If you think mainstream theatre is all musicals, tired farces and pompous interpretations of Shakespeare, try the Royal Court - where innovative new writing is the order of the day. Be prepared to be surprised.

It's MONTY PYTHON! A wonderful show that gets better every time you see it (I've seen it three times) and no place better than the intimate and intricate Palace Theatre. (Check out the wall in the back corridor with the history of the [more...]

Fancy a night out in south-east London? Check out what's on at the O2 Millennium Dome. With an arena for big events - think music gigs and big name comedians - and a smaller stage for more intimate shows, plus a cinema, restaurants and [more...]

If jazz jazzes you, you could do a lot worse than heading to the Backstage Bar at The Spice of Life, where you'll find some of the best live [more...]

The Spice of Life is a true London institution. Good food, good beer, great music and right in the heart of the West End. What more could you want from a night [more...]

Notting Hill Arts Club features club nights to suit just about every musical taste, from mainstream to niche and all stops between, with live music and dj [more...]

The Gate Cinema in Notting Hill might look a bit bland from the outside but inside it's gorgeous - the plasterwork is grade-II listed. Comfortable, too - there's [more...]

Wilton's is the world's last remaining Grand Music Hall. Hidden away in the heart of the city, it's now home to a whole range of musical events, talks, and a cinema [more...]

At the the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick you'll find a great range of plays - everything from Shakespeare to experimental modern work. It's above the Tabard Pub [more...]

The puppeteers of the Little Angel Theatre opened up shop over forty years ago. They've been entertaining London's children - and adults - ever since. Join [more...]

Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, leave 'em wanting more... if you love theatre so much you can't get enough, why not get involved on the other side of things and join an amateur theatre company? And even if you don't want to strut your [more...]

Central London's powerhouse of gay and lesbian theatre, plus a weekly jazz night - now under threat from the loss of its Arts Council Grant. Go to enjoy yourself. Check their website for ways to support them.

A great venue for jazz acts, where you can also snack or eat a full meal.

Jazz Cafe

Check out what's on at one of London's oldest and best loved community arts centres. There are performances of all kinds - the Centre's artist development programme results in interesting work at all scales - and plenty of opportunities [more...]

Well regarded theatre in Hammersmith that specialises in innovative new work. Has an extensive children's repertoire and does outreach work in the local community. Plus, the food in the cafe is tasty.

Lyric

Newish (opened in 2004) performance and arts space in North Finchley, providing an interesting mix of theatre, music, comedy and what have you. There are also classes in dance and theatre, but this has the feel of something that's still [more...]

Great theatre in a stunning building. Lots of outreach work with local kids. Worth supporting but don't go for that reason - go because it'll give you a wonderful night out!

Hoxton Hall Theatre

Classic operas, some with surtitles, in a delightful park setting.

Opera Holland Park.

Oh all right - not just Shakespeare, though surely A Midsummer's Night's Dream is what most people associate with this theatre company. In fact, they do a lot of other material too, including some children's plays.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre.

Tiny theatre specialising in international work reflecting Notting Hill's diverse multicultural community.

Gate Theatre, Notting Hill