Arcola Theatre

New, smart writing is what you'll find at the rather far-flung Arcola. The small, cash-strapped theatre (formerly a carpet factory) is worth a trek to Hackney if only to check out the charming eco cafÈ (all battered furniture and gluten-free flapjacks) and evidence of the Arcola's intriguing bid to become the world's first carbon-neutral theatre. Productions here can err on the worthy, but hit on a good one and you'll find fresh, enlivening writing and an excellent cast. The theatre's multicultural, inclusive vision is headed up by founder and artistic director Mehmet Ergen who places admirable emphasis on a complete educational programme: local youth, aspiring writers and the Kurdish and Turkish communities are all afforded their own workshops. Arcola is also home to Britain's first black theatre school, Identity Drama.