Where are the theatres in West London? Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush and Chiswick all have their own theatres, some areas even have multiple theatres, and there are even more options in the neighbouring postcode areas.
Visiting a theatre show can be a rewarding and enriching experience that offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for entertainment, education, socialising, or simply a way to support the arts. So where are the theatres in West London?
Header image credit: Philip Vile
Theatres in Hammersmith
The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith
The Lyric Theatre, also known as the Lyric Hammersmith, is located on Lyric Square, off King Street. The Lyric is a well-known theatre that produces a variety of shows and performances. It’s particularly popular with local families as they often have excellent shows on for all ages. The Lyric is a registered charity and is committed to removing barriers to engagement and ensuring that young people have the opportunity to discover the power of their creativity.
The Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
The Riverside Studios is a well-known arts centre located on the banks of the River Thames. A cultural hub, The Riverside Studios is much more than a theatre and has history dating back to 1933 when it was originally a film studio. The venue now plays host to a wide range of contemporary performances, film, visual art exhibitions, and television production.
There really is an impressive array of events that take place here, from theatre productions t live music, comedy shows, and dance performances. In 2014, the Riverside Studios underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included the addition of two state-of-the-art cinema screens, two flexible theatre spaces, a television studio, and a range of event and rehearsal spaces.
The Apollo Theatre, Hammersmith
The Apollo Theatre in Hammersmith is a historic theatre, originally built in 1932 as the Gaumont Palace cinema which was later transformed into a live entertainment venue.
Now known as the Eventim Apollo, it is one of London’s major live entertainment venues and is known for hosting a wide range of events, including music concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions. The theatre has a seating capacity of 3,500 and is known for its excellent acoustics and beautiful art deco design.
Whilst the theatre was renamed the Eventim Apollo in 2013 for sponsorship reasons, but it is still commonly referred to as the Apollo Theatre by locals and visitors alike.
Theatres in Shepherd’s Bush
Whilst Shepherd’s Bush is perhaps best known for its music venues, it also has strong ties to the theatrical world.
Bush Theatre, Shepherd’s Bush
Bush Theatre was founded in 1972 as a showcase for the work of new writers, and it has since become known for its commitment to discovering and nurturing emerging talent in the theatre industry.
Across its two performance spaces, Bush Theatre continues to be a home for new plays and has a reputation for presenting bold, innovative, and socially relevant work that challenges audiences and pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre.
The theatre is located in the historic Passmore Edwards Public Library building, opposite Shepherd’s Bush Market Station.
Theatres in Chiswick
Chiswick has long been connected to the world of performing arts and has one of the capital’s top educational settings located on Bath Road: The Arts Educational Schools London, which in fact has its own theatre, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre, together with other theatres.
Theatre at the Tabard, Chiswick
The Theatre at the Tabard, originally opened in 1985, has a seating capacity of 96 and presents a diverse program of plays, musicals, comedy shows, and other performances throughout the year.
A local favourite, the theatre programme includes in-house produced shows to and visiting comedians. In fact, the theatre for some time held a reputation as a venue for comedians to try out new work prior to major tours, and well-known names such as Russell Brand, Harry Hill, Russell Howard, Dara Ó Briain and Al Murray have all played in the Theatre at the Tabard.
Other theatres in West London
Beyond the theatres in the immediate vicinity of our estate agent offices, there are other theatres in West London that you might wish to visit. Here are a few suggestions:
The Tabernacle, Notting Hill
The Tabernacle on Powis Square in Notting Hill is a well-known cultural arts and entertainment venue originally built in 1887 as a church, that has since been transformed into a vibrant community space that hosts a wide range of events and performances. A truly marvellous building, theatre boasts a beautiful, curved Romanesque façade.
The venue has a 200-seat theatre, a gallery space, and a bar and restaurant, and it presents a diverse program of events, including theatre productions, live music, comedy shows, and dance performances.
The Playground Theatre, Ladbroke Grove
The Playground Theatre on Latimer Road is a relatively new theatre, founded in 2017. It has become known for its commitment to presenting innovative and socially relevant work that challenges audiences.
Supporting local talent, the Playground Theatre is particularly well known for its community engagement and development initiatives, including partnerships with local schools and community groups.
Barons Court Theatre, Barons Court
A hidden gem, Barons Court Theatre is a small, 52-seater studio theatre located in the basement of the Curtains Up pub in Barons Court. The theatre was originally founded in 1991 and has since become known for its program of short-run plays and afternoon magic shows.
Barons Court Theatre is a popular venue for emerging playwrights and theatre companies, and it has a reputation for showcasing innovative and experimental work. They also host a variety of workshops, masterclasses, and other events designed to support and develop emerging local talent.
Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Richmond Theatre is a historic theatre originally built in 1899. It is one of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham and is recognised for its beautiful Victorian architecture and rich history.
One of the largest theatres near West London, Richmond Theatre has a seating capacity of 840 and presents a diverse programme of plays, musicals, and comedy shows.
Not only has its interior and exterior been used as a movie set in many films, but over the years Richmond Theatre has attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including actors, comedians, and musicians.
The Questors Theatre, Ealing
The Questors Theatre is a beloved independent community theatre located in the heart of Ealing, West London. It is known for its excellent productions, which range from classic plays to modern works, and its talented actors and crew always deliver truly outstanding performances.
The theatre boasts a 350-seat Playhouse as well as a 90-seat Studio theatre, providing a variety of options for visitors.
Additionally, The Youth Theatre at The Questors is one of the largest in Europe, offering an unparalleled experience for young actors and theatre enthusiasts.
The Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford
Just a short distance from Chiswick High Road by bus or car, The Watermans Arts Centre, located by the river in Brentford was originally founded in 1978. It has since become known for its diverse program of events, which includes theatre productions, live music, dance performances, film screenings, and visual arts exhibitions.
The venue has a 239-seat theatre, a 125-seat cinema, two galleries, and two studio spaces, and it presents a wide range of performances and events throughout the year. The centre also offers a range of educational and community outreach programmes, and youth theatre programmes.
Theatres in West London
There are many theatres in West London and in nearby areas, the area is well known to be a creative hub and the performing arts are no exception.
As always, if you would like to discuss any property related matters, please do get in touch.
