Park Theatre

Park Theatre counts some of theatre's biggest names amongst its fans, not least Ian McKellen, who recently donated the proceeds of a week-long run of his solo show to the theatre's kitty. And these friends in high places, plus plenty of local donors, mean that it's a much more professional outfit than your average unfunded neighbourhood theatre.

It puts on around 20 new shows a year, in two spaces: main stage Park200 and smaller studio Park90. They're generally new writing, but of a slightly more staid variety than you'd get at the likes of Bush Theatre or Theatre503. Expect a mix of issue-led dramas, new comedies, and star vehicles for veteran British actors. Its biggest hit so far has been David Haig's 'Pressure', which landed a West End transfer in 2018.

Park Theatre is housed in a shiny modern building tucked away on a quiet street behind Finsbury Park station. It opened in 2013, under the auspices of artistic director Jez Bond, who oversaw the building's £2.6 million creation from an old office block which stood on the site. Park Theatre has two cafe/bar areas - a spacious one upstairs, and a more hectic one downstairs - and both are popular with both laptop-toting locals and theatre fans waiting to see a show.