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You don’t have to venture into the west end to catch some quality theatre in the capital.

Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn

Culture vultures can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to soaking up the latest plays. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a property in London, there’s never a theatre far from home.

The Drayton Theatre: South Kensington (SW5)

There’s an intimate fringe theatre above one of South Kensington’s most popular pubs, The Drayton Arms. Locals flock to The Arms for its euphoric atmosphere, its famously delectable Sunday roasts and its generous provision of top-notch entertainment. There’s free midday film screening every Sunday, a cabaret show on the first Monday of every month and theatre productions almost all year round, courtesy of in-house troupe The Largest Room. The Drayton Theatre is proud of its size, championing the immediacy of the drama on show.

:: Info: 135 Old Brompton Road, SW5. Visit www.thedraytontheatre.co.uk/

Hampstead Theatre: Hampstead (NW3)

One of the more affluent neighbourhoods in London, Hampstead is a full of little cultural treasures, but the Hampstead Theatre dwarves them all. The enormous auditorium has a flexible stage, providing the possibility of an end-on, thrust or traverse layout, which suits artistic director Edward Hall.

Hampstead Theatre auditorium

A staple of Camden borough since 1962, the venue has a modern aesthetic and its cafe and terrace overlook Swiss Cottage park. Actors and directors of international renown have all passed through this lasting home to theatre lovers in North West London.

:: Info: Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3. Visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com/

Tabard Theatre: Chiswick (W4)

Like Drayton in South Kensington, the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick resides above a popular local pub. The theatre has been around for almost 30 years and its reputation in the community continues to grow. It underwent a modernising renovation in 2005, all the better for showcasing the productions of Pulling Focus Ltd, the in-house theatre company. The Tabard moonlights as a comedy venue and, in that regard, is also flourishing.

:: Info: 2 Bath Road, W4. Visit www.tabardtheatre.co.uk/

The Cockpit: St John’s Wood (NW8)

St Johns Wood neighbours Marylebone, a focal point in London’s artistic scene. It may have a more subdued profile but the residents of this borough are surrounded by theatres and cinemas. The Cockpit is among these. It provides cultural classes, dance and acting, but it is mostly known for its high-quality theatre. Various troupes put on productions, and the venue is especially kind to original works and new playwrights.

:: Info: Gateforth Street, NW8. Visit thecockpit.org.uk/

The Gate Theatre: Notting Hill (W11)

Notting Hill’s The Gate Theatre prides itself on being the country’s only small-scale theatre with an exclusive focus on international productions. The Gate is known for its intimacy and its stage flexibility, a transformable theatre space. For more than 30 years, The Gate has provided a canvas for emerging theatrical artists. It’s considered to be London’s international (independent) theatre.

:: Info: 11 Pembridge Road, W11. Visit www.gatetheatre.co.uk/

Tricycle Theatre: Kilburn (NW2)

There’s a glass structure just off of Kilburn High Road, one of the city’s busiest streets. It is the Tricycle Theatre. Since 1980, the Tricycle has provided the borough of Brent with provocative plays, emotionally and politically. Its theatre is neither excessively small nor so impersonally large. It is a venue that, besides producing topical and classic drama, has a luxurious cinema. The Tricycle caters to families and its cafe, decor and its atmosphere are reason enough to spend a day there.

:: Info: 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6. Visit www.tricycle.co.uk/

Blue Elephant Theatre: Camberwell (SE5)

The Blue Elephant Theatre is the cultural epicentre of this borough, one of London’s most artistically inclined. This independently funded theatre has been referred to as the neighbourhood’s “coolest venue” for its edgy and inclusive productions. Though it has only been around since 1999, the Blue Elephant has cultivated a reputation for its daring aesthetics, theatrical experimentation and its emphasis on international productions.

:: Info: 59a Bethwin Road, SE5. Visit www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk/