Top 30 Best Intimate theatre space in London

“A historical London theatre with great decorations in central London. I came to see the Nutcracker with my mum this year! We sit on the upper circle. The view was good and no restrictions. But the legroom is quite squashed cause it won’t have enough space. The Nutcracker show was fabulous! Will definitely watch again another Christmas time!”

“Had a birthday party today and the staff were very friendly and attentive.”

“I've seen several productions now and all were incredibly powerful, moving, brilliantly acted with stunning energy and passion. It's always surprising, clever, totally original and on each occasion I was both, moved to tears and laughing out loud.”

“Went to see granddaughters play. The Theatre was very clean and very comfortable chairs.”

“I love this little gem of a theatre, so intimate, only a couple of rows on 2 sides and the front row so close you need to watch you don’t trip the actors! Cancelling Socrates was an excellent production with a strong cast. Highly recommend both the show and the theatre!”

“Spacious, entrance bar area. Friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks and ice cream. Comfortable seats in Theatre good views. Always great shows.”

“Put on a play there False Accounts by the Outcasts Creative.. I was the producer.. Lovely theatre, welcoming supportive staff.. Shout out to Nicky who helped with everything Ben the tech guy and the lovely ladies in the Box office.. Oh yes Stephen the cheeky usher! We had a fantastic run and hope to play there again!”

“Wonderful acting, great, cozy atmosphere, sound was amazing and food options are quite large considering it is a theater and not a restaurant.”

“Fantastic combination of energy, creativity and talent. Green Fairy Musical in Union Theatre. Great young artists: David Perkins, Harry F. Brown, Julie Atherton, Emma Whittaker, and Georgina Hellier. Thank you guys!”

“"Come from Away" is a fantastic, heartwarming play. The theatre itself is quite large, but there's attentive staff placed strategically to help. Couple of tips: 1) If you walk upstairs, main ladies toilet is at the back of the back of the dress circle. Don't bother standing in a queue to the toilet near the bar, the one at the dress circle is larger and usually has no queue at all. 2) Grand Circle and Dress Circle are easy to get mistaken - especially that they have seats numbered the same way. If you are unsure just ask the staff - they are all very nice and helpful. 3) The show is quite long and has no break - make sure you buy your drink/go to the loo beforehand.”

“Went to see the Demon Dentist, it was a great show. The theatre is good sized. You can't find popcorn but you can find everything else. There is a Uni Cafe with decent prices! Loved the show and would definitely go again!”

“Great venue. enthusiasm staff. Variety of top quality written shows. AND best froth on an oat hot choc ever !”

“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?”

“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.”

“Fantastic intimate theatre, staff very friendly including door staff for checking bags too. Very clean aand comfy with plenty of leg room”

“Amazing theatre and great shows. Tickets are a great price, love the fact the shows change every few weeks and it's always something a bit different. Above a pub so drink choice is amazing, plus the pub serves food, so can grab a quick bite before however I suggest ordering before 7pm as the staff do say you may not have enough time to enjoy your food before the show starts. Also able to take drinks upstairs in a glass! Hate plastic haha”

“Small and cute. Friendly staffs. Enjoyed my first visit.”

“A nice local theatre. Saw The Merchant of Venice 1936 bringing Shakespeare's play to the troubled streets of the east end facing off Oswald Moseley. An excellent cast including Tracey Ann Oberman.”

“Came here to watch Newsies, absolutely fantastic show and the staff were so friendly and helpful! Venue was excellent and well managed too give the amount of people there, comfy seating too! I had a friend who has bought a programme for every single musical she's ever seen in her life. We tried to buy one after the show but they were all sold out. I came back a week later and popped in 2 hours before the show and was helped by some friendly staff who even opened up the merch stand an hour early just so I could buy a programme for my pal. Really lovely experience and can't wait to be back again!”

“I saw James Purdy's 'the Paradise Circus' on Saturday 20 October. Wowza what an experience. This is a beautiful, powerful redemption story. As you watch it in the round, with a magical circus setting, you are pulled into 1920's small-town America. The hugely talented cast give strong performances and sing and play musical instruments. If you are a fan of early jazz (the Chicago Migration movement 1904 to 1930) you will adore The Paradise Circus music. It was composed by Darren Berry - of Penguin Cafe fame, he also performs with Salim Sai. Children aged 10 years+ will be enthralled by this play. DON'T MISS IT!”

“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.”

“My favourite place in London. Not theatre—place. Please go and enjoy.”

“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”

“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”

“Very nice little theatre, a great night out with friends, pocket friendly performances.”

“Great little Theatre is very clean. Good bar. Will back to see more shows.”

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

“Went with my 1 year old son and saw Baby Bear and had a great time. A fantastic community facility.”

“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.”