From the West End to the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT), London has always had one of the world’s most exciting theatre scenes. Need to hire a theatre space in London but aren’t quite sure where to start? If you’re planning a casting call, audition, movie night, musical or comedy show, our round-up of the city's top theatres for hire is sure to come in handy. From community halls and movie theatres to state-of-the-art auditoriums and outdoor performance venues, we’re sure to have a space that suits.
London offers some of the most exquisite theatres in the entire world, and you will be able to find a variety of different kinds of theatres from grand halls to smaller spaces with a stage. If you are hosting a large business event or a conference, then a centrally located theatre is what you will be looking for. On the other hand, if you have a small creative project in mind or a small product launch, then seek a small theatre to showcase your idea.
London is known for having amazing theatres all over the city. Here are a few of our favourites:
The Great Hall at Queen Mary Venues – Here is a modern theatre designed for lectures and performances. This can seat over 700 people and will provide your project with stellar acoustics and plenty of room for all in attendance.
Dolby Theatre – If you are planning on offering a world-class audio-visual experience, then the Dolby Theatre is the place for you. You will find incredibly comfortable seats for the guests and crystal clear audio and visuals, which Dolby is known for.
The Etcetera Theatre – This is one of the premier small theatres in all of London. Despite its small size and affordability, you will find top-of-the-line AV equipment and professional lighting to make sure that your message comes through loud as day.
Theatres are places to showcase your work, whether it is a business idea or the performing arts. The biggest thing you have to keep in mind is being properly prepared for the venue, not just in the content, but also making sure that the guests will be comfortable and the logistics of the event will be in order so everyone has a pleasant time in the theatre.
The West End is arguably the most famous, offering iconic theatres that host world-class productions, making it ideal for high-profile events. South Bank is another prime location known for its cultural institutions and riverside theatres, providing a scenic background for various events. If you are looking for a more intimate or avant-garde atmosphere, Soho and Shoreditch offer smaller venues that are perfect for innovative performances and contemporary shows. Covent Garden has several theatres suitable for diverse events, from traditional plays to corporate gatherings.
All the world’s a stage…This quote has a special meaning in London: the city of Shakespeare and his Globe. The capital has always been an important centre for theatre, dramatic writing and other related arts. This movement is still alive and buzzing. No wonder theatre venues for hire are in such big demand. Here, you'll also come across a lot of school and university theatres for rent.
Don’t forget about important factors, like lighting, props, costumes, proper theatre drapes and other equipment. Make sure it’s all geared up!
For events involving public speaking, hire a modern lecture theatre, especially when you have a huge audience and a special message to convey. Let your guests sit comfortably and listen attentively.
Pop-up events are a trend in London right now. New drama pop-ups are literally popping up like mushrooms, and they obviously require a great pop-up space. If you find a special place, it may require a special licence. Avoid surprises and double-check if you’ve sorted everything before the event.
Fringe theatre groups are alternative, informal troupes. They usually hire venues intended for other uses, like bars, shops or cafes. Therefore, pub theatre hire isn’t something unusual when it comes to fringe performances. Fringe festivals are an essentially British phenomenon, originating from the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Big-name fringe events in London include the East London Fringe Festival and the Camden Fringe.
Music is closely connected with the drama. When preparing for some plays, you may need a piano room or a rehearsal studio. When hiring rehearsal rooms, make sure they have all the facilities you need.
Have you ever thought about hiring a theatre for private events in London? Birthday? Wedding? This idea may seem unconventional, but at the same time, it’s absolutely spectacular. If the bride and the groom are theatre employees, actors or simply drama lovers, it makes even more sense. Your guests will be talking about it for a long time afterwards.
London is full of drama studios and black box theatres for hire, but choosing the right one for your event can be challenging. With Tagvenue, you can choose from various unusual theatre venues and get the best possible rate.
The Calder Theatre Bookshop, South Bank: Located behind Southwark Station, this bookshop doubles as a ten-seat performance space. It seats just 10 people and costs £20 per hour. Perfect for script readings, solo shows, or micro-theatre.
The Hope Theatre, Islington: Set above the Hope and Anchor pub, this no-frills black box space seats 42 people and offers fringe charm for around £30 per hour. It’s a great space for experimental shows and script-in-hand readings in a casual, supportive atmosphere.
The Boury Studios, Stockwell: This space is part-rehearsal room, part-performance venue for around £25 per hour. It’s frequently used by indie theatre-makers and small companies looking for somewhere that can hold 15 people, flexible, and central without paying West End prices.
Central London Rehearsal Studio, Bloomsbury: Just a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road, this is a quiet, clean studio perfect for early-stage development or low-key performances. It seats 20 people and costs from £30 per hour.