Stages of Pride: LGBTQIA+ Theatre Venues to Explore in London

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

As much as it is world-famed, London’s theatre scene isn’t just found in the West End. Beyond the big-budget musicals and glittering marquees lies a stunning network of venues where LGBTQIA artists and stories flourish. From Soho drag dens to pub theatres, here are some venues that keep the spirit of queer performance alive in a way that is loud, proud, and brilliantly defiant.

Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Vauxhall
More than just a pub, the RVT is a queer cultural institution. Its cabaret roots go deep as the oldest known Gay bar in London. Today it hosts everything from drag legends to experimental performance art. If walls could talk, they’d probably sing Cher.

Soho Theatre, Soho
A pioneering ground for queer comedy, theatre, and spoken word, Soho Theatre blends sharp writing with political bite. A compulsory visit for fans of edgy, contemporary work and breakout LGBTQIA talent.

The Glory, Haggerston
Part pub, part punk cabaret church, entirely a fabulous night out. The Glory is where drag theatre meets joyful queer rebellion. It’s loud, messy, experimental and absolutely essential to a great night out in Pride month or beyond.

Hackney Showroom,  Hackney Wick
This converted warehouse offers dynamic , community-focused programming with a strong emphasis on queer, trans, and working-class voices. The shows here are utterly unique, fantastically fresh and will linger in your mind for a long time to come.

Theatre Peckham, Peckham
A fantastic venue for platforming queer artists of colour and emerging voices from South London. It’s south London’s version of Soho theatre and just as powerful.

Camden People’s Theatre, Camden
CPT thrives on risk taking, unique tales and rawness, with a long-standing commitment to platforming LGBTQIA artists and experimental pioneering work. It is a small theatre with big ideas and intimate impact.

Pleasance Theatre, Islington
A small but mighty theatre that regularly supports queer performers during festivals and beyond. Its studio spaces have nurtured everything from solo queer memoirs to riotous drag musicals and dance performances.

Omnibus Theatre, Clapham
Housed in a former library, this venue delivers thoughtful, diverse programming with a growing reputation for supporting LGBTQIA writers and directors. They are also excellent in supporting Neurodiverse productions and audience members with some truly stunning shows.

King’s Head Theatre , Islington
One of the strongest pub theatre’s in London and a champion of bold queer voices. It is infamous for its cheeky revivals, queer dramas, and powerful new writing.

Whether you’re after a night of drag, a slice of queer history, or a radical new play, London’s LGBTQIA+ theatre scene has a stage and a story for you. These venues don’t just entertain; they empower, intrigue and inspire us all to be ourselves and make this world a little more rainbow hued joy.