Theatre Royal Stratford East

A community theatre with many shows written, directed and performed by black or Asian artists, Theatre Royal is a great cultural hit in ethnically diverse Stratford. Musicals are big here - whether about hip hop or the Windrush generation. Kinks frontman Ray Davies penned the hit 'Come Dancing' for Theatre Royal Stratford East, while homegrown success 'The Harder They Come' made a West End transfer. New playwrights who fit the Theatre Royal bill are encouraged through various workshops: Voices in Exile supports writers from refugee backgrounds while Young Voices develops the work of 16- to 24-year-olds. There's a gem of a comedy night on Mondays too. The gig, which takes place in the long bar upstairs, has great line-ups considering you're not paying a penny. There's a regular poetry night on Sundays and live music every evening from 6pm.