ABOVE THE STAG LGBT theatre ( seats 100, 60 in studio) Set in the Vauxhall arches, dedicated entirely to LGBT+ content. The programme is varied, offering comedy, drama and musicals. Local area can be a bit sparse for food but plenty of great bars. 3 minutes Vauxhall tube and NR
BUNKER THEATRE, Southwark SE1 A relatively new Off-westend venue, formerly a carpark, gives working creatives space to show their works. New writing, Ed Fringe transfers, Emerging companies and talent. Worth a look if you want something fresh. 10 minutes Borough and London Bridge tubes
MENIER , Southwark SE1 ( seats 180) Boasting the occasional corker, this is a solid Off-wested venue. You’ll find Drama, bits of new writing and a few musicals. The restaurant on site is rather tasty, they also usually have a theatre meal option to make your evening sulker tasty/easy. 10 minutes London Bridge tube and NR
NETWORK Community Theatre , Lambeth SE1 A fun little community theatre, showing classics to new writing via their amateur company. They post open audition dates so great to get involved if you’re looking. 1 minute Waterloo tube and NR
OLD VIC , Waterloo SE1 ( seats 1,067) Great venue, loved by all. If there isn’t a knock-out show on there now, it’ll be just around the corner. Proper London Theatre. Next so the vibrant Cut and lower Marsh for endless food. 3 minutes Waterloo tube and NR
ROYAL COURT , Chelsea SW1 ( seats 380 , 85 upstairs) I can’t imagine the London theatre-scene without The Royal Court. Important, fresh, diverse and often uncomfortable. If you haven’t been before, it’s a must. Good food and drinks downstairs, riveting drama and performance everywhere else. Next door to Sloane Square tube
UNICORN , London Bridge SE1 ( seats 290main and 100 studio ) London’s leading theatre for children and teenagers, great programme focusing on such relevant and, at times, challenging ideas for younger minds. Schools programme, Young peoples company, a younger audience and creative hub. London Bridge tube and NR
The VAULTS, Lambeth SE1 Pretty much home to London’s version of the Fringe Festival. Underground labyrinth or tunnels, spaces, bars, food and parties. Delivering a huge programme, plenty of fun to be had. Usually runs Jan to March . Waterloo tube and NR
YOUNG VIC , Waterloo SE1 The Young Vic is one of the best theatres in London. Kwame Kwei-Armah’s new season is vibrant and real. Go see something here. Food is top notch downstairs but also plenty on offer in the neighbourhood. Waterloo tube and NR / Southwark tube
WILTON’S MUSIC HALL ( seats 300 ) An outstandingly beautiful 18th Century Grade II listed building, worth the trip alone. Paired with a truly diverse and varied programme, with some real corkers at times. Thumbs up, again and again. Aldgate East ,Tower Hill and Shadwell tubes Shadwell DLR