Once a quiet sanctuary for book lovers, Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre now buzzes with life, bringing stories directly to your eyes and ears in a former library. For seven long years, locals campaigned tirelessly to save the building from demolition, ultimately transforming it into an arts centre that opened its doors in 2013. Today, Omnibus Theatre thrives as an off-West End venue, relying solely on box office takings—and a sprinkle of generosity from patrons like Dame Judi Dench and Sir Michael Gambon—to keep its doors open.
With a staunch commitment to accessibility, Omnibus Theatre offers performances at around £13, making it one of the most affordable live show venues in London. The eclectic lineup spans from adaptations of classic tales to contemporary new writing, puppetry, comedy, live music, and more. Annual festivals celebrate queer comedy, Spanish-speaking drama, and Edinburgh Fringe previews, bringing top-tier talent to Clapham without the need for a 400-mile trek.
Pre- and post-show, patrons can unwind in the Omnibus café/bar, enjoying brunch and freshly baked cakes by day, and seasonal cocktails and wine by night, often accompanied by live music. The venue’s history as a library is honored in its varied programming, which includes everything from five-star productions of classic plays to film screenings, spoken word performances, cabaret, and puppetry.
Omnibus Theatre, under the artistic direction of Marie McCarthy, has produced notable in-house shows like "Woyzeck" (2013), "Macbeth" (2014), "Queens of Sheba" (2019), and "The Little Prince" (2019). The theatre also boasts patrons such as Lord Michael Cashman and Sir Richard Eyre, and its intimate spaces—the main theatre (90-110 seats) and the Studio Upstairs (80 seats)—create a cozy yet dynamic atmosphere for diverse performances.
Located just a short walk from Clapham Common tube station, Omnibus Theatre continues to be a hub of artistic innovation and community engagement, with free events and special rates for under-25s ensuring everyone can partake. In a delightful twist of fate, this former library now shares its stories in the most animated and engaging ways, all without anyone having to whisper "shh."
Details
- Address:
- 1 Clapham Common North Side
- SW4 0QW
- Contact:
- http://omnibus-clapham.org
- 020 7498 4699
- Transport:
- Tube: Clapham Common Station: Clapham Junction