Menier Chocolate Factory

A 21st-century theatre company whose productions consistently have won or been nominated for awards since it took over the long-dormant premises of a 19th-century chocolate factory in 2004. Few fringe theatres are as gay-friendly in their programming, which appears to specialise in revivals of musicals of the past 50 years while keeping an out for new comedy and drama. Signature productions include SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (in 2006), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (2008), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (2009), TORCH SONG TRILOGY (2012), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (2013) and CANDIDE (2014), many reaping awards both here and in New York. Several Menier hits have been known to shift to bigger theatres in the West End (and Broadway), and in an atypical transatlantic reversal for this theatre house, Jonathan Tolins's acclaimed one-man comedy BUYER AND CELLAR with Michael Urie transferred here from New York in March 2015. The rather convoluted layout of the premises also features a full-on restaurant and bar. Prices are a lot cheaper than in the West End, but expect a rather cramped cushioned-benched seating situation, especially if it's a packed house.