Public Transport: Nearest Tube/Rail Station
Stratford
Description
Theatre Royal Stratford East is a 450 seat Victorian-built theatre which manages to charm everyone that walks through its doors. The theatre has an illustrious history and first found fame when Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop company took over what was then a semi-derelict pile in the early 1950's, with a mission to bring highly innovative dramatic art to the local working class population and they succeeded with world famous shows such as 'The Quare Fellow', 'A Taste of Honey' and 'Oh What a Lovely War' (see history section for more).
Today, Stratford East is renowned for new writing and an artistic policy that reflects the ethnically diverse nature of its locality. Stratford East strives to provide a stage for 'new voices', telling stories that are relevant to its audience but which would not be heard if they were not presented here. It prides itself on accessibility (amongst the cheapest and most easily available concessions of any theatre) and its ability to attract diverse and lively audiences unlikely to be seen in significant numbers in any other theatre in the UK. There is an air of informality about the place and an exciting yet welcoming atmosphere that is rare and to be savoured.
Most theatres call themselves unique. Stratford East really is!
Location
Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Sq, London, England E15 1BN, United Kingdom
History
Introduction to the History of the Theatre
The History of the Theatre Royal, Stratford East can be split into three broad periods:
Its beginnings: Actor-Manager Charles Dillon engaged Architect James George Buckle to design Stratford's first permanent playhouse, the Theatre Royal, in 1884 (1884-1953)
The arrival of Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop Company. At her death in 2002, tributes poured in from actors, directors, critics, and theatre historians, all hailing the ground-breaking work of Joan Littlewood. To read about her work at Theatre Royal click (1953 - 1979)
The Theatre today is the period from when Philip Hedley took over as Artistic Director in 1979 (1979 - 2004) to be succeeded by the current Director Kerry Michael.
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