Gate Theatre

A doll's house of a theatre, with rickety wooden chairs as seats, the Gate devotes itself almost exclusively to foreign drama, often in specially commissioned new translations, and an increasing number of dance theatre works. The Gate sees itself as something of a 'springboard', nurturing up-and-coming talents before ushering them towards the bright lights. Alumni include Jude Law, Kneehigh's artistic director Emma Rice and Rachel Weisz - and until 2003 they weren't even able to pay cast or crew. The Gate Theatre may be small budget and small scale (with a mere 70-person capacity) but its intrepid programming has earned it a reputation that draws punters to its unlikely Notting Hill home. Careful you don't miss it, however, as its unassuming doorway is barely visible between the Prince Albert (a good pre-theatre pub with a rare London beer garden) and a giant WH Smith.