Tabard Theatre Named London Pub Theatre of the Year

The Tabard Theatre is delighted to have been named London Pub Theatre of the Year at the London Pub Theatre and Standing Ovation Awards, recognising the venue's contribution to London's vibrant theatre sector and celebrating its successful revival since reopening in 2022.

The award marks a significant milestone in the theatre's latest chapter. Following the closure of Chiswick Playhouse in March 2022, the future of the venue was uncertain. Later that year, husband-and-wife team Simon and Sarah Reilly, through their company Take Note Theatre, secured the lease and reopened the building under its historic Tabard Theatre name, restoring a much-loved institution to the heart of Chiswick's cultural life.

Since then, the theatre has presented a year-round programme of drama, comedy, musical theatre, family productions and new writing, alongside work from visiting companies from across the UK. Over four years, the Tabard has welcomed thousands of audience members through its doors and established itself once again as one of West London's leading studio theatres.

Artistic Director Simon Reilly said:

"When we reopened the Tabard in 2022, our ambition was simple: to preserve this unique venue and build on the extraordinary legacy that had made it one of London's most respected studio theatres. To receive this award just four years later is a tremendous honour and a tribute to everyone who has supported the theatre on that journey."

The award follows a period of sustained growth for the theatre, which has seen audiences return in increasing numbers and many productions receive critical acclaim, award nominations and five-star reviews.

Particular highlights have included the development of the Tabard's annual Christmas productions, which have become a popular alternative to traditional pantomime. Productions such as Five Children and It, The Secret Garden, The Snow Queen and The Railway Children have attracted audiences from across London while earning recognition from critics and award bodies alike.

The theatre has also continued to welcome a diverse range of visiting productions, from new writing and classic revivals to comedy, cabaret and musical theatre, while providing opportunities for emerging artists to develop and showcase their work.

As an independent theatre receiving no regular public subsidy, the Tabard relies on the support of audiences, members, donors and the wider community. The award reflects not only the work taking place on stage, but also the commitment of those who continue to champion live performance and the vital role that independent theatres play in nurturing talent and bringing communities together.

Executive Director Sarah Reilly said:

"This award belongs to everyone who has helped bring the Tabard back to life – our audiences, members, supporters, visiting companies, volunteers, staff and artists. We are particularly grateful to the local community, who welcomed us back and have supported us so enthusiastically since reopening. Independent theatres play an essential role in the cultural landscape, and we are proud to be part of that tradition."

Looking to the future, the Tabard remains committed to presenting high-quality, audience-focused theatre, supporting artists at all stages of their careers and ensuring that this unique venue continues to thrive for generations to come.

Forty years after it first opened its doors, the Tabard Theatre continues to prove that intimate theatre can have a lasting impact, both on the artists who create it and the audiences who experience it.