Four Years On: The Story of the New Tabard Theatre

In 2022, the future of the theatre above the Tabard pub was far from certain.

Following the closure of Chiswick Playhouse earlier that year, there was a real possibility that one of West London's most historic studio theatres might be lost. Instead, the venue entered a new chapter when Simon and Sarah Reilly, through their company Take Note Theatre, secured the lease and reopened the building under its original Tabard Theatre name.

Four years later, the theatre has firmly re-established itself as one of London's leading independent studio theatres.

Since reopening, the Tabard has presented a year-round programme of drama, comedy, musical theatre, family productions and new writing, welcoming established artists alongside emerging talent and audiences from across West London and beyond.

The theatre's revival was recognised in 2025 when it was named London Pub Theatre of the Year, one of the highest honours in the sector.

Artistic Director Simon Reilly said:

"When we reopened the theatre, our goal wasn't simply to keep the doors open. We wanted to create a theatre that honoured the venue's remarkable history while looking confidently to the future. To see the Tabard recognised with major awards, welcomed by audiences and embraced by the local community has been incredibly rewarding."

Over the past four years, Tabard productions have received numerous award nominations and wins, including recognition from the Off West End Awards, the Standing Ovation Awards and the Fringe Theatre Awards. Productions including The Last Laugh, The Secret Garden, The Lady or the Tiger, The Snow Queen and The Railway Children have all earned critical acclaim and industry recognition.

Particularly notable has been the success of the theatre's annual Christmas productions. Beginning with Five Children and It and continuing through The Secret Garden, The Snow Queen and The Railway Children, these productions have become a much-loved festive tradition, attracting audiences from across London and earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

Alongside revivals of classic and contemporary works, the theatre has also championed new writing. Since reopening, the Tabard has presented numerous world premieres, including new plays by Gareth Armstrong, Andrew Cartmel, Robert Lloyd George, Panda La Terriere, Duncan Campbell and Tony Traxler, as well as original stage adaptations by Louise Haddington created specifically for the theatre. Several productions have gone on to enjoy life beyond the Tabard, including A Special Relationship, which transferred to New York following its London premiere.

The theatre's impact extends beyond its artistic programme. The Tabard works closely with local schools, youth theatre groups and community organisations, hosts performances by young people, supports educational visits and partners with festivals including the Bedford Park Festival and Chiswick Book Festival.

Executive Director Sarah Reilly said:

"Everything we've achieved has been made possible by the support of our audiences, artists, volunteers, members, donors and local community. Independent theatres succeed because people care about them, and we're enormously grateful to everyone who has played a part in the Tabard's story over the last four years."

The theatre has continued to invest in its facilities and audience experience, including recent accessibility improvements, while maintaining its commitment to producing ambitious work in an intimate setting.

As the Tabard looks ahead, its mission remains unchanged: to present outstanding theatre, support artists at every stage of their careers, develop new work, and ensure that this unique cultural space continues to thrive for future generations.

Forty years after it first opened its doors, the Tabard Theatre remains what it has always been at its best: a place where great stories are shared, new talent is discovered, and audiences come together to experience the power of live performance.