Tabard Theatre

Infobox Theatre
name = Tabard Theatre

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caption =
address = Bath Street, Turnham Green
city = Hounslow, London
country =
designation =
architect = Richard Norman Shaw
owner = Pulling Focus Ltd
capacity = 80 seats
type = Fringe Theatre
opened = 1985
yearsactive =
rebuilt = 2005
closed =
othernames =
production =
currentuse =
website = www.tabardtheatre.co.uk

The Tabard Theatre is an 80 seat theatre located in Chiswick, Turnham Green in the London Borough of Hounslow. It is situated above the Tabard public house which was built in 1880 by the architect Norman Shaw [Off West End.com reference [http://www.offwestend.com/index.php/theatres/view/71] ] for the Bedford Park Estate. The upper walls of the public house are covered in arts and craft tiles by William De Morgan, and the fireplaces have surrounds of tiles created by Walter Crane – an early example of Art Nouveau.

History

Early years

It was licensed for theatre use in 1985 and was founded by a group of playwrights, one of which is Sheila Dewey.

It created a strong reputation for new writing but also developed into a breeding ground for experimental theatre and alternative comedy.

Later years

It is now under new leadership of Pulling Focus Ltd, joint artistic directors Fred Perry and Colin Hilton, and general manager Simon Reilly.

Since 2005 the theatre has undergone extensive refurbishment work which is now complete.

The Tabard Theatre plays host to its own productions, presents co-productions with other theatre companies as well as receiving work from across the world as a receiving house.

It has also gained a reputation for comedians to try out new work including Russell Brand, Harry Hill and Al Murray who have all played there.

References

External links

* [http://www.tabardtheatre.co.uk/ Tabard Theatre] – Official website