The Tabard Theatre – 95 (Chiswick) is a small but mighty theatre located in the West London suburb of Chiswick. It was originally founded in 1985 by the artistic director Chris Neville-Smith, who had a strong passion for theatre and wanted to create a space where new and experimental work could be showcased to the public.
The theatre’s name is inspired by the Tabard Inn, a historic coaching inn in Southwark, which was famously featured in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The original location of the Tabard Theatre was on Talgarth Road, but it moved to its current home on Bath Road in 2013, where it has continued to thrive and grow in popularity.
The Tabard Theatre has become known for its dedication to promoting new and emerging talent in the theatre industry, both in terms of playwrights and performers. It is a champion of new writing, and many successful productions have started life at the Tabard before going on to greater success elsewhere.
Over the years, the theatre has hosted a wide variety of productions, ranging from classic plays to modern experimental works. Some notable productions include the world premiere of the musical “The Confession Room” by composer and lyricist Andy Collyer, as well as successful runs of “Calendar Girls” and “The Vagina Monologues”.
In addition to its main stage productions, the Tabard Theatre also hosts a range of smaller-scale events, such as rehearsed readings, scratch nights, and improv comedy shows. This makes it a popular destination for theatre enthusiasts who are looking for something a little different and off the beaten track.
The Tabard Theatre – 95 (Chiswick) is also committed to providing opportunities for young people to get involved in theatre. It runs a youth theatre program, which offers training and performance opportunities for young actors and stage technicians. This helps to ensure that the theatre industry continues to thrive and evolve for many years to come.
Overall, the Tabard Theatre – 95 (Chiswick) is a vital and vibrant part of London’s theatre scene. Its commitment to nurturing new talent and promoting innovative work ensures that it will remain a popular destination for theatre-goers for many years to come.
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