ROUND UP OF 2024

THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS

31/12/24



OUR YEAR


With over 100,000 visitors to the magazine and over 170,000 views in 2024, we are thrilled with the level of support for London Pub Theatres.  Our reviews were viewed by over 67,000 people (an increase from 40,000 views in 2023), with What's On pages, Standing Ovation Award Nominations and Theatre industry opportunities being the next most popular.  Interviews and Theatre profiles have also proved very popular this year, with the most read feature being LPTM’s series Getting into Theatre.


In 2025 we are celebrating London Pub Theatres Magazine tenth anniversary and and we hope that you will join us for our major event, 'Friends of London Pub Theatres 10th Anniversary Party' at Golden Goose Theatre on 1 June.  We would love it if you would come and support this joyous occasion, details of this and other events are at the bottom of the page.



HIGHLIGHTS


Here below is month by month of the most memorable stories. 

JANUARY


Storytelling festival opens at ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE


Folklore, illustration, local stories, modern classics, community events, poetry and live music came together at The Rosemary Branch for their first ever Gather Together Storytelling Festival, 18 Jan - 4 Feb. Highlights included: Chris Riddell live-illustrating a performance; new work from multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed storytellers; Cleo Sylvestre  MBE telling her life story with live music and free community workshops.  The theatre, affectionately known as Rosie B also gave opportunities for everyone to share their local stories, to be audio recorded and archived by Islington Museum as a resource for generations to come. 

FEBRUARY


Image: Kate Bannister accepts Artistic Director Award at Offies 2024


PUB THEATRES WIN AT OFF WEST END AWARDS

 

The OFFIES AWARDS 2024, were held at the Woolwich Works 25 February.  Designed to celebrate the best of independent, alternative and fringe theatre across Greater London and selected fringe festivals around the UK. Pub Theatres were winners in a number of categories. 


The ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AWARD was presented to Kate Bannister, Artistic Director at the JACK STUDIO THEATRE. In her acceptance speech Kate pointed out the importance of small theatres to the theatre ecology and paid tribute to Karl Swinyard who runs the theatre with her.


The PRODUCER AWARD was presented to Open Bar Theatre  for their innovative open air productions in partnership with Fuller's Brewery.


SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE in a play went to Thomas Judd for Sense & Sensibility / produced by Open Bar Theatre at Fuller's pub gardens. 


PEOPLE’S VOTE AWARD for PROGRAMMES went to BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE in Penge


OFF FEST AWARD for Camden Fringe Festival went to Scavengers by Bryan Oliver (Urban Wolves Theatre Company) at ETCETERA THEATRE


LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE becomes an OFFIE AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION


A ONEOFF Special Award was awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre



New dining pub theatre STAGE DOOR opens with MARRY ME A LITTLE


The Stage Door Theatre, operated by LAMBCO Productions, announced its opening production, Sonheim's MARRY ME A LITTLE 28 Feb - 13 Apr.

The  pop-up Stage Door Theatre, situated above the Prince of Wales pub on Drury Lane, was designed to be somewhere to meet friends for drinks, dinner and a show. A one-stop shop for a welcoming night out amongst friends. The theatre went on to critical acclaim for their productions of THE TAILOR MADE MAN by Claudio Macor (May - July) and THE STORY OF MY LIFE a chamber musical with music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram (Sept – Oct) both directed by Robert McWhir.

MARCH


Canal Cafe Theatre's NewsRevue transfers to the Seven Dials Playhouse for 3 weeks



NewsRevue moved to a new home for 3 weeks, 7 - 23 March, whilst the Bridge House Pub that houses the Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice had a major refurbishment. Featuring an uber talented cast of NewsRevue alumni with material choices inspired from West End musicals, sketches included a witty takedown on the fiasco that was the Willy Wonka exhibition in Glasgow, Adelaide’s Lament by Vladimir Putin and a dazzling finale parodying the show tunes of Matilda, in addition to the usual hallmarks of this Guinness World Record-breaking show.

The show returned to its home in Canal Cafe Theatre in April and with only a short break for Christmas, it opens again in the New Year with a brand new cast on Thursday 9th January.

APRIL


Image: A Woman Walks into a Bank by Roxy Cook at Theatre503 (21 Nov - 15 Dec)


THEATRE503 INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING AWARD RETURNS 2024/25


Theatre503 announced the return of Theatre503 International Playwriting Award for 2024/5. 

Previous winners include:

2023: A Woman Walks Into A Bank by Roxy Cook

2020: Moreno by Pravin Wilkins

2018: Out of Sorts by Danusia Samal

2016: In Event of Moone Disaster by Andrew Thompson

2014: And Then Come The Nightjars by Bea Roberts & Valhalla by Paul Murphy (Joint Winners)


Theatre503’s Writer’s Programme of online and in-person writing masterclasses and courses continued throughout 2024, with a programme of new writing short runs during the Summer.

MAY


Image: James Wren (left), Felicity Wren, Mark Lyminster


UNRESTRICTED VIEW CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AT THE HEN AND CHICKENS THEATRE


Unrestricted View, the London theatre company dedicated to fostering bold new writing and comedy, proudly celebrate its 25th anniversary at the helm of the Hen & Chickens Theatre in May 2024.  Unrestricted View's unwavering commitment to the artistic community extends beyond the stage. They curate three annual film festivals including the now BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival, providing a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.


Unrestricted View's journey began in 1997, a love story intertwined with artistic passion. Read the full story in LPT interview with James Wren here



Image: Toby Hampton and Laurel Marks, New ADs at The Hope Theatre


THE HOPE & ANCHOR ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS OF THE HOPE THEATRE


On 1st May The Hope & Anchor pub announced the appointment of Laurel Marks and Toby Hampton as the new Artistic Directors of The Hope Theatre.


Laurel Marks is an award-winning theatre maker who has expertise in almost every aspect of the theatre industry.


Toby Hampton is an award nominated director, writer and producer and a local to the North London area.  Aside from his work at The Hope, Toby has been producing and directing which most recently includes a run of his 21 Round For Christmas, co-written with Matt Ballantyne at Park Theatre.


Read the full story in LPT interview with Laurel and Toby here

JULY


BOX OFFICE FAVOURITE RETURNS TO GOLDEN GOOSE THEATRE following an international tour


Award winning ANIMAL FARM returned to GOLDEN GOOSE THEATRE in Camberwell after an International tour, part of a GEORGE ORWELL DOUBLE BILL with 1984. Paul Stebbings won LPT Standing Ovation Award for best adaptation for George Orwell's Animal Farm (in 2023). Producers TNT Theatre & ADG Europe, are now bringing a new show to the venue written by Stebbings, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF MARTIN LUTHER KING 2 - 5 January.




Image: Prize winner Erin Holland


WINNERS OF THE BREAD AND ROSES THEATRE 2024 PLAYWRITING AWARDS ANNOUNCED



Two winners have been announced: Erin Holland for The Queen of Quex Road and Owen Lloyd Richards for Kid Sister. The plays were chosen from over 680 submissions.  The Bread & Roses Playwriting Award is a competition for full length theatre plays that have not previously been produced or published and feature at least half of female, non-binary or gender neutral roles by UK and Europe based writers. The winners receive a professional production at The Bread & Roses Theatre, 10 percent of box office takings, publication of their plays and the Royalties from all sales.   

AUGUST


Image: The Hen and Chickens programme for 2024 Camden Fringe shows at their venue. 


The CAMDEN FRINGE FESTIVAL returns for its 18th year


The Camden Fringe festival returned for its 18th year, with more than 320 productions taking place at 23 venues across north London including eight pub theatres.   The Camden Fringe was established in 2006 at Etcetera Theatre by Michelle Flower and Zena Barrie, who still do all the day to day management of the festival. Flower commented: "It seems crazy to think that the Camden Fringe is now old enough to vote."  It is an outstanding showcase for established and emerging theatre makers to present new work.   LPT reviewers always enjoy the breadth of shows on offer.  We were also impressed with The Hen and Chickens programme of shows at their venue.  If LPT gave awards for programmes ...



YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, TRANSFERS TO SHANGHAI FROM UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE, in Highgate


Based on The Comic Strip by Charles M. Schulz with Book, Music, & Lyrics by Clark Gesner, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN had a five star run at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate.  Producers Chromolume partnered with Shanghai theatre school and producers iMusical to bring this iconic and heartwarming show to a whole new audience in August.

SEPTEMBER


REBOOT FESTIVAL returns to BARONS COURT THEATRE for fourth year 3 - 21 September


London’s biggest short plays festival returned for its fourth edition over three weeks. The festival, run by Kibo productions, led by Directors Sharon Willems and Leo Bacica, is a platform for emerging writers and a gateway for international writers onto the London scene.  With no financial cost to those taking part it provides an amazingly large number of creatives and actors to stage work without any financial risk.




A NEW FESTIVAL opens in South East London to promote and celebrate NEW WRITING 3 - 14 September


The SEFest is a new festival hosted by Brockley Jack Theatre in Crofton Park and Bridge House Theatre in Penge, two award-winning theatres with a reputation for supporting and presenting new work. The festival  programmed 24 performances, giving companies the unique opportunity to perform at both venues during the festival fortnight.


BREAD AND ROSES THEATRE inaugural LAMBETH FRINGE FESTIVAL opens 19 Sept - 20 Oct


Building on the success of last year’s 8th critically acclaimed incarnation of the Clapham Fringe, The Bread and Roses Theatre announced a dynamic rebranding and expansion of its flagship festival.  This included an expansion to twenty three venues including: Bread & Roses Theatre, Golden Goose Theatre and White Bear Theatre hosting Performance, Works In Progress and more.  Other entertainment on offer included drag at The Two Brewers, independent film screenings at Central Film School,  gaming at Badger Badger, and jazz nights at Mondo Tap.


The Festival is curated and produced by the The Bread & Roses Theatre, led by Managing Director Rebecca Pryle, Artistic Director Velenzia Spearpoint and Associate Producer Alexander Knott.


The Guardian on the Bread and Roses: "A new wave of venues has opened in recent years, all on the sweetheart deals of old.”



OBITUARY: CLEO SYLVESTRE


CLEO SYLVESTRE, trailblazing Director at Rosemary Branch Theatre for 20 years, her career spanned theatre and television and she graced many stages as a wonderful blues singer.


Born and educated in Camden (b.1945), Cleo Sylvestre MBE was the first black woman ever to play a leading role at the National Theatre and to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera, Crossroads.  Sylvestre appeared in many TV series including Grange Hill, Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small,  Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street, The Bill, New Tricks and Doctor Who, as well as a regular role in school drama Grange Hill.


In 1996 Cleo Sylvestre, along with Cecilia Darker, became joint Artistic Director of Rosemary Branch theatre which continued for 20 years.  Her legacy continues today with Genevieve Taricco and Scarlett Plouviez Comnas taking over as joint Artistic Directors in 2016, followed by Laura Killeen taking over in 2021.


The full obituary is on BBC website here

OCTOBER


BARONS COURT THEATRE SAVED FROM CLOSURE


The theatre seats, which have welcomed thousands of audience members over the years, were worn out and in urgent need of replacement. The council mandated that the seats and risers must be replaced by October 31, 2024. Without this essential upgrade the pub theatre may have to close its doors for good.

With just two months to go to raise £23,802 theatre directors Sharon Willems and Leo Basica knew that the cost of the renovation was far beyond their financial resources.  Fortunately the council stepped in to offer match funding and thanks to the generosity of the community, they raised the amount needed securing the future of Barons Court Theatre.

The theatre tweeted "We honestly cannot thank everyone enough for supporting us. Three months ago, staying open felt impossible. But now, we will have the time and resources to update our space so we can continue to be a home for artists and our community for years to come." 


LONDON PUB THEATRE 2024 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED


The sixth London Pub Theatre's Awards celebrating achievements in London Pub Theatres were held at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate on 20 October. The highlights:


LONDON PUB THEATRE OF THE YEAR was awarded to THE HEN AND CHICKENS THEATRE Artistic Directors, James Wren & Felicity Wren and theatre manager Mark Lyminster.  For 25 years, the Hen and Chickens Theatre has been nurturing artists and finding new talent. Run by three actors for actors, it is fun, inspiring, well known for friendliness, atmosphere and good times.  The Intimate black box theatre is also home to indie film festivals.


RUNNER UP FOR PUB THEATRE OF THE YEAR was awarded to David Brady, PROFORÇA Theatre Company at LION AND UNICORN THEATRE for excellent programming.


BEST ACTOR was awarded to Robert Bathurst for his virtuoso solo turn in JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL at Coach and Horses, Soho. Robert Bathurst, has been a staple of British stage and screen since the early 1980s, perhaps most famously in the TV series Cold Feet.


BEST PRODUCTION was awarded to Croft & Dye Productions and Salt Lick Productions for FOAM by Harry McDonald at FINBOROUGH THEATRE (see story below).


View all winners here



FINBOROUGH THEATRE WINS STANDING OVATION AWARD FOR BEST PRODUCTION FOR THE THIRD YEAR


The mighty Finborough have won Best Production at LPT magazine's Standing Ovation Awards three times in a row.

 

2024 - FOAM by Harry McDonald, directed by Matthew Iliffe / produced by Croft & Dye Productions and Salt Lick Productions 

  

2023  - THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY by Naomi Wallace and Marcus Rediker, directed by Ron Daniels / Produced by Arsalan Sattari


2022 -  YES SO I SAID YES by David Ireland / 19th Street Productions




LISA SPIRLING TO STEP DOWN AS THEATRE503’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CEO


Lisa Spirling is stepping down to join Stratford East as its new Artistic Director and joint CEO in Spring 2025. Lisa has been Artistic Director and CEO of new writing powerhouse Theatre503 since 2016. During her tenure, this small but mighty space above the Latchmere pub in Battersea has staged the work of more first-time writers than any other theatre in the country. In 2023, Lisa was included in The Stage 100 for her impact at Theatre503. Recent accolades for Theatre503 include: an Olivier Award for Jon Brittain’s Rotterdam; a nomination for The Stage Award for Fringe Theatre of the Year; winning London Pub Theatre of the Year; numerous Off West End Theatre Awards (Offies); and in 2019, two of the four Evening Standard Theatre Awards for Most Promising Playwright nominees were Theatre503 writers. 


An amazing tenure at this venue, LPT wish Lisa the very best for her future.

NOVEMBER

VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO INCLUDE PUB THEATRE VENUES 


VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL RETURNS. After celebrating 10 years at The Cockpit the team took a short break last year in order to relaunch with a new festival model. Joining forces with a host of new venues including pub theatres Upstairs at the Gatehouse and Barons Court Theatre to showcase even more panlingual theatre across London in November!  Voila! Theatre Festival is a place for artists to create, to connect, and to celebrate collaboration. The festival supports individuals and companies to make a daring leap: presenting a new piece of work, touring to a new audience, or translating a play into a new language. The festival is produced by The Cockpit and expanded thanks to support from Arts Council England.



ROBERT BATHURST ANNOUNCED AS PATRON OF LONDON PUB THEATRES


Following receiving his award as Best Actor for his role in JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL by Keith Waterhouse at the London Pub Theatres Awards 2024, ROBERT BATHURST kindly agreed to become Patron of London Pub theatres for the next year. Mr Bathurst said "I would of course be happy to champion your organisation and the vibrant, disparate pub theatre scene and its place in the profession, though I don’t claim a wide knowledge of what’s going on. I guess I’d learn more by reading the magazine!"


Currently filming for his role as a surgeon in medical programme, CASUALTY, Bathurst is probably best known for his role in ITV comedy drama COLD FEET, which ran for nine series (opening 1998 and closing 2020). Robert’s numerous West End and touring theatre productions include classics and modern works.

DECEMBER


Image: The Snow Queen at Theatre at the Tabard in Chiswick 29 Nov - 4 Jan


THREE PUB THEATRES CONTINUE TO DELIGHT WITH THEIR SEASONAL OFFERINGS for all the family


Spectacular shows are produced every year to celebrate the season from Theatre at the Tabard in Chiswick, Jack Studio Theatre in SE London and Upstairs at the Gatehouse  in Highgate.


For the third year running Theatre at the Tabard has produced adaptations from well known children's stories.  This year THE SNOW QUEEN is wowing audiences, running until 4 January.


‘Intimate venues such as this bring a particular type of magic to storytelling for children’ LPT Magazine




Image: Road Show at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 12 January


Upstairs at the Gatehouse are particularly known for musical theatre.  This year their seasonal offering has daringly brought one of Sondheim lesser known musicals, ROAD SHOW with a  production full of visual surprises and great singing, running until 12 January.


'A musical jaunt into avarice, corruption and the great American Dream’ LPT Magazine



Image: Montague's Millions at Jack Studio Theatre 10 Dec - 4 Jan


Jack Studio Theatre, always astonishes with their set design and how it becomes part of the story.  This year brings a new piece of writing, MONTAGUE'S MILLIONS by Luke Adamson which comes across as a mix of The 39 Steps and Emma Rice’s Brief Encounter.  Adamson knows how to write plot and character and, in combination with the Jack’s crack team of Kate Bannister (direction) and Karl Swinyard (set), the show is a hit.  Running until 4 January.


‘A Winning Combination’ LPT Magazine



Photography: Tom Howard


Robert Bathurst to return in his award-winning role in Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell


Due to overwhelming demand and after two sold-out seasons, Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet, Downton Abbey, Toast of London) will once again star in the critically acclaimed, award-winning immersive production of JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL, performed in his favourite Soho haunt, the legendary Coach and Horses pub.


Named a Times Critic’s Pick of the Week and with Robert winning Best Actor at the London Pub Theatre Awards (2024) for his portrayal of Jeffrey, this production is an unmissable celebration of Soho’s chaotic charm.  This one-hour one-man show is adapted by James Hillier from the critically acclaimed West End play by Keith Waterhouse based on real life journalist Jeffrey Bernard…a regular at The Coach and Horses in Soho. 

COMING UP IN 2025


The Hope Theatre announces WRITE CLUB, a new writing festival to take place at the award winning venue in early 2025


Laurel Marks and Toby Hampton, the new Joint Artistic Directors of The Hope Theatre, announce WRITE CLUB, a new writing festival which will take place at the multi-award winning venue from 7 January to 1 February 2025.

This Festival of new work will highlight bold new stories with BIG ideas. The full programme is available to view here.


LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY in 2025 


Sign up to our newsletter here to keep in touch with our plans for the year. Here below are some of the highlights:


FRIENDS OF LONDON PUB THEATRES TENTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Please join us for our major event and fun filled fund raiser at Golden Goose Theatre on 1 June. 

We’re planning surprise visits, extracts from favourite shows, an auction of theatre memorabilia (everything must go) and a yummy banquet (of finger food). Plus, of course, there will be cake. 

If you’d like to express your early support, please get in touch with the Editor, Heather Jeffery, to secure your place, on hjwrites@aol.com 


FEATURES

Features on the magazine to include a RETROSPECTIVE OF THE LAST TEN YEARS and a follow up to our popular piece on female writers, WOMEN IN THEATRE (What women want to say now).


OTHER EVENTS

A series of MASTER CLASSES

FESTIVAL highlights


THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF PUB THEATRES.  Please keep in touch by signing up to our newsletter, twitter account and Instagram accounts. 


HAPPY NEW YEAR




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