Bar staff are bit moody and unfriendly. Was in the bar recently with friends having a drink after…read moredinner, but despite spending a fair amount in there, we were treated to a negative experience from the bar manager. Won't be going back.

One of the smaller theatre spaces across London. They have 2 stages, a small coffee shop (excellent…read morecoffee and a few pastries on offer) and a full bar (which we walked through when entering, but didn't actually visit) The studio downstairs is a small space, but good acoustics. We watched Tamburlaine here which we quite enjoyed. The coffee shop closes earlier than the plays finish, so if it's coffee you want, pick it up by interval time.

We headed here to watch a production of "The Importance of Being Earnest"…read more You book tickets online and when you get to the counter, you are given tokens that "admit one". Seating for our show wasn't numbered. It looks like the seating arrangements can be moved around depending on the production. It's a small theatre, so sound wasn't an issue and great views all around. We were front centre, so we had a brilliant experience. There's a bar downstairs and they have washrooms. (Didn't use either) A word of warning, if your show ends late (10:15 on a Friday night), there's no place in walking distance to grab dinner later. So plan accordingly.

You're unlikely to find this theatre by accident given it's entrance is down an ally-way just off…read morefrom Fleet street/New Bridge street. Uninspiring to look at from the outside, the inside, too, holds back on the glitz and glamour. A couple of soulless corridors link the box office to the bar and the auditorium. The Bridewell doesn't put on large scale productions, it's a small theatre largely used for am-dram performances and the shows of small theatre groups. The auditorium seats around 130 and is quite adaptable. Depending on what performance is being staged at the time the setup is versatile, the seating can be changed and moved around so as the "stage" can be more easily manipulated and configured to suit the director's desires. The problem with this performance space is that the stage/seating areas are separated from the 'backstage' area by curtains only. This means you'll often hear the theatre staff and stagehands shuffling about and working away. Not dreadful but still a distraction. The bar is downstairs and isn't altogether impressive. The air in the bar has a feel and smell to it as that of a damp, concrete storage basement - which is exactly what it is/was. Other events are held down here and a small number of artworks from numerous small-scale temporary exhibits are displayed too. As well as some larger agricultural equipment/furniture. I imagine this is because there just isn't anywhere else to put it, though. All in all, the Bridewell Theatre probably won't impress you but it's theatre's like this that are necessary for grassroots production and, depending on the particular production you see, of course, I'm sure you will find some enjoyment from your visit. TTFN, Ian

I went to see Happy Days last night and thought the theatre was fantastic (and the play was…read morewonderfully acted and produced). You never feel far away from the stage in the least and the acoustics are brilliant. Not a massive amount of leg room in the upstairs seating - I'm a 5'7 lady - and was a bit uncomfortable towards the end, if I were any taller I'd say book the stalls). But you feel immersed in the play in any seats. The bar is nice too though a little crowded so we went to the pub down the road before the play started. The only downside was that the same usher that had checked our tickets and pointed us to our seats then came over 15 mins later with a couple, just before the performance was due to start, and said they had the tickets for our seats. The lights went down to begin the performance and he proceeded to stand next to us with the angry couple waiting for us to find out tickets to prove we had a right to be there. Being pitch black and knowing the eyes of the audience were on us (as the performance was now being delayed due to this seating error) we were very flustered and had to empty out rucksacks and pockets. Needless to say we couldn't find them immediately and the usher gave us a v accusatory look and walked away with the couple (after a good 5 minutes of staring at us mid fluster). It transpired the guy next to us had knocked our tickets under his seat.. It was really upsetting and ruined the first 15 mins of the performance. The usher came over to us in the interval and proceeded to stand there whilst we had to find our tickets. On showing them to him he said 'oh good, I've done my job properly, I won't get told off' and then subtly blamed us for the other couple having to leave. It really cast a shadow over the evening. Please sort out your booking system - although it was v upsetting for us, the other couple were offered alternative seating in the gantry (20 mins after the play started for some bizarre reason) so just went home. As it was the last ever performance of Happy Days I suspect their night was more bleak than the play - a tall order. In summary; be warned about booking. I think us booking through TimeOut and the other couple going through the YoungVic website was the cause of the double booking. But that aside love it. 29/3/2015 - having emailed feedback to the manager of the Young Vic we were advised the usher had been spoken to and were offered a free program. A little patronising but hopefully they've amended their booking system.

Just one of the best theatres in London with an amazing bar/restaurant to match…read more You can always guarantee that the productions will be some of the best and they attract some great names. The refurb has also grown the dining space so it's a fab place just to hang regardless. One of my favourite gems in London and a bonus - it's South of the river ;)

I loved this theater and wish I had something like it back home! The theater looks to be old but a…read morerenovation added lots of restrooms, a lovely terrace, and a cafe/bar with affordable food and drinks. Overall this is a lovely third space and it makes me sad to not have something similar where I live. We were able to pick up very affordable tickets to see Relics (written Ben Ockrent & directed by Michael Longhurst). The performances were great, and as a fan of the Bridget Jones movies, it was a hoot to see Sally Phillips! Not only was the acting great but I really liked the stage direction, especially the fight scene! Two tickets to a great night of theater for $67 USD is likely the best value of my entire vacation!

Amazing theater with ongoing community a d culture programming and events. I came to the theater…read morefor the "For the culture " festival and it was amazing! Art shows, performances, film screening, lectures, talks, and more. The theater had plenty of space, a great bar & Cafe serving good food! I'd definitely return for any other event they host in the future

Several good memories of seeing productions here between 2004 and 2007. I had hoped to enjoy a…read morereturn visit here when I was back in London last month (and I went right by the building on the bus), but unfortunately my schedule did not allow the opportunity. Nonetheless I could tell from the theatre's programming at the time (a production starring noted actress Zoe Wanamaker) that it has continued a mandate of classy productions and esteemed actors and designers. The intimate, yet modern nature of the building, with several artful curves and a great sense of air and space, also contributes to the appealing vibe.

I used to work part-time at the Hampstead Theatre. But I'm…read moregoing back 2004-2006. I was an office assistant back then.

I'm reviewing the bar also, rather than the theatre…read more I had my work leaving drinks here, so reserved the mezzanine area. The bar itself is a good size with a really nice appearance. It's just such a shame the piano music doesn't come on from a little earlier, as this is the real appeal of this place, and the atmosphere only really comes alive once he starts playing. I'm assuming they have to wait for any performances to end. I was here from about 5.30pm, and whilst there was some (fairly quiet) background music on, there was a corporate event downstairs, so the music was off for a large part of the evening. I hadn't realised that the piano man wasn't on until late, so whilst there were a small number of my party left to enjoy it, most people had meandered off home by that point. It's a really nice place, I would just plan to end your work drinks here, rather than start them, as it's fairly 'plain' here without the performer.

I'm reviewing the bar here rather than the theatre. Regardless of whether there is a show on or…read morenot, the bar and restaurant are open until 2:30am and from 11pm on there is live music every night. What sets this place apart from every other bar I have ever been to is the clientelle. Note the time the live music starts.... 11pm. The bar here is almost entirely inhabited by performers that have just finished a show in the West End. If you don't sing for a living or earn your crust on stage you are the exception. The live music is almost invariably a grand piano and a singer or singers. Normally I would rather pierce my ear drums with pencils than suffer a karaoke night, here when the patrons decide to sing, you are in for something truly spectacular. The repetoire is generally much loved classic numbers from the last thirty years and show tunes and the standard is very high. It gets very busy after midnight and there's a reason for that. The atmosphere is friendly and the live music is great.

The Almeida is one of the best producing theatres in London. Some of their shows go to the West End…read moreand Broadway. They champion new work as well as bringing fresh perspectives to revivals. The space is very flexible and can be a proscenium, of thrust, or even in the round, whatever is best for that particular play. They don't shy away from controversial plays and musicals, so this is the place to go if you want to be challenged as well as entertained. Tip: When you book seats downstairs it may say restricted view. That's because this is an old venue with poles holding up the balcony. As you can see in the picture there small and in my experience they don't really get in the way. If that bothers you the seats upstairs are excellent.

It was exciting to see that the Almeida is still going strong, and perhaps entering an even more…read moreadventurous phase, when I returned here during a recent re-visit to London. I attended the theatre several times between 2004 and 2007, and the plays offered strong casts (Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton were probably the most notable names I saw live) but not especially challenging dramatic fare. This time around in early 2015, the theatre had been transformed into a would-be video game arcade for Mike Bartlett's provocative new play "Game". The audience was seated on specially constructed benches in a square area around the main "stage" (totally reconfigured into a would-be private living room) and voyeuristically urged to follow the plot of the show, which alternated between onstage and a live video feed that was broadcast simultaneously from different areas of the seats. This performance also pushed the boundaries of more traditional theatregoing in that it was offered twice in one night - a great way for the theatre to make some extra money and for the actors and technical staff to flex their muscles. It's clear that other recent Almeida productions have been more dramatically adventurous. Looking forward to keeping an eye on their future output!

Excuse while I slightly embarrass my self with my happy dance…read more *happy dances* As my lungs recover from my cachectic jig, time for the review. Finally a good theater near me up towards Halloway/Highgate. The previous nearest decent one was The Bicycle in Kilburn and that was a pain beyond pains to get to. There's not really a lot around the place apart from the slightly gangsta Halloway Road so be prepared to hunt for a decent preplay boozer or just get a bus/tube from Camden or Highbury+Islington. The theatre itself is part of an old warehouse but very intimate, appearing to have multiple levels on the outside with a large room and stage on the inside. The stage seemed to be quite big with one side of the room flanked by a bar. We had free tickets to "Office Party" (the nearest thing to an office party we had this year, yes I'm looking at you NHS!) which was an interactive play where the action happens around you and on the two platforms at either end of the theatre room. Without wishing to give too much away there were party games, high drama and screams of "Oh my! That's a girl!?". Certainly worth going to and more fun than most of the actual office parties I've been to in a venue I shall be looking at more.

If you prefer smaller, more eclectic theatre then put Pleasance on your list. They have some great…read moreshows. The most recent one I saw was by the Momentum Theatre Company called "Anima", which was amazing. What I like about Pleasance is that you get a good view of the stage wherever you sit. It's spacious but also quite intimate. The architecture of the building is interesting and it was once a timber storehouse. There is a bar for before and after drinks and a section with comfy couches. The foyer is host to various exhibitions throughout the year. Shows are never too expensive - the average being around £10. A minus is the location. Other than Shillibeers bar and eatery, there's very little else close by.