Tristan Bates Theatre

Not a fan of this one. It basically just a tiny room with a few chairs set up way too close to each other.
The shows are really hit and miss as it’s usually members of the actors collective that runs the place, some of whom are fantastic, some should really not try to act anymore as they’re abysmally bad. And I’m not even particularly discerning.
They do try to do the best they can with little means, be aware it’s got more of a school recital feel rather than a professional theatre.

Watched a fantastic show here and the bar area was really sweet. Bit small but that adds to it feeling really intimate and personal.

I recently watched the musical Thrill Me at this theatre, and it was a really good experience. The theatre is on a corner on an off street of the street that is right opposite the theatre where Priscilla is shown, off Shaftsbury Avenue. It is really easy to miss, as even the sign is hardly not visible, and it is a really tiny theatre, so even the entrace does not give it away. I passed by the entrance a few times until I finally found it.
There is a tiny reception on the entrance, and then a bar as you go downstairs on your right.
The theatre is straight as you enter on your right. It is a tiny tiny theatre, with just 60 seats. So I felt like I was watching a private performance. Plus the musical and the overall performance of the two actors that conform the whole cast, plus the pianist, was really good, so it ended being a real treat.
Btw, the musical is on until 30^th April, so I would recommend it as a different plan for this Easter hols.
I would suggest not to sit on the back right corner, next to the stairs, as there is a metal door right next to these seats on the corner, that leads directly onto the street. There was a lot of sound coming from this door at times (even some guys pissing on the door at one point half-​way through the performance!!), which was a nuisance.
Also, you may struggle if you are very tall. I am not that tall (173cm) but I still struggled on my seat a little bit, and my legs could not fit very well.

A really nice theatre space for new writers/​actors, so easy to get to, with loads of restaurants around the corner. Seems very friendly, with a nice (and cheap for the area) bar downstairs.
We went to see the second night of Louder Than Words, Stripped by Hannah Chalmers, which was absolutely amazing. I have rarely been so riveted by a performance, let alone a one woman show.

What a lovely little theatre, shame about the rather grumpy receptionist.
The Tristan Bates Theatre is located in a little alley off Earlham Street and doesn’t look like a theatre. We actually managed to miss it altogether and walked down the entire road past several stage doors of some larger theatres and had to turn back.
Went to part of the Louder than Words season which showcases new plays by new writers and starring young actors.
Yesterday’s Facebook Fables was excellent and will definitely go on to win awards at the Edinburgh Festival.
As the theatre also runs classes, the audience is very young.
Full price tickets are only £8 — excellent value!
Nice bar, too.

Saw a great Edward Albee play here, with a woman who later appeared in some kind of toilet cleaner advert, so there you go. You’ll definitely be noticed appearing here, and get some of that seriously good toilet money we’re all after. The space isn’t really a proper theatre, basically a studio with seats in, but there are lights and such.

The Tristan Bates Theatre is connected to the professional Actors’ Centre next door, and focuses on hosting new and experimental work.
Because of its connections it calls itself the industry theatre, and it has certainly provided a forum for companies that would not otherwise be able to afford to perform in the West End.
The theatre bar is also the Actors’ Centre bar, usually open until 11 on show nights and cheaper than surrounding venues in terms of ticket and drink prices.
You can pick up a book of plays from the shelf and sit on one of the comfy sofas whilst people discuss their latest audition nightmares around you!