Battersea Arts Centre

Theatre, Experimental Battersea
  • 5 out of 5 stars
(9user reviews)
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Battersea Arts Centre
© Pau Ross

South London's erratic temple of the avant-garde

The forward-thinking Battersea Arts Centre, which inhabits the old Battersea Town Hall, has become synonymous with experimental theatre. Under long-term artistic director David Jubb it's styled itself as home of 'scratch' (work-in-progress) performance, but frequently breaks cover with mini-festivals of finished work and the occasional huge, mad project – notably Punchdrunk's immersive 'Masque of the Red Death', which totally took over the entire theatre for a year. It also fosters strong links with the local community – not least as a venue to get married in – and is popular with comedians as a venue for trialling new work.

It has a constantly festival air, with cheap tickets and a convivial bar that offers a wide selection of beers and decent tapas.

Its occasionally turbulent history has been marked by at least one theatre of closure due to loss of funding, and a dramatic fire in March 2015 that closed large portions of the building.

To the outside eye, however, BAC remains indestructible, with fire damage just another phase in a building that's in constant flux and development. 

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Venue name: Battersea Arts Centre
Contact:
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Address: Lavender Hill
London
SW11 5TN
Transport: BR: Clapham Junction; Tube: Clapham Common/Stockwell
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  • (© Alex Brenner)
    Theatre

    Extravaganza Macabre

    'Extravaganza Macabre' is back for Summer 2017. This review is of the 2016 run. As a sprawling former Victorian town hall, Battersea Arts Centre isn’t short of space. Even after the fire last year left its main theatre space in ruins, there are former...

    • 4 out of 5 stars
    Outdoor theatres Tuesday July 4 2017 - Saturday July 29 2017
  • Comedy

    Jayde Adams: Edinburgh Preview

    The 2016 Lastminute.com Best Newcomer nominee, Chortle Best Newcomer nominee, 2017 and Funny Women winner, 2014, explores themes of popularity and acceptance in her new show, Jayde Adams Is Jayded.

    Stand-up Tuesday July 11 2017
  • Music

    Music Lab: Showcase

    Various beatboxers, singers, rappers, poets and MCs from the BAC Beatbox Academy showcase their talent.

    Rap, hip hop and R&B Friday July 14 2017
  • Comedy

    Evelyn Mok & Ingrid Oliver: Edinburgh Previews

    The stand-up favourites try out new material ahead of this year's Fringe.

    Stand-up Friday July 14 2017
  • Comedy

    Shirley & Shirley And Rachel Parris: Edinburgh Previews

    The popular acts present their character and stand-up/musical comedy previews.

    Sketch shows Wednesday July 19 2017
  • Comedy

    Spencer Jones: Edinburgh Preview

    The multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated star presents a mash-up of visual comedy, strange music, props and characters.

    Sketch shows Saturday July 22 2017
  • Music

    Bac Beatbox Academy Showcase

    The beginner's group of beatboxers, singers, poets and MCs for practicing vocal skills present a showcase.

    Rap, hip hop and R&B Monday July 24 2017 - Tuesday July 25 2017

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Average User Rating

4.9 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:8
  • 4 star:1
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:0
LiveReviews|9
1 person listening
Karen J

Love this place....great productions...beautiful venue and quirky bar...what more do you need??

Chris H

I keep remembering the Mask of the Red Death. Can't get it out of my head. It's got to THE venue in London capable of handling such an immersive event. I wish to god they'd do it again!

angeline h

Beautiful building ,refurbished to high standard,great theatre,comedy and art and a great bar with lovely food!

Elaine M

Rising from the ashes.....BAC is a great community resource. Interesting plays, talks, good bar/food and discounts if you become a member which is only £24 a year and helps support them.

Bridget G

Battersea Arts Centre is a brilliant theatre that involves young people in creative and fun yet demanding productions. It is doing wonderful work, getting people involved and for people to go and see.

AME
Tastemaker

If I lived in Battersea or Clapham, I would be a regular here. Not only do they have a range of plays, comedy and workshops but they have a super chic bar that serves delicious food and a great range of drinks. It is all so comfortable that I don’t know how people leave. The staff are friendly and relaxed and the atmosphere is social but not your pub kind of ‘rowdy’ or ‘in your face’. Battersea’s cultural gem!