Top 30 Best Contemporary theatre in London

“Lovely theatre. Close to parking, great staff, good choice of food, and a perfectly sized venue (small enough you can see/hear clearly from any seat but large enough to attract interesting tours).”

“Lovely theatre with really interesting plays. We saw 'Nelson', which was excellent, get tickets if you can and a week later in New York we saw 'The Collaboration', ( a Young Vic play), which also was terrific with great actors.”

“Often come here for a morning coffee on office days. Really great cappuccino (strong! like a flat white). Small selection of delicious pastries. Friendly and welcoming staff and a very pleasant relaxing environment.”

“I really recommend the only fools and horses musical. Loved it and for some of the jokes you don't have to watch the show. So if you fancy a great theatre show but don't watch only fools and horses still go it is excellent. I have seen some people complain about legroom but where I was sat I had just enough room to move about and I was fine (I'm 6ft 2 so if you are smaller than that you will be perfectly fine, of course it depends on where you sit) Stunning theatre and you really do feel the history of the place. Which really made the show feel the little more special. The show, staff and location were all great.”

“First time back to the Arcola in a long while, and what a treat! OMG 'The Poltergeist' was absolutely brilliant! I've never seen a show quite like it. Hats off to Joseph Potter, you really blew my mind, so thank you! Your playing 6 different people.... the voices were amazing! New James Norton?”

“Yet another wonderful Pantomime at the Kenneth More. Aladin was as good as all the others we have seen or attended in over 20 years of coming. Yes the jokes are corny but isn't that what it is supposed to be. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is. And believe it or not the actors never age, or do they. Well done everyone and keep up the good work. Can't wait to bring my grand children if we ever get any. Until that time arrives we will be taking our friends children to continue such corny somewhat risky entertainment. Keep up the great work all. See you next year.”

“Came to the Savoy Theater tonight. It’s absolutely beautiful. The architecture, the balcony’s are amazing. You can see the stage from any seat and the best part the orchestra or the Stalls seating is raised by row so you can see. Saw Pretty Woman tonight and it was exceptional… so worth seeing.”

“My family and I just enjoyed A Christmas Carol. We were enthralled by it! The three actors, on a bare set and with the help of the lighting, a few props, three puppets and a cloaked spirit, were able to capture the entire audience and carry all of us with Scrooge in his wild flight to salvation!”

“Inspiring show!! I took my sister for a birthday gift, and we both loved it. The show was funny, uplifting and we both left feeling really happy!!!! It was like 90s pop music was made for this show!!! The show was very diverse which I absolutely loved and appreciated, from race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and way of life… a true representation of society and my family and peer group which I really connected with!! Thank you for such a great show, we were up and singing by the end!!! All performers were incredible but Juliet absolutely smashed it!!! Well done guys and thank you for an amazing show!!”

“Good theatre, went to see Tina Turner which was fun. The sound quality was not the greatest though, I felt the vocals were not emphasised enough, especially in key moments or when some of the classics were performed...it did not do the actors any justice. Visuals, lighting and wardrobe were all fantastic, along with the performance as a whole.”

“Tight seats and small leg space. But efficient and friendly staff with a clean environment. Went to watch Dear Evan Hansen, a very nice musical! My seat was in stalls Row L, great view for the price I bought.”

“The Lyric Hammersmith is a great venue. The bar staff are friendly and the bar is well stocked. There is plenty seating and on good weather days, the roof terrace is lovely. The bar does serve hot drinks, but only until early evening so I couldn't get a coffee before I went to see the play last night. The auditorium is a Victorian one with stalls, dress circle and upper circle. The seats are quite close together so if you have very long legs, you'll need to pick your aisle seat carefully as they don't all have better legroom because of the pillars. The seats are not the most comfortable I've ever sat in at the theatre so if that's an issue for you, take a small cushion with you! Sight lines from the stalls and circle are great (I've never sat right at the top), and the seats are staggered so you shouldn't have a head directly in front of you. The range of productions on offer do vary a lot in quality and style. I e seen some brilliant things there and some that just didn't hit the spot. But to have a good repertory theatre in a residential neighbourhood is amazing in this day and age, and something to be nurtured and cherished.”

“Saw Medea last night at The Gate Theatre and was captivated. The production (70 minutes) is almost completely two young brothers locked in their bedroom trying to amuse themselves while their parents sort out "marriage stuff". The boys were amazing and had real presence on the stage. They fought and played to fill the time while waiting for their parents. Keir Edkins O'Brien (who played the older brother) was irritated and fond of his brother at the same time and his face was so expressive. When he told Jasper (Bobby Smallbridge) that he would always be there to look after him, because he was Jasper's big brother and that is what big brothers did, forever, you really wanted to hug him. A pair of really impressive child actors.”

“Lovely little theatre, have been a few times for various shows and this was my first pantomime there. It was very good, prices are very reasonable. I came with my granddaughter and throughly enjoyed Robin Hood. Brilliant performances, great singing and fab humour for all ages. Totally recommend”

“Another Christmas Panto with the family. Great show, friendly staff. Accessible for all, different types if shows to include everyone and even relaxed performances. A great family trip.”

“An Evening of Classic Reggae at Stratford East. Brilliant show. A must see again”

“Great local theatre. On the doorstep of Hackney Wick Station so really easy to get to. Saw a production of 'An Unfinished Man' here, great viewing from all angles and feel like you're very close to the action even from the back. Helpful and friendly staff and food and drink on offer”

“A great theatre with good facilities and close, convenient parking. They seem to get a decent share of good shows and prices are reasonable, saves an expensive trip into London. Photos are from Oti Mabuse, I Am Here show”

“Every part of our stay was exceptional from start to end! We were warmly greeted at the front door where our luggage was taken and our car swiftly valet parked. Staff at reception were all friendly, warm and welcoming and we were offered a larger room or one with a view. (We chose the view!). Our room, on the 12th floor, had a gorgeous view of the Elizabeth Tower, London Eye etc. It was spotlessly clean and the bed was super comfy. Breakfast was delicious with a good selection. (Items like Eggs Benedict do attract a surcharge, but fair enough.) When we checked out we decided to leave the car parked for a bit longer while we went shopping. As with everything else, that request was met with a smile and a friendly, positive reply. We were truly sad to leave and will definitely be back as soon as we can. Why this isn't a 5 star makes no sense as the ones we've stayed at, Intercontinental included, can't hold a candle to this gem!”

“Awesome venue and great shows on offer at reasonable prices.”

“Just attended a fine concert, part of the St. Alban's folk Fest. The main artists were Grannies Attic and The Dovetail Trio. Both gave excellent performances.”

“Riveting one-hander in an intimate space. Comfortable, tasty dinner beforehand with welcoming friendly staff.”

“Great small and intimate theatre. Feels like you're in your front room as it has a real homely feel. Definitely recommend this different going to the theatre experience. It's attached to a pub which is fab too for reasonably priced drinks, good food and great staff.”

“Great modern library. Vibrant cafe on the ground floor where the small theatre room is also located (haven't been inside yet but can confirm that is very popular by the arge amount of people getting inside). 1st floor is children's and teenage library and study/work area where library computers can be used (subject to availability) in one section. Baby clubs take place there some days of the week, and the other half is the adult library, reading and computer area. Computers can be reserved up to a maximum of 2 hours and subject to availability. Printing, copying and scanning facilities. There's a reception area and toilets, including disabled and baby change. 2nd floor is the silent studying area where there is a semi circle of a long desk (though with a low boundary defining individual space) around half the building where electronic equipment can be plugged in to power points and enough room to accommodate study books and materials (no time limit for this space). There are also individual chairs with arm stand to sit laptops or books all around. Note there aren't charging facilities around these chairs, which makes the desks very popular and busy. To avoid disappointment, it's suggested that you turn up early to guarantee one of these study areas. The library is also facilitated by lifts.”

“Cozy, beautiful. Good food. The bathroom is really clean and smells good”

“modern inexpensive cafe with lots of local info, dance classes and more... great breakfasts and fish and chips on friday.”

“The receptionists were exceptional and friendly, especially Cătălina and Jonathan. My family enjoyed Gary's hospitality and friendliness in the executive lounge. Being a Gold Hilton honour member has a few perks, one of which is complimentary breakfast, although this breakfast was worth every penny. First thing in the morning, seeing friendly faces and tasteful breakfast was the best start to the day each and every day we stayed. Our room was nice, clean and refreshed daily. If you’re visiting London for any reason, I highly recommend this hotel”

“Tiny theatre tucked away under the arches of Waterloo Station. To get there you need to walk down the tunnel where the trucks go and keep walking! Look out for banners along the way”

“Good central location for sightseeing. It was an easy walk to the London Eye, The Shard, Borough Market, the South Bank etc. The room was very clean, bed linen and towels pristine too. We had breakfast on the 3 mornings we were there. There was a good selection for full English or continental. Staff were very helpful and friendly.”

“Best venue in north London for music and interesting and varied theatre events.”