Arcola Theatre

Now Playing: Crocodile Fever

A dark and twisted love letter to sisterhood.
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Arcola Theatre

Upcoming Performances

  • Fri 12 Dec
    19:00
  • Sat 13 Dec
    15:30, 19:00
  • Mon 15 Dec
    19:00
  • Tue 16 Dec
    19:00
  • Wed 17 Dec
    19:00

About Arcola Theatre

Arcola Theatre is a creative Off West End venue in Dalston, known for bold new writing, opera and community projects. Set inside a converted textiles factory, it offers two intimate studio spaces, rehearsal rooms and a lively café-bar, attracting artists, students and local audiences.
🏆 Notable Record

Winner of multiple awards including two Peter Brook Empty Space Awards and two Time Out Live Awards.

Venue Tips

✨ Best For

Intimate theatre, experimental drama, opera, new writing and community-driven productions in an authentic East London setting.

💺 Best Seats

Front and centre of both studio spaces for maximum immersion — the performance is often just metres away.

⚠️ Seats to Avoid

Avoid the back corners of Studio 2 where pillars may partially obstruct sightlines. In Studio 1, far side seats can miss staging done on the opposite wall.

Things to Know Before You Go

Where is the Arcola Theatre located?

On Ashwin Street in Dalston, a short walk from Dalston Junction Overground.

Which Tube stations are closest?

Highbury & Islington is the closest Tube (Victoria line), with Overground trains from Dalston Junction even nearer.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 20–30 minutes early to get drinks from the bar and settle into the studio before the performance.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code — relaxed, casual atmosphere. Warm layers recommended in winter.

Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Level access is available to bar and Studio 1. Some Studio 2 performances may have limited access — check in advance.

Are food and drinks available?

Yes. The café-bar serves snacks, coffee, wine and beer before the show and during the interval.

🤓 Fun Facts

Founded in 2000 in a former textiles factory on Arcola Street before moving to Ashwin Street in 2011.

Home to the annual Grimeborn Festival — a playful opera and musical theatre event held every August.

Has launched work that later transferred to the West End, including Mojo Mickey.

Runs one of the largest arts engagement programmes in East London.

Aims to become the first carbon-neutral theatre through the Green Arcola project.

Venue Location

Nearest Tube Stations

  • Highbury & Islington Victoria Zone 2 1.97 km