So I went here a little while ago but didnt get the chance to write a review!
The complex as a whole is schitzophrenic. Nothing matches, and its all in different styles, but thats what I find so fantastic about the place- you can see the buildings history through its renovated areas.
The bar is fantastic, and I mean fantastic. And I know this is a theatre too, but the bar is what really stood out, so this'll mostly be about that ;)
When you walk up, the theatre has this old seventies-housing-estate look to one side, a palatial roman look to another, and a completely modern hipster vibe to the bar's outside area (fake grass, bright plastic chairs) BUT THEN YOU HEAD INTO THE BAR.
The bar is relaxed, and truly beautiful- i'd happily head here to read a book, or a couple of drinks with friends, it's a really cool little spot, and a bar in its own right outside of the theatre. (Think rustic; scratched wooden everything and a neon sign)
Drinks are a little pricy, but this is London, and only a stones throw from Westfield and the Olympic Something Or Other ( I don't know, the japanese tourists informed me it's very exciting whilst asking me to hold a camera on the way there) but this place somehow, perhaps due to its hard to find location, manages to avoid being tourist-y and only really gets mega busy around showtimes.
NOTE: THEY HAVE QUIZ NIGHTS.
I know what your thinking. Quiz nights? I'm not an old man. Well.. no. Me neither.
BUT if you're a student or an actress, of which I am both, the prizes are fantastic.
First place- tickets to the show
second and third- BOOZE.
And considering there's hardly anyone there, bring a big group and your chances go up immeasurably (We actually won the quiz. And I have never won any quiz ever.)
The theatre itself is Old Style Victorian, everything is red and gold, everything is plushy and luxurious. We were seating in the front of the stalls- which to be honest was a little squished and difficult to see, but as with all theatres I recommend you get a seat at the front of the Dress Circle if you can.
But this is Joan Littlewood's theatre.
Back in the 70s, they put on a bunch of controversial productions, and were infamous for them, but nowadays it seems a lot more family themed orientating its season around a christmas pantomime and the other usual fixtures of a theatre season (A few musicals, a kiddie show etc.). They still support new work, and aren't afraid to offend you- if you're a traditionalist, stick to the tamer classics rather than their new work. read more