The Drayton Arms Theatre
The Drayton Arms Theatre
4.5
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
About
A boutique studio theatre sat above the Drayton Arms pub. Showcasing the best new British and European theatre companies, seven days a week. Check our website for the current line up.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: South Kensington
With its ivied mews, row upon row of Poppins-esque white washed mansions, and placid garden squares, it's easy to see the charms of South Kensington. And with superb access to Hyde Park, Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, as well as the largely child-friendly and mostly free Museum Quarter (not to mention more major attractions like Royal Albert Hall) such charms are easy to make the most of. As welcoming and cosmopolitan as it is reserved and residential, South Kensington is always a hit with visitors.
How to get there
- Gloucester Road • 7 min walk
- Earl's Court • 9 min walk
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Restaurants
6,937 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,199 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
HM J
Hertfordshire, UK14 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
I have been to Drayton Arms Theatre three times in the last few months; twice to see plays directed by Niall Phillips and once to see Cabaret as part of New Year's Eve festivities organised by the pub downstairs.
I was really impressed by the size of the playing area compared to other pub theatres and also that the plays delivered a full production, with excellent cast and inventive stage set for a fraction of West End theatre prices. I was completely engaged with what was happening on stage so the evening flew past. I also recommend the pre-theatre dining option in the pub downstairs (although service isn't fast, they have a good chef and the staff are friendly).
I was really impressed by the size of the playing area compared to other pub theatres and also that the plays delivered a full production, with excellent cast and inventive stage set for a fraction of West End theatre prices. I was completely engaged with what was happening on stage so the evening flew past. I also recommend the pre-theatre dining option in the pub downstairs (although service isn't fast, they have a good chef and the staff are friendly).
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear HM J
Thank you for your kind review of the Drayton Arms theatre, I will pass it on to the theatre team.
I do hope we can welcome you back again soon, we have lots of productions lined up over the next few months.
Once again many thanks for taking the time to review us
Kind regards
Leigh Phillips
General Manager
Written March 5, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
claire_readuk
Kent, UK135 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
A very small and intimate venue with a good view from any seat. Well worth a visit to see a play from new talent.
Written February 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suryemist
County Durham, UK70 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
I've just returned from a weekend in London with my husband. We went to The Royal Albert Hall for a Riger Hodgson concert (which was fabulous by the way!) and we were looking for something to do for our second/last night.
We liked the idea of going to see a show but not the price that some of the theatres were asking for tickets and we stumbled across The Drayton Arms.
A really small theatre upstairs in an atmospheric traditional British Pub. What a fabulous night!!!
We booked front row seatson line in advance (but there are only four or five rows anyway!) and I'm glad we did as it was full. We saw a great show called 'The Lucky Stiff' performed by some fantastic actors with great singing voices. It was within walking distance of our hotel and it really was a fabulous night. Needless to say it will be the first thing we look at when we take out next trip!!
We liked the idea of going to see a show but not the price that some of the theatres were asking for tickets and we stumbled across The Drayton Arms.
A really small theatre upstairs in an atmospheric traditional British Pub. What a fabulous night!!!
We booked front row seatson line in advance (but there are only four or five rows anyway!) and I'm glad we did as it was full. We saw a great show called 'The Lucky Stiff' performed by some fantastic actors with great singing voices. It was within walking distance of our hotel and it really was a fabulous night. Needless to say it will be the first thing we look at when we take out next trip!!
Written May 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so glad you enjoyed The Lucky Stiff - especially in such august company on your trip as Riger Hodgson!
The same company will be back with two shows in the New Year - I hope to see you again then.
Best wishes,
Antonio
Written October 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Siân-Marie W
Kidderminster, UK4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Such poor service and the food was awful. Lemonade standard for champagne price! Staff ordered the wrong food and then blamed us for not asking for ‘fish and chips’ (the menus had two cod dishes) when the menus clearly started cod … then when I asked to swap peas for salad they refused and I asked for no peas and wasted their time and food putting them on the plate to the remover with a sarcastic comment. Just don’t bother eating there.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimLit
Vilnius, Lithuania1 contribution
Nov 2013
I was visiting London last week and was staying nearby. I have had dinner here and the went to see this fanny play called Changing Rooms. Was a very good night! I really enjoyed it !
Written December 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bellylou
Hertford, UK1,131 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
A very small and intimate venue with a good view from any seat. Efficient staff so well worth a visit if there is a play on you’d like to see. Pub downstairs also does nice food/ and sometimes a discount for theatre goers.
Written December 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MT J
London, UK107 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Pub theatre is a London tradition; it acts as a springboard for new talent. The Drayton Arms is a typical old pub sensitively modernised to make it more spacious. The theatre is up a steep narrow staircase, and is perfectly comfortable. This is not a theatre review - you pays your money and you takes what you gets given! Anything could happen.
Written September 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to review us - sorry if you didn't enjoy the show that night - but do keep coming - anything can happen and we try to keep an eclectic and exciting programme, but springboards can produce unpredictable results!!
Best wishes,
Antonio
Written October 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natasha_J_Soliar
London, UK449 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
I took my friend to see the production of "Good King Richard" which I hope moves to the West End, so many more people can see it as it's phenomenal. It's at the Drayton until 12 March so catch it if you can.
Powerfully written from the scathing account of Richards adversary Cardinal Norton this is, as true an account as you can ever get. Wonderful acting from the entire cast with nothing to distract from the magnitude of this long over due story. My friend also loved it and he didn't even know anything about the historical context so you don't have to be a history buff for this to hit all the right notes.
Drayton Arms is a lovely, casual fringe theatre, you're only ever 3 rows from the actors, seated on jean clad benches, so it's a really intimate experience {I did decline the front row, though}. Sadly this was the first time the voices of the patrons heading for the Gents on the same floor, briefly overpowered the dialogue {maybe a member of staff at the stairwell when productions are running to ask gents to be quiet would be possible?}. Besides that, I love this little theatre and the pub below.
We had canned soft drinks tonight as we'd eaten at Nando's before hand (Apple & Rhubarb and Ginger) which came to £5.40 . . I would prefer their plastic glasses for theatre goers were new not re-used as they do seem tired and cloudy which is never nice.
Top tip: due to signal problems there was no West bound Circle or District tube service so we caught the C1 from Victoria taking in the beauty of London at night in just 40 minutes which actually stops outside the Drayton Arms {get off at the stop after Cresswell Gardens}.The driver didn't know this herself so she learnt something too . . and I promised to have a tipple for her.
Nice venue & GREAT production of Good King Richard.
Powerfully written from the scathing account of Richards adversary Cardinal Norton this is, as true an account as you can ever get. Wonderful acting from the entire cast with nothing to distract from the magnitude of this long over due story. My friend also loved it and he didn't even know anything about the historical context so you don't have to be a history buff for this to hit all the right notes.
Drayton Arms is a lovely, casual fringe theatre, you're only ever 3 rows from the actors, seated on jean clad benches, so it's a really intimate experience {I did decline the front row, though}. Sadly this was the first time the voices of the patrons heading for the Gents on the same floor, briefly overpowered the dialogue {maybe a member of staff at the stairwell when productions are running to ask gents to be quiet would be possible?}. Besides that, I love this little theatre and the pub below.
We had canned soft drinks tonight as we'd eaten at Nando's before hand (Apple & Rhubarb and Ginger) which came to £5.40 . . I would prefer their plastic glasses for theatre goers were new not re-used as they do seem tired and cloudy which is never nice.
Top tip: due to signal problems there was no West bound Circle or District tube service so we caught the C1 from Victoria taking in the beauty of London at night in just 40 minutes which actually stops outside the Drayton Arms {get off at the stop after Cresswell Gardens}.The driver didn't know this herself so she learnt something too . . and I promised to have a tipple for her.
Nice venue & GREAT production of Good King Richard.
Written March 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Natasha - thanks for reviewing us - I'm so glad you liked the play.
Thanks for your feedback about the gents - that is a problem we're working on with new soundproofing - its usually only an issue on rugby match days - the pub regulars are generally more sedate!
I will pass on your comments about glasses to Leigh and the team downstairs and see what we can do.
Thanks for the bus tip - I didn't realise the journey was so short - I might try that myself.
Best wishes,
Antonio
Written March 9, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
perfect_spy
London, UK879 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
Upstairs from the pub, very intimate stage allowing the audience to become part of the performance. Seats are comfy enough to enjoy the show.
Written December 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for reviewing us last year! We've upgraded the auditorium since you came so the seats are even comfier and the view is better too. Hope you get a chance to come and try them soon....
Regards,
Antonio
Written October 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natasha_J_Soliar
London, UK449 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
I've just seen an amazing production of "The Bakers Wife" which I fully expect to be a West End production in no time. If you like "Wicked" "Godspell" or "Pippin" you'll really love this as the music & lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz who did al of those so it's a genius mix of tenderness, humour and pure brilliance. The pianist was super and the cast were simply brilliant, engaging, talented and a joy to watch and I loved Pom Pom the cat - I'd certainly see it again.
The Drayton Pub & Theatre is a lovely friendly place with all the staff really pleasant even on a busy Friday night. It's a good 10 minute walk from South Kensington tube station but a straight run down Old Compton Street so really easy.
There's nice al fresco seating outside and lots of comfy seating and areas throughout the pub so it's a really sociable place to be whether alone or with friends. It's a really nice place to be so I may pop by even when I'm not here for the theatre upstairs.
They offer all drinks and lovely cocktails including Mimosa's, Kir Royale, and Elderberry Fizz which I really enjoyed.They do bar snacks & crisps and full meals which seemed reasonably priced when I look at the menu.
The area for improvement would be that being an all male staff I guess they didn't realise the ladies toilets (clean, neat & modern) needed tissue in all cubicles by 8.30pm. As I always have tissues in my handbag I wasn't caught short but the rest of the queue was.
The theatre itself is really quaint just 5 rows so you're really are close to the action but it is quite hot. They do have 2 fans going and it is the summer but if they could get more ventilation somehow, I'm sure the actors would appreciated it, as would the audience.
If you're using the theatre upstairs there's no lift for the flight of stairs but it's well worth the journey for a show like this.
The Drayton Pub & Theatre is a lovely friendly place with all the staff really pleasant even on a busy Friday night. It's a good 10 minute walk from South Kensington tube station but a straight run down Old Compton Street so really easy.
There's nice al fresco seating outside and lots of comfy seating and areas throughout the pub so it's a really sociable place to be whether alone or with friends. It's a really nice place to be so I may pop by even when I'm not here for the theatre upstairs.
They offer all drinks and lovely cocktails including Mimosa's, Kir Royale, and Elderberry Fizz which I really enjoyed.They do bar snacks & crisps and full meals which seemed reasonably priced when I look at the menu.
The area for improvement would be that being an all male staff I guess they didn't realise the ladies toilets (clean, neat & modern) needed tissue in all cubicles by 8.30pm. As I always have tissues in my handbag I wasn't caught short but the rest of the queue was.
The theatre itself is really quaint just 5 rows so you're really are close to the action but it is quite hot. They do have 2 fans going and it is the summer but if they could get more ventilation somehow, I'm sure the actors would appreciated it, as would the audience.
If you're using the theatre upstairs there's no lift for the flight of stairs but it's well worth the journey for a show like this.
Written June 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Drayton Arms Theatre
- The Drayton Arms Theatre is open:
- Sun - Sun 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun - Sat 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Hotels near The Drayton Arms Theatre:
- (0.02 mi) South Kensington By Capital
- (0.02 mi) Italian Flat - Old Brompton
- (0.02 mi) Cresswell Gardens IV by onefinestay
- (0.03 mi) Fantastic Chelsea Retreat CRE-16
- (0.03 mi) Newly refurbished South Ken 1BR nr South Ken Station, by Blueground
- Restaurants near The Drayton Arms Theatre:
- (0.01 mi) Nam Long Le Shaker
- (0.01 mi) The Drayton Arms
- (0.01 mi) Capote y toros
- (0.02 mi) Thali Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) Eclipse South Kensington
The Drayton Arms Theatre Information
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