Almeida Theatre

Theatre, Off-West End Barnsbury
5 out of 5 stars
(15user reviews)
Winner<br/>2018

Winner
2018
Winner<br/>2018

Winner
2018
(© creativebusinessphotography.co.uk)
1/2
© creativebusinessphotography.co.uk
Rupert Goold (© Rob Greig)
2/2
© Rob GreigRupert Goold (artistic director)

Islington's mercurial powerhouse has waxed strong under current artistic director Rupert Goold

One of London's most mercurial and influential houses, the 325-seat Almeida Theatre began life as a radical international receiving house in the '80s, before the joint artistic directorship of Ian McDiarmid and Jonathan Kent led to a stable '90s marked by a close relationship with the great Harold Pinter, whose final plays all premiered there.

The current artistic director is Rupert Goold, who has electrified a venue that had grown rather genteel under its previous leader Michael Attenborough with a mix of bold new writing, interesting experiments and radical reinventions. 

Tickets are reasonably priced, with special offers for students, Islington locals, over 65s and under-25s.

The bar – arguably a slightly bourgeois hangover from the Attenborough era – is light and airy with a pleasant seasonal menu.

Posted:

Venue name: Almeida Theatre
Contact:
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Address: Almeida St
Islington
London
N1 1TA
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7.30pm
Transport: Rail/Tube: Highbury & Islington; Rail: Essex Road; Tube: Angel
Price: £10-£39.50
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    Theatre

    ‘The Wild Duck’ review

    Totemic Almeida associate Robert Icke is such a ludicrously and consistently good director that I sometimes find myself wearily bracing for the brilliance of his shows. Trotting slowly through the white male canon, in productions rarely shy of three hours,...

    5 out of 5 stars
    Drama Until Saturday December 1 2018
  • Theatre

    Vassa

    Russian playwright Maxim Gorky's 1910 work 'Vassa Zheleznova' is the story of a woman who struggles to hold her chaotic family together, as the Russian Revolution approaches. It's been adapted for the Almeida by Mike Bartlett ('Albion', 'King Charles...

    Drama Until Friday November 23 2018
  • Theatre

    The Tragedy of King Richard the Second

    After turning his hand to a stylish, flamboyantly weird take on 'Edward II' at the National Theatre in 2013, director Joe Hill-Gibbins is taking on another renaissance history play with homoerotic undertones. This time, acting legend Simon Russell Beale...

    Drama Monday December 10 2018 - Saturday February 2 2019
  • Theatre

    Shipwreck

    New York experimental playwright Anne Washburn is known for deliciously creepy, fiercely original plays like 'Mr Burns' and 'The Twilight Zone', both of which have been staged at the Almeida. Now, Almeida boss Rupert Goold is staging the world premiere...

    Drama Monday February 11 2019 - Saturday March 30 2019
  • Theatre

    Three Sisters

    Patsy Ferran's brilliant central turn in 'Summer & Smoke' was one of the highlights of the Almeida's 2018 line-up so its no surprise to see that she's back for another leading role. She'll star in a rewrite of Chekhov's 'Three Sisters' by Cordelia Lynn...

    Drama Monday April 8 2019 - Saturday June 1 2019
  • Theatre

    The Hunt

    Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg's thriller 'Jagten' explores the moral complexities surrounding a child's false accusation of rape against her teacher. Playwright David Farr has adapted it into 'The Hunt', a new drama which keeps the original's setting...

    Drama Monday June 17 2019 - Saturday August 3 2019

Average User Rating

4.8 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:11
  • 4 star:3
  • 3 star:0
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LiveReviews|15
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tastemaker

Lovely little theatre but sadly I had an awful time. I purchased the cheap ‘restricted view’ seats. I’ve purchased these before at other theatres and have always been ok with the view – sadly this time I could only see 5% of the stage due to the people in front of me leaning forward. I had to listen to the play, and then got fed up and went home at the interval. Waste of time and money, those seats should not be on sale.

tastemaker

The Almeida Theatre is a diamond in the rough. A treasure waiting to be found.

I’m so glad that theatres like the Almeida continue to push boundaries and are cutting-edge with their bold shows.

It’s a very quaint, intimate theatre and this becomes quite special for the audience.

I believe wherever you sit in the Almeida Theatre, you’ll have a brilliant view of the whole stage.

Right in the middle of Angel and Highbury & Islington your bound to find it easily.

Whatever station you come from, it’ll be a five minute walk from either station.

I believe that I’ve been three times this year already and each visit has been unforgettable.

Each visit was a different memory, each visit was an incredible show.

I’ve sat in three different parts of the Almeida Theatre and to be honest, the view is great. You don’t have to worry about any restrictions whatsoever.

My first time at the Almeida was when I went to see the mind-blowing, successful production ‘Hamlet’ starring Andrew Scott.

I managed to grab the free under 25 tickets and got an amazing front row seat.

I’m so glad that I got see it at the Almeida before it went to the West End.

It was a breath of fresh air, a beautiful yet mysterious, contemporary take on such an historical story like Hamlet. The whole cast did an extraordinary job.

My second visit was ‘The Treatment’ and it was quite something. A different twist with a lot to say.

This was a purely conceived world of stories. Life in this production was almost played with and left me in suspense. Quite bizarre I must say.

My third visit was ‘Against’ which was another experimental show filled with unexpected surprises.

You’ll find a different show every time you go and prepare to be wowed each time you do go.

I feel that the Almeida Theatre take on productions that they feel can bring a difference to the world.

They create peculiar, unorthodox shows.

It can be quite grotesque at times, but each show is unique and it pushes the human mind to think about what lies behind each and every story.

The Almeida Theatre is extremely provocative with their shows and it stimulates the humans mind in a way.

They always have something to express and that is what is so alluring about the Almeida Theatre.

The architecture is quite simple, yet very modern and the layout is cosy and sophisticated.

The bar situated at the entrance of the theatre is a treat for anyone wanting to dine and have a refreshment. It’s a delightful, charming atmosphere and has a delicious menu.

Definitely worth having a look.

The prices for tickets are quite inexpensive and this helps to reach a wider, younger audience.

If your ever thinking of going, then go.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy a wacky, curious evening at the Almeida Theatre.

#TOTastemaker

Love MD.

Tastemaker

Small, cosy theatre in Islington having only carefully selected productions.  Each play here is thought provoking & "unconventional". Every serious theatre-goer is aware of this theatrical gem. Comfotable seating with good viewing on all seats and cheap tickets all the year around. A small cafe and bar is alco located here.

tastemaker

The Almeida theatre is pretty small audience wise but it never fails to put on a thought provoking and often award winning experience.

I've seen 3 shows here now and have been impressed every time. This theatre is really good at trying something new whether that's with set design or by way of giving something a little different a chance in theatre.

You will feel at times a little squished in with the other audience members depending on how the stage has been set out and it can get a little hot in there at times but you will never leave this venue feeling disappointed in your experience.

As a small venue it does often mean queues for the bar, toilet and ice creams in the interval but I think the pay off is worth the slight queue based delay

Tastemaker

The Almeida is a cosy, intimate space which consistently produces amazing theatre. It's a shame I only discovered it now and missed out some of their best productions. Nonetheless, if you like theatre, the Almeida remains a must visit if you're ever in London, catch whatever they have playing at the time because it's almost certain to be great. I caught The Treatment on my recent visit, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a quality space to find quality theatre, and you'll be kicking yourself if you've never been here even once. 

Tastemaker

I have visited The Almeida many times and I am never disappointed. A place where you can go and see exciting and innovative theatre. My most recent trip there I went to see Oil,it was fantastic. Fabulously performed and a great cast to boot. I would always recommend checking out what they have on,it's worth a beeline to north London to catch something original and captivating. There is also a nice cafe there that also does good meze and pre-show nibbles. 


Fantastic theatre showcasing some amazing work, shame the audience can be a little rude and snotty at times but definitely worth visiting regardless.


The Almeida is ab absolutely beautiful theatre putting on amazing, off-the-West-End talent. I loved seeing American Psycho here and I'm already looking forward to Hamlet tickets when they become available next February.

Tastemaker

One of the best theatres in London; almost everything here is fresh, exciting and I've seen some absolute classics. The small size of the theatre gives productions an intimate feel but with West-End standard cast and direction with shows debuted here like 1984, Oresteia, King Charles III and Chimerica (all must-sees) moving onto the larger theatres downtown.  


If you can, avoid the rather cramped circle and pay a little extra for the stalls.  If on a budget a top tip; the "restricted view" tickets are brilliant value and in my experience just mean a pillar in your peripheral vision.


Great location for a bite to eat pre/ post show. Friendly staff


I have never seen a bad play here. Always mind-blowing, always left of centre, always amazing acting. Exciting new actors, directors and exemplary staging makes the Almeida a must-visit if you're after a night of theatre.


Truly amazing organisation and venue. An inclusive, international creative powerhouse on our local doorstep. Productions have involved local kids and actors, been streamed online and provided fascinating free and cheap supporting events. I feel lucky to have seen so much of their entertaining and world class theatre. I hope locals, arts bodies and businesses continue to support and help fund their work.


The Almeida theatre is nestled in the heart of Islington – a little off the beaten track but surrounded by lots of top notch and quirky restaurants; so a dinner and theatre affair at the Almeida feels all the more unique & special compared to the standard dinner & theatre deal options available in the West end. The space is relatively small but doesn’t feel budget / lacking in quality – and all adds to the intimate feel of the theatre.