Tabard Theatre

The Tabard Theatre is a small studio theatre above the Tabard public house in Chiswick, London Borough of Hounslow. It sits close to Turnham Green Underground station on Bath Road. The building itself dates back to 1880, when architect Norman Shaw designed the pub as part of the Bedford Park garden suburb. Its upper walls are covered with Arts and Crafts tiles by William De Morgan, and the fireplaces feature tilework by Walter Crane. The pub’s clubhouse now houses the London Buddhist Vihara, while nearby stands St Michael and All Angels church. The theatre opened in 1985, founded by actress Andrea Black with support from playwright Sam Dowling, actor Ron Forfar and playwright Dale Reynolds. Their aim was to nurture new writing and give emerging playwrights a platform. Early productions included *Our Blue Heaven* by Bill Jesse and *Riverman* by Sam Dowling. Directors like Stephen Butcher and Jay Vaughan helped shape the theatre’s reputation for experimental work. By 2007 it began producing shows in-house, and later transferred hits like *New Boy* and *Wolfboy* to the West End. Comedians including Russell Brand and Harry Hill have tested new material there. Visitors find an intimate 88-seat space above a historic pub, where original William Morris tiles were discovered behind wallpaper during renovations. The theatre hosts world premieres, Christmas shows and alternative comedy nights. Recent awards include London Pub Theatre of the Year in 2025 for the Tabard’s productions of *The Mikado* and *The Snow Queen*. The building remains a creative hub in West London, blending theatre with the pub’s Arts and Crafts heritage.