Ovalhouse is a theatre located in the Kennington area of South London. The venue consists of two theatre spaces: the Downstairs theatre with a seating capacity of 200, and the Upstairs theatre with a seating capacity of 70. Ovalhouse has a rich and vibrant history, dating back to the 1930s.
Originally known as the Little Theatre Club, the venue was founded in 1936 by its co-directors and founders, Pearl and Nat Cohen. The theatre club was located in a basement on Great Newport Street in the West End of London. It became a leading venue for experimental theatre and was frequented by many famous actors and actresses, including Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.
In the early 1960s, the venue moved to its current location in Kennington and was renamed Oval House Theatre. Since then, Ovalhouse has become a major force in the London theatre scene, known for producing innovative and ground-breaking work. Ovalhouse has a strong commitment to developing and supporting new artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Ovalhouse has been the site of many important performances over the years. In the 1970s, it was a key venue for the Black Theatre Movement in the UK, hosting productions by Talawa Theatre Company and Black Theatre Co-operative. More recently, Ovalhouse has hosted performances by award-winning theatre companies such as Clean Break and Frantic Assembly.
In addition to producing theatre, Ovalhouse also offers a wide range of creative learning opportunities for people of all ages. The venue runs a youth theatre program, as well as workshops and masterclasses for emerging artists. Ovalhouse is committed to making theatre accessible to all and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community.
Overall, Ovalhouse is a vital and important part of the London theatre scene. With its commitment to innovative and experimental work, as well as its dedication to supporting emerging artists, Ovalhouse has become a beacon of creativity and diversity in the city.
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