Old Red Lion Theatre

Old Red Lion Theatre
SeanMack · CC BY 2.5 · source
Name	Old Red Lion Theatre
Address	418 St John Street
City	Islington, London
Country	United Kingdom
Capacity	50–60
Type	Fringe theatre
Opened	1979
Years active	1979–present

Old Red Lion Theatre is a fringe theatre venue located in Islington in London, operating as a producing and receiving house with a focus on new writing, experimental work, and emerging talent. The theatre occupies a converted public house and has hosted a succession of playwrights, directors, and companies who have gone on to national and international prominence. It functions within the network of fringe theatre venues in London alongside institutions such as the Royal Court Theatre, Bush Theatre, and Traverse Theatre.

History

The venue traces its roots to a 19th-century public house that served patrons of Islington Green and later became a cultural site near Highbury and Stoke Newington. In the late 20th century the building was repurposed amid the rise of fringe theatre movements that also circulated through Camden and Southbank Centre spaces. Early programming intersected with companies and artists associated with Royal Court Theatre new writing initiatives, experimental work from London Experimental Theatre, and touring ensembles that participated in Edinburgh Festival Fringe seasons. The theatre’s operational model evolved alongside funding shifts involving Arts Council England and local authority cultural strategies in Islington Council, reflecting trends similar to those at the Arcola Theatre and Theatre503. Over successive artistic directorships the venue became a crucible for writers and directors connected with festivals such as Brighton Festival and institutions like National Theatre studio programmes.

Architecture and Location

The theatre occupies a converted Victorian-era public house on St John Street near Angel, Islington and the City Road corridor, situated within walking distance of Old Street and Highbury & Islington station. The intimate 50–60 seat thrust-style auditorium is characteristic of converted pub theatres found in Soho and Islington, with informal sightlines and flexible staging used by companies exploring immersive techniques similar to those at Punchdrunk productions. Architectural features retain elements of the original pub fabric, echoing interior treatments found in historic venues such as The Gate and The Hope Theatre, while complying with contemporary safety standards overseen by Islington Council and regulatory expectations comparable to those encountered by Shakespeare’s Globe for audience facilities.

Programming and Productions

The theatre programmes a mix of new plays, rehearsed readings, festivals, and co-productions with emerging companies and established houses like Royal Court Theatre and National Theatre. It has served as a platform for premieres that transfer to venues such as Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, and tours to Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Season curation often engages with playwrights linked to literary networks including Theatre503 Playwriting Prize alumni and participants in schemes run by Channel Four Screenwriting initiatives and BBC Writersroom. Its production remit includes collaborations with directors and companies active in the UK touring circuit, and it has hosted playwright development programmes that mirror practices at Royal Exchange Theatre and Birmingham Rep.

Notable Artists and Alumni

A notable cohort of playwrights, directors, and actors who have worked at the theatre proceeded to associations with Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre, BBC Television Centre, and West End transfers. Alumni include writers and performers who later appeared at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, received commissions from Channel 4, participated in residencies at Traverse Theatre and Donmar Warehouse, or joined ensembles at Royal Shakespeare Company and Bristol Old Vic. Directors affiliated with the venue have moved on to work with institutions such as Young Vic and Globe Theatre initiatives, while actors have credits spanning EastEnders, Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctor Who.

Community Engagement and Education

The theatre operates outreach programmes and participatory workshops aimed at local communities in Islington and neighbouring boroughs, collaborating with organisations like Islington Council, Big Lottery Fund projects, and community arts partners similar to Community Action Network. Educational activity has included playwriting workshops, actor training modules, and youth theatre projects that mirror schemes provided by National Youth Theatre and RADA short courses. The venue’s community remit links with local cultural festivals, partnerships with City University London drama departments, and volunteer schemes that echo practices at grassroots venues such as Jacksons Lane.

Awards and Recognition

Productions and artists associated with the theatre have achieved recognition through awards and nominations including Laurence Olivier Award longlistings, Off West End Theatre Awards (Offies), and festival prizes at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Playwrights who premiered work at the venue have gone on to receive commissions from BBC and accolades from institutions like Painswick Literary Festival and regional theatre prizes. The theatre’s role in career development for emerging talent has been noted in coverage by arts outlets and in cultural listings that track influential small venues across London and the United Kingdom.

Category:Theatres in London Category:Fringe theatre