The Almeida Theatre is a North London powerhouse, famous for its ambitious aim to launch the next generation of British artists onto the global stage.
A small, intimate room with an international reputation, and the source of many an acclaimed West End transfer, the Almeida Theatre began life as a literary and scientific society in the London Borough of Islington, constructed in 1837 and complete with library, lecture theatre, and laboratory through which to investigate the world.
The building later became derelict, and opened as a theatre in 1980, seating up to 325 in its small studio venue. In 2000, the theatre received a £1.5 million award from the Arts Council of England to perform essential repairs to the building. On top of this, it was awarded National Lottery backing which allowed for a complete restoration of the venue. It is a Grade II listed building. The theatre has an outreach programme that includes work with local schools to encourage youth involvement in performance arts. The Almeida’s ‘Participation’ programme – divided into Young Artists, Young Audiences and Community – reached 6,140 young people in 2016/17.
Taking its name from the street on which it is located, just off Upper Street, the Almeida aims to showcase brave new work that asks big questions: of plays, of theatre and of the world around us. The award-winning Almeida Theatre continues to prove a favourite for theatregoers across the capital, as well as a source of eventual West End transfers.