5 Best Performing Arts Venues in South of the Thames, London

In 2015, Matthew Warchus, the director behind Matilda the Musical, took over as artistic director of this venerable venue, where stage legends like Maggie Smith, Vivien Leigh, Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, and Judi Dench once trod the boards. Today, you'll still find some of the best shows in town here—both new work and revivals of modern classics—some featuring contemporary stars like Andrew Scott and Claire Foy.

This converted industrial space has become celebrated for its inspired reworkings of classic musicals, with several of its productions eventually transferring to the West End and even winning Tonys on Broadway. It's not unusual for shows to feature top British talent and stars-of-tomorrow, like Sharon Horgan and Tom Hollander, before they become famous. It also hosts comedy nights.

After closing during the pandemic, this impressive little theater has reopened with an additional space near Elephant & Castle in addition to its original space in what was once a car showroom. It produces award-winning original musicals and gritty drama for a fraction of the cost of the West End. The bar-café is good, too, which is fortunate—the surrounding area is something of a culinary no-man's-land.

Dedicated to innovative work for young audiences, this modern theater hosts plays, musicals, and interactive theater for everyone from toddlers to preteens. Inclusivity is a major focus, with performances for those with visual and hearing and other impairments taking place regularly.

Just down the road from its elder sibling The Old Vic, this offshoot hosts big names performing alongside emerging talent, often in daring innovative productions of both new and classic plays that appeal to a more diverse audience than is traditionally found on the London scene, with notable productions regularly transferring to the West End. Good food is served all day at the bustling bar.