The Menier Chocolate Factory, is not actually a factory. It was originally a factory and warehouse for the Minier Chocolate Company of France, when they started to expand overseas in the mid 1800's. It was listed a grade II building in the 1990's after being left derelict in the 1908's. The Menier Chocolate Factory was opened in 2004 in its current incarnation as a small theatre (180 seats), art gallery, theatre bar and restaurant/cafe, plus a rehersal space.
I first visited the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2007 to see a show called Take Fight. It was not the best of shows, but I was impressed with the creative use of the space to stage the show. My next visit was at the beginning of 2008 to see La Cage aux Folles starring Philip Quast as Georges and Douglas Hodge, which I thought was outstanding and far better than a previous production I had seen at the London Palladium in the 1980's.
I've since been back to see many other productions, many of which have transfered to the West End and Broadway. My latest visit was last weekend to see Stephen Sondiem's Assassins. The staging and use of the space blew me away. The cast were so good, and included Catherine Tate, Aaron Tveit and Andy Nyman. It was staged catwalk style with the audience seated either side of the stage. Each production has a different seating configuration to suit the production.
I was fortunate enough to book earlier enough to have their meal deal, which includes a ticket for the show, and a two course meal at their restaurant/cafe, all for £40.50, such a good dea (review for this will be under Menier Cafe).
The theatre retains a casual feel, even though the level of preformers and performances are as good as you would expect at a top show in the West End/Broadway. They now have numbered seating, which they did not have when I first came here. Also, if you are looking for comfort, you will not find it here, as the seating is padded bernches.
I really love this place so much and have very rarely been disappointed ( I've seen a few turkeys). But for the price, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in London to see productions and top preformers, so close up. read more