Fancy a pint and a play? Then you’ve come to the right place at the White Bear Theatre Pub. This isn’t just any pub. It’s a cornerstone of London’s fringe theatre scene. Founded in 1988, the White Bear Theatre Pub is run by Artistic Director Michael Kingsbury.
The White Bear Theatre Pub stands out as one of London’s leading pub theatres. It is also one of the longest established. The White Bear is dedicated to new writing. Its Lost Classics Project showcases obscure historical works.
What exactly is the Lost Classics Project at the White Bear Theatre Pub? It revives underperformed plays. These plays come from previous generations. The project’s modern history strand is quite interesting. It featured uncensored productions of John Osborne’s early plays. These were thought to be lost. These included “Personal Enemy” and “The Devil Inside Him.” J.P. Donleavy’s “The Ginger Man” was also part of the project. “Women of Twilight” was another successful revival. It is an all-female play by Sylvia Rayman.
Academics praise the historical strand. It features a range of non-Shakespearean plays. It extends the repertory beyond frequently revived plays. The Lost Classics Project reshapes the early modern repertory. It stands alongside Shakespeare’s Globe’s Read Not Dead project. It also stands with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Jacobethan seasons. Past productions include Thomas Dekker and John Webster’s “Westward Ho.” Also featured was Ben Jonson’s final play, “The Magnetic Lady.” These were the first modern performances.
The White Bear Theatre Pub isn’t just about old plays. It also supports new writing. This mix of classic and contemporary makes it unique.
The White Bear Theatre Pub won the Empty Space Peter Brook Award in 2012. Instant Classics Company won the Mark Marvin Rent Subsidy Award in association with the theatre.
Before or after the show, enjoy the White Bear Theatre Pub’s stylish bar and garden. Theatregoers get a discount on food. Simply show your ticket.
The White Bear Theatre Pub is more than just a venue. It’s a place where theatrical history lives on. New stories take shape here. So grab a drink and settle in. You never know what forgotten masterpiece you might discover. The White Bear Theatre Pub continues to be a vibrant part of London’s cultural landscape.