Park Theatre London

Park Theatre is a vibrant cultural hub in Finsbury Park, presenting a rich mix of classic plays, revivals and new works by emerging writers.

Since opening its doors in 2013, the venue has introduced two intimate performance spaces and offers a year-round programme of engaging and thought-provoking productions.

About Park Theatre London

Park Theatre describes itself as “a neighbourhood theatre with global ambition”, presenting an eclectic mix of new writing, classics and revivals. Alongside its 200-seat main auditorium, the venue houses a 90-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal space and a collaborative cafe bar.

With a strong commitment to artistic excellence, Park Theatre continues to captivate and challenge audiences, securing its place in London’s thriving theatre scene. Its intimate staging creates a powerful sense of connection between performers and spectators.

History of Park Theatre

Park Theatre was founded by Artistic Director Jez Bond and Creative Director Melli Marie, who – after a six-year search across London – discovered a vacant office block beside Finsbury Park station in 2010.

With support from the wider theatre community, including luminaries such as Sir Ian McKellen and Alan Rickman, as well as the press and local residents, they embarked on a mission to transform the concrete shell into a vibrant new theatre and cultural beacon. At a cost of just £2.6 million, the building, designed by David Hughes Architects, opened in May 2013 to glowing reviews.

The opening season featured the UK premiere of These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich and the world premiere of Oliver Cotton’s Daytona, starring Maureen Lipman, which went on to tour nationally.

Since then, Park Theatre has enjoyed critical acclaim and box office success across a range of productions. In July 2017, long-time supporter Sir Ian McKellen returned to present his one-man show Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others & You in Park200, generously donating the entire proceeds of the nine-performance run to the theatre. This landmark moment enabled Park Theatre to produce and co-produce an even greater number of standout shows.

What’s on at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park

This year’s programme brings a mix of inventive musicals and emotionally rich dramas, sure to captivate theatregoers.

The Gathered Leaves (13 August to 20 September)

After a sold-out run a decade ago, Andrew Keatley’s acclaimed family drama The Gathered Leaves returns to Park Theatre in a powerful new production, directed by Adrian Noble. Set over Easter weekend in 1997, this moving and poignant play explores how the weight of history, reputation and expectation bears down on one family, unravelling long-held tensions and truths.

Book your tickets now for The Gathered Leaves.

(The) Woman (24 September to 25 October)

A raw and unflinching exploration of motherhood, identity, and everything in between, (The) Woman tears away the glossy veneer to reveal its messy, complicated truth – and boldly questions what it means to define oneself. Directed by award-winning writer Jane Upton, this fiercely funny and brutally honest Bruntwood Prize-shortlisted play is a powerful story of reinvention and resistance.

Book your tickets now for (The) Woman.

The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights (30 October to 29 November)

A razor-sharp new comedy about survival, ambition, and the brutal cost of chasing the American dream – don’t miss the fierce and funny world premiere of The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights by Hannah Doran. Winner of the 2024 Papatango New Writing Prize, this bold new play slices into the dark underbelly of America’s anti-immigration policies and the harrowing sacrifices behind the pursuit of prosperity.

Book your tickets now for The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights.

Dracapella (3 December to 17 January)

Sink your teeth into the infamous tale of Count Dracula as you've never seen – or heard – it before, with Dracapella. This riotous, laugh-a-minute reimagining of the classic vampire story features a dazzling score of close-harmony acapella renditions of your favourite jukebox hits. With mind-blowing twists on iconic tracks like Queen’s Somebody to Love and The Great Pretender by The Platters, Dracapella promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Book your tickets now for Dracapella.

The Rat Trap (28 January to 14 March)

Lovingly revised by Bill Rosenfield and presented by Troupe, Noël Coward’s first play The Rat Trap receives a stylish period revival in celebration of its centenary year. This contemporary classic explores the emotional complexities of ambition, relationships, and creative identity, following a young writer as she grapples with the tension between personal desires and professional aspirations – set against the backdrop of London’s vibrant literary scene.

Book your tickets now for The Rat Trap.

Why you should go to Park Theatre

• Bold, original programming: Park Theatre showcases a dynamic mix of new plays, musicals and experimental productions, making it a hub for fresh, thought-provoking theatre.
• Intimate and stylish setting: With two beautifully designed stages and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a close-up experience that brings you right into the heart of the performance.
• More than just a theatre: Enjoy a pre-show bite or post-show drink at the on-site cafe and bar, making your visit a full cultural outing in the heart of Finsbury Park.

Park Theatre Finsbury Park seating plan

Park Theatre features two intimate performance spaces: Park200, with a total capacity of 200 seats across two levels – Stalls and Circle – and Park90, a flexible studio space accommodating up to 90 guests.

What are the best seats at Park Theatre?

In Park200, seating is arranged in a thrust formation with raked rows on all sides, offering excellent sightlines and a close-up experience from nearly every seat. The Circle provides a slightly elevated view, ideal for a broader perspective of the stage.

Park90’s layout varies by production, but its compact design ensures clear views and a strong sense of immersion throughout.

Is Park Theatre in Finsbury Park accessible?

Park Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone, offering facilities such as lift access to all public areas (excluding the mezzanine), adapted toilets on both the ground and first floors, level access to the Park200 and Park90 auditoriums, and dedicated wheelchair spaces (two in Park200 and one in Park90).

They also run a free Access Membership Scheme, which provides tailored information and booking support for visitors with access needs, helping to make every visit smoother and more enjoyable.

Accessible performances include captioned, audio described, BSL interpreted, relaxed, and dementia-friendly shows, with additional services such as sound amplification headsets and large-print materials available on request.

How do I get to Park Theatre?

Park Theatre is located on Clifton Terrace in Finsbury Park.

How to get there:

• Underground – The closest Tube station is Finsbury Park (Victoria and Piccadilly lines), which is a four-minute walk from the venue.
• Bus – Several bus routes stop nearby: 210, W3 and W7.

Visit London’s top tip

Make your way to Park Theatre’s Park Pizza & Bar before your show and enjoy a freshly made sourdough pizza or a locally brewed craft beer in a relaxed, artsy atmosphere. It’s a great way to soak up the creative energy of the venue and mingle with fellow theatregoers.

The bar opens from 10am on weekdays and 12pm on Saturdays, making it perfect for a pre-show bite or a post-performance wind-down. Seating is limited, so arrive early to grab a spot and enjoy the buzz.

What time does the Park Theatre box office open?

The Park Theatre box office is located in the main foyer and opens Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 12pm to 8pm. To save time, you can also book tickets online via Visit London’s website, where you’ll be able to browse performances and select your seats with ease.

What food and drink is available at Park Theatre?

Park Theatre has two bar areas, opening 60 minutes before each performance and serving a selection of drinks, snacks and freshly made sourdough pizzas. You can enjoy your food pre-show, post-show, or even during the interval, with options available to both theatregoers and locals.

If you’ve got more time, settle in at Park Pizza & Bar for a relaxed bite and a craft beer before curtain-up – it’s the perfect way to soak up the creative buzz of Finsbury Park before the lights go down.

Does Park Theatre have a cloakroom?

There is no dedicated cloakroom at Park Theatre, so you’ll need to keep coats and small items with you during your visit. If you’re carrying bulkier belongings, it’s best to use one of London’s nearby luggage storage facilities before heading to the show.

Are children allowed at Park Theatre performances?

Park Theatre welcomes young audiences and occasionally hosts family‑friendly productions, but children under five are not admitted to performances unless specifically stated. Please check the age guidance for your chosen show before booking, as some productions may have stricter age recommendations.

Which hotels are nearby Park Theatre?

There’s no shortage of hotels around Finsbury Park, with options to suit every budget and style. Here are some of our top picks:

• DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross (2.3 miles)

A polished stay with spacious rooms and a welcoming bar and restaurant, just a short ride from Park Theatre. It’s a great base if you’re combining theatre with a bit of central London sightseeing.

• Travelodge London Finsbury Park (0.2 miles)

This budget-friendly hotel is just around the corner from the theatre. Rooms are compact but comfortable, making it a convenient choice for a no-frills theatre night.

• Best Western London Highbury (0.4 miles)

Set near the greenery of Finsbury Park, this hotel offers easy access to the theatre and nearby transport links. A great mid-range option with friendly service and clean rooms.

Which restaurants are nearby Park Theatre?

Arrive early for your show at Park Theatre and take a stroll through the lively streets of Finsbury Park, where a variety of dining spots await just moments from the venue.

Start with Palmyra’s Kitchen, located right on Clifton Terrace next to the theatre. This independently owned Middle Eastern restaurant serves up authentic Syrian and Lebanese dishes, from creamy moutabal and fresh fattoush to grilled kafta and their standout chicken shawarma.

If you're in the mood for something Mediterranean, head to Osteria Tufo, just a short walk away. This cosy Italian spot is known for its rich tiramisu and comforting pasta dishes. For a more casual bite, The Plimsoll in Highbury offers a rotating menu in a lively pub setting.