Almeida Theatre, London

The Almeida is one of the best producing theatres in London. Some of their shows go to the West End and Broadway. They champion new work as well as bringing fresh perspectives to revivals. The space is very flexible and can be a proscenium, of thrust, or even in the round, whatever is best for that particular play. They don't shy away from controversial plays and musicals, so this is the place to go if you want to be challenged as well as entertained. Tip: When you book seats downstairs it may say restricted view. That's because this is an old venue with poles holding up the balcony. As you can see in the picture there small and in my experience they don't really get in the way. If that bothers you the seats upstairs are excellent.

It was afternoon of performances from drama students doing extracts of theatre performed over the years at the almeida. Really high standard as I expected. And only £12 for 3.5 hours of theatre, pretty good. Some context about what was going on would be useful but still very entertaining.

First visit to the Almedia Theatre. Front of House staff. Friendly and helpful. Cafe/bar reasonable I think the theatre is across buildings. But the performance space in one. Show: Portia Coughlan A moving and difficult at times play. The cast is excellent. Especially, Alison Oliver as the titular Portia. The play set in Ireland through I've not met an Irish woman called Portia. Kathy Kiera Clarke is excellent in both comedic parts and the more serious elements of the play. A very powerful play. Second visit, 1536, set during the fall of Queen Anne Boleyn it charts a brief period of time in the lives of three Essex girls. Whilst socially by class divided from Anne. By sex their freedom to act as we understand that freedom. The cast of two male actors supporting powerful performances from all three of the female leads. The last act and conclusion comes as a shock. Hopefully a transfer to the a west End will follow. A must see. Front of house and cafe/bar staff very good. Third visit: A Moon for the Misbegotten, set in 1923 rural Connecticut tells the tale of an Irish immigrant farmer (David Threfellan) and his daughter Josie (Ruth Wilson) as they try to tame the land after his last son leaves superficially about plots and intrigue, the play to me is about being authentic to self. An excellent cast, studio dressing and direction. I attended the relaxed performance which was interesting. Theatre Tour, regular tours throughout the year. Excellent history, and view of behind scenes areas, and a step onto the stage (particular stage for Christmas Day). The guide Nick very knowledgeable and engaging. Definitely, worth doing. Fourth show. Christmas Day. A Jewish father visits his children and partner at their unorthodox living space for Christmas Day. And weaves it way with Jewish humour and references as to how Jews mark Christmas. The play 1hr 50mins is a powerful piece. The play as presented and written are different. The book contains an additional scene with a hitherto unseen flatmate returns (which was explained in the being as everyone else 12 we're at home). The deletion of the scene does not weaken the final play.

Great show, but the staff selling the merch should learn how to treat people. She was impatient from the moment I stepped up to the merch window, and she became increasingly impatient as I asked a few questions about the items. She also refused to exchange an item that was slightly damaged. Been to many theatres, this is the first time something like this has happened!