The Courtyard

The Courtyard is a theatre space tucked away in London that punches well above its weight. It's a working venue where you'll catch proper theatre - the kind where you're sat close enough to see an actor's face change expression, not squinting from the back of some vast auditorium. The programming leans toward new writing and experimental work, so you're unlikely to stumble into a safe revival you've seen three times before.

Who gets the most from it? Theatre enthusiasts and anyone after an evening out that actually feels like theatre rather than spectacle. It's not a sprawling West End operation, which is precisely the point. The intimacy makes it either brilliant or occasionally a bit awkward if the performance isn't landing, but that's part of the risk with smaller venues.

You'll need to check their website for specific show times and pricing - admission varies wildly depending on what's on. Some nights you'll pay a tenner for an experimental piece, others considerably more for established companies. Allow a couple of hours including drinks beforehand. It's worth arriving early to soak in the atmosphere rather than rushing straight to your seat.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks nearby, it's a straightforward run into central London for an evening out. Pair it with dinner in the area - there's plenty within walking distance. The Courtyard itself is proper London theatre, small-scale and uncompromising.