26 Crowndale & The Gate Theatre | Quality Fringe Venue in Camden
As the old saying goes, when one gate closes, another one opens in a church hall behind St. Pancras station.
And when the pandemic shuttered The Gate Theatre in Notting Hill, the team took it as a sign to move on. So you’ll now find The Gate sharing the space that’s been home to Theatre Technis for the past 60-odd years, which they’ve renamed 26 Crowndale.
It’s a meeting of two fringe heavyweights: The Gate had been going strong in its old digs for over four decades, earning a reputation for high-quality, provocative fringe theatre, often from international playwrights and with a sociopolitical angle. The new space at 26 Crowndale has not only given them a load more seats to fill; it’s also made their shows wheelchair-accessible for the first time ever.
The Gate’s 2023 season has just been announced, with tickets available to book now. Kicking off the year is Bootycandy, a vibrant and hypnotic “Black queer fever dream” directed by The Gate associate artist Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (who also directed the critically acclaimed For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy).
Following that is Hot In Here (An Energy-Generating Dance Party), a show crafted from interviews with young climate activists across the world (that also features an actual energy-harvesting dancefloor). And in September, a stirring piece of gig theatre lands with Brassic FM; a collaboration between poet Zia Ahmed and the theatre’s interim artistic director, Stef O’Driscoll.
Bootycandy
A big reason for The Gate’s move was improving accessibility, and this has long been part of Theatre Technis’ mission too. So each show will have audio-described, BSL and relaxed performances; pay what you can evenings; and concession tickets for locals – while full-priced tickets won’t stray north of £20.
The Gate’s philosophy is that theatre can change the world. They believe that the most important part of a play is what happens afterwards, which is why they frequently stage post-show Q&As, panel discussions and workshop events…
…and also means you’re practically obliged to hang out in the theatre bar afterwards.
NOTE: Tickets for The Gate Theatre’s 2023 season at 26 Crowndale are on sale now. You can find out more about what’s on, and book, HERE.
Gate Theatre @ 26 Crowndale | 26 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TT
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