Arcola Theatre

27 Arcola St, London, E8 2DJ Full details & map

Arcola Theatre review

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 café (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.


Events at Arcola Theatre

Studio II: Origin of the Species

Until Sat Nov 21 Theatre

First UK revival of Bryony Lavery's comedy inspired by Darwin's theory of evolution, which tells the story of a Neanderthal woman who returns to life and moves into a Yorkshire cottage.

Studio I: The Spanish Tragedy

Until Sat Nov 14 Theatre

Elizabethan 'blockbuster' revenge tragedy transposed to modern day Hackney. Mitchell Moreno directs Dominic Rowan fresh from playing Washington in 'A New World - A Life of Thomas Paine' at the Globe.

Studio I: The Line

Nov 18-Dec 12 Theatre NEW

Henry Goodman (last seen in 'Duet fo One') stars in Matthew Lloyd's new production of Timberlake Wertenbaker's new play about two giants of twentieth century art.

Arcola Theatre details

Address
27 Arcola St, London, E8 2DJ

Transport Dalston Kingsland rail

Telephone

020 7503 1646

Arcola Theatre website

Arcola Theatre map

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