Theatre - The Thespian Connection
Stratford upon Avon may have been the birthplace of Shakespeare, but Stratford in East London also has a connection with the Bard, along with many other famous playwrights and showmen.
The Theatre Royal Stratford East regularly plays to packed houses and is known for its adventurous and occasionally controversial work, many of which subsequently transfer to the West End. Theatre Royal’s audience is probably the only audience in the country which is consistently reviewed! The theatre now serves Sunday lunch from its Caribbean menu, so you can read the papers and chill out.
Canary Wharf has a thriving arts and events programme. Events take place in two prestigious venues: Cabot Hall and at the new East 
Wintergarden. A regular programme of events includes everything from comedy clubs and street theatre to evening concerts and film screenings. A summer programme of outdoor theatre and music takes place in the parks and on the waterfront. For information about the current programme of events, call Abbey Box Office on 020 7418 2783 or visit www.mycanarywharf.com.
Other theatres produce a variety of performances from contemporary plays to full-scale revivals of classics, from star attractions to a host of community events. Theatres include:
-
Greenwich Theatre,
a welcoming, modern and intimate off-West End theatre, brings you new works of musical theatre, plays, comedies and shows all year round and has sent many productions to the West End.
www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
- The Brockley Jack, one of South London's most popular and exciting fringe theatre venues adjoining the Brockley Jack Public House. www.brockleyjack.co.uk
- Half Moon Young People’s Theatre
is one of London's leading theatre resources for young people providing a vibrant and diverse arts programme. The season runs from Sept – April but there is also a number of training schemes and youth workshops. www.halfmoon.org.uk
- The Albany, one of the best community-based fringe venues in London. www.thealbany.org.uk
- Greenwich Playhouse, an intimate studio theatre home to the Galleon Theatre Company.
www.galleontheatre.co.uk
The Broadway Theatre in Catford broadwaytheatre.org.uk
- Blackheath Halls in Blackheath www.blackheathhalls.com
