three actors, James Wren, Felicity Wren and Mark Lyminster, who really know the business. Naturally, they are extremely supportive of companies led by actors and they will help to nurture your company. It’s more about building a relationship. Many theatre artists return time and again to bring new work to try out here, before fully fledging with full productions.  
They like to meet with all potential theatre companies to discuss all aspects of staging a production. Past reviews are helpful but not essential. The emphasis is on having a strong working relationship.
Hen and Chickens Theatre
109 St Pauls Road
Highbury Corner
London N1 2NA
In brief: Capacity 54, fixed seating, lighting rig, PA system, dressing room, front of house staff, box office

Bread and Roses Theatre in Clapham – As well as their prime slots, they have 1-3 night slots & kids shows. They curate their programming, so its best to get in touch early to have the best chance of getting a slot, although they do often have last minute availability. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of several Underground and Overground stations in London Travel Zone 2 (Clapham North, Clapham Common, Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road) as well as many bus routes nearby. The venue has an emphasis on artistic quality with equality and diversity at the forefront of the theatre's programming. They also have a focus on new writing, underrepresented voices and distinctive work. The venue is run by a management team, Rebecca Pryle (Managing Director), Velenzia Spearpoint (Artistic Director). Both are theatre professionals with experience as directors and Rebecca is also an actor. 
Bread and Roses Theatre
68 Clapham Manor Street, 
Clapham 
London SW4 6DZ
In brief: Capacity 40-60, flexible seating, lighting rig, PA system, dressing room, front of house staff, box office

Golden Goose Theatre in Camberwell - This theatre was founded in 2000 by the Artistic Director of White Bear Theatre, Michael Kingsbury.  Since then it has undergone a total refurbishment with fully raked seating and great sight lines. The Golden Goose is a supportive, inclusive and approachable space, supporting and showcasing creatives at all stages of their career, from professional debuts to Olivier award winners.  It's a seven-minute walk from Oval tube and well served by buses.  It also has its own dedicated theatre bar with cheap drinks (not all pub theatres can boast of that).  Additionally it offers writers development, free rehearsal space, hands on assistance in achieving funding and finding the perfect creatives to work together on each project. 
146 Camberwell New Road
Camberwell
London
SE5 0RR
In brief - 90 seater with semi-thrust auditorium with a 35 square metre fully accessible stage, high ceilings & box office. (Further technical capacity, front of house, and other details not known) 

Canal Cafe Theatre perched on the edge of the Regent’s Canal, open since the 70’s . It is a renowned comedy, cabaret and theatre venue and over the years has helped launch some of the biggest names in Comedy ranging from John Oliver to the League of Gentlemen to Miranda Hart. It is is available to hire for shows, rehearsals, workshops and filming.   They are always keen to hear about new productions, gigs and acts and discover new talent.  They are able to host 10 slots a week (12 including matinees).  They are situated 3mins from Warwick Avenue station (Bakerloo), 5 mins from Royal Oak (Hammersmith and City line) and 10mins from Paddington (District, City, Bakerloo and National Rail Services).   There are also paid opportunities for writers of sketch comedy for their in-house show, NewsRevue, which runs 4 nights a week. 
Canal Cafe Theatre
Delamere Terrace
Little Venice
London
W2 6ND
In brief - 60 seater in a cabaret setting with tables, but allows some flexibility for other staging requirements.  They have box office/FOH and technicians.

Lion and Unicorn Theatre in the heart of Kentish Town with easy public transport links.  In 2019 Proforca Theatre Company took over the management of the theatre, led by Artistic Director, David Brady and his theatre company Proforca.  They offer a programme of new work, promising exciting adventures, and strong storytelling.  They feature up and coming theatre makers offering them hands on experience.  
The Lion & Unicorn Theatre
(Above the Lion & Unicorn Pub) 
42-44 Gaisford St
Kentish Town
London NW5 2ED
In brief: 60 seat black box studio theatre based above Lion & Unicorn pub. 

Barons Court Theatre is just a short walk from both Barons Court and West Kensington stations.  Barons Court Theatre has been entertaining London with new writing and reimagined classics since 1991. Under new management since November 2021, the theatre has expanded its programming to more eclectic tastes from cabaret to musicals, comedy to reimagined classics and beyond. It’s also has a particular emphasis on works in translation, international artists and featuring new stories from underrepresented groups. 
Barons Court Theatre
At Curtains Up Pub,
28a Comeragh Road ,
London
W14 9HR
In brief - 52 seater in the basement of Curtains Up Pub
 



RECOMMENDED FESTIVALS 
Many festivals are excellent places to start. They often receive a lot of publicity and reviewers are keen to get involved. 
  
Camden Fringe - Each August, Camden Fringe offers an unrivaled chance to see edgy, experimental and brand-new theatre. It has eclectic tastes including comedy, cabaret and drama. Applications usually open in January each year. In the first instance you must secure your venue by applying to the theatre of your choice (see below).  
Camden Fringe is held every August 
Various venues including pub theatres: 
Etcetera Theatre, Hen and Chickens, Upstairs at the Gatehouse, The Lion & unicorn, Canal Cafe Theatre, Old Red Lion and Rosemary Branch Theatre

Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) is an open access festival.  It loves art in all its forms – theatre, music, dance, visual art and all things in between. They are an open access arts festival so everyone is welcome to jump on board! They’re also looking for venues – indoors and outdoors, pop-up and permanent – so if you find somewhere suitable get in touch with them. WAF is a fabulous opportunity to test new ideas, showcase your talent to the local community, attract new audiences and open new arts spaces. You’ll also benefit from lots of support from the organisers and other creatives. This includes networking opportunities, professional development sessions; online toolkits and guidance; 1-1 clinics for fundraising and other advice; in addition to the comprehensive publicity and promotion campaign of the Fringe platform as a whole. 
Wandsworth Arts Festival is usually held June/July 2021 and open for registration each January but you must secure a venue, date and time for your event before you complete the registration process
Venues:
One pub Theatre which has taken part in the past is Theatre 503
Pubs usually taking part - The Bedford in Balham, The Brewers Inn SW18, The Cat’s Back in Wandsworth, The Duchess SW8, The Four Thieves SW11, The Masons Arms in Putney, The Green Man Public House in Putney, The Half Moon in Putney, The Selkirk SW17, and The Prince Albert SW11 

Lambeth Fringe Festival (formerly Clapham Fringe Festival) at Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham (held in September/October). Now expanded to include several more venues including Golden Goose Theatre.  A Performing Arts Festival in South London, running since 2015, it is an egalitarian performing arts festival aiming to celebrate and foster emerging talent by offering an affordable option.​​  
The Festival is held September/October at Bread and Roses Theatre in Lambeth.

Black Box Festival, Women writers festival, Indie Artists Festival at Etcetera Theatre in Camden
Etcetera opens their space to all artistic disciplines that can be staged in a black box with no hire fee.  They offer a straight box office split.  
Look out for this festival at various times of the year, often January. 

Voila Festival CONNECTING BORDER-BUSTING THEATRE TO CITIZENS OF EVERYWHERE'
VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL IS BACK! After celebrating 10 years at The Cockpit the team took a short break last year in order to relaunch with a new festival model. They are joining forces with a host of new venues to showcase even more panlingual theatre across London this November! The festival is produced by The Cockpit and expanded thanks to support from Arts Council England.  Several new venues have been added including two pub theatres, Barons Court Theatre and Upstairs at the Gatehouse (in Highgate). 


DISABLED ACCESS AND OTHER NEEDS 
Generally, the theatres are keen to work with you to enable you to work effectively in the space, and will welcome your application. However, with regard to mobility, many pub theatres can only be accessed via fairly narrow staircases. There are some exceptions to this including Jack Studio theatre and Golden Goose Theatre.   Also Theatre503 and Finborough Theatre are planning to have a lift installed at their premises. 


TIP: RECORDING YOUR SHOW
If you are recording your show, Scenesaver would publish it on their site free of charge - it’s a great way to be seen, and noticed, by producers and casting directors across the world. 

Next in the series
RAISING THE FUNDS

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First published March 2019

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