Meet Bernard Recommends: South East London Theatres

Meet Bernard is all about local love. It's the small businesses in our communities that make our corner of London so special, which is why we believe it is crucial to celebrate them. 

Earlier this year, when the outside world was a hazy memory, one of the things we missed most was the stage: that moment of excitement as the crowd hushes down and the curtain rolls up is second to none. 

The people who make the magical theatre experience, from the actors to venue owners, haven’t had it easy, to say the least. That’s why we want to shout out to the small, independent theatres that make South East London the vibrant cultural hotspot it is. 

The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley

Sharing the building with The Brockley Jack pub, this small venue packs a punch. With only a 63-person capacity, this is the place to get an intimate theatrical experience. 

As well as hosting cutting-edge theatre from modern absurdist theatre to classic Shakespeare productions, The Brockley Jack also runs writers' workshops, scratch performances, and improv classes. Don’t forget to debrief over a pint at the pub afterwards, too. 

Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham 

Named after locally-born comedian Bob Hope, the quaint village Bob Hope Theatre runs approximately 11 productions per year. 

This is the perfect venue for children, partly because of the beautifully cheesy pantomime production they put on at Christmas each year. The Bob Hope Theatre is a treasure that we are lucky to still have, all things considered. 

Wythfield Road, London, SE9 5TG 

Churchill Theatre, Bromley 

With a capacity of 785, the Churchill is where you want to go for that big stage experience. Having put on productions like Titanic, The Full Monty, the St Petersburg Ballet, and more, this is a theatre to go to if you’re looking for something extra special to behold.

There is also a smaller, quirky side stage that hosts regular comedy nights for something a little more light-hearted. 

Bromley Little Theatre, Bromley 

The Bromley Little Theatre is a slice of history. Established approximately 80 years ago, this quirky theatre is a reformed bakery in the heart of leafy Bromley. 

There is a main auditorium where shows run over a period of 8 days except Sundays. They offer "Inn the Bar" productions for five nights a week between Wednesday and Sunday. 

Over August, they also put on productions from their youth group, which certainly gives the adults a run for their money. 

North Street, Bromley, BR1 1SB 

Did we miss anyone out? Are there any theatrical South East London gems you’d like us to know about? Let us know by dropping us an email or popping in store! 

The arts industry, on the whole, has been battered by this pandemic, and haven’t received nearly as much government support as other sectors. That’s why it’s so important for us to offer our support where we can. It’s because of the hard work and dedication of those in the arts that we can escape the day-to-day, and experience something magical. In short, our simple message to those who work in the arts is a big, fat thank you! 

With Love, the Meet Bernard team xx