Drayton Arms Theatre

The Drayton Arms Theatre is a vibrant pub theatre located above The Drayton Arms pub in South Kensington. Established in 1995, it's renowned for championing new writing, fringe productions, and emerging talent, offering an intimate and accessible space. Its cozy, traditional pub setting downstairs provides a unique pre- and post-show atmosphere, making it a beloved fixture in London's fringe theatre scene.

Share this theatre

Seating

Auditorium

Comprising just six rows (Rows A to F) facing a floor-level stage, this compact 51-seat auditorium is configured as a single block of seating on a custom wooden tiered platform. The excellent upward rake guarantees completely unobstructed sightlines over the audience members ahead, and with the back row situated barely 15 feet from the performers, the space offers an exceptionally intimate connection to the stage where every whisper is audible.

While the front row (Row A) places you directly on the performance floor for a highly immersive experience, the sweet spot lies in the middle rows (B, C, and D) for a more comfortable, eye-level vantage point. The sightlines are completely free of structural columns, and while the tech desk behind Row F is quiet, patrons in the back row may catch a faint glow from the control screens.

The theatre features modern flip-up chairs for comfort rather than basic benches, though because this is a converted upper room of a pub, legroom is snug, and taller patrons should secure an aisle seat to stretch out.

Staying nearby

The nearest hotels to the Drayton Arms Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.

Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.

Facilities

Bars

1

Box office

No physical box office; tickets collected by name at the door.

Location

Open in Maps

153 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 0LJ

Getting there

nearest first

  • 5 min

    Gloucester Road

    DistrictCirclePiccadilly
Step-by-step walking directions

The Drayton Arms Theatre is located on Old Brompton Road. The nearest London Underground station is Gloucester Road (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines), which is approximately a 5-minute walk away. Upon exiting Gloucester Road station, turn left onto Cromwell Road, then take the first left onto Old Brompton Road. The theatre will be on your left.

At this venue

Past productions