Following a long search for more accessible premises, the Gate Theatre announces today that it will be moving to a new theatre space in Camden in July 2022.
The Gate Theatre will now be located at 26 Crowndale Road, the home of Theatro Technis in Somers Town. The move follows the success of last year’s revival of the critically acclaimed Dear Elizabeth at the venue. The performance space provides a larger auditorium, foyer and bar space, which are wheelchair accessible and step-free.
The Gate has a long tradition and reputation for being a small-scale theatre that always pushes boundaries. Founded above a pub in 1979, it has nurtured early work by major artists including Natalie Abrahami, Carrie Cracknell, Paterson Joseph, Sarah Kane, Lynette Linton, Katie Mitchell, Indhu Rubasingham, and Erica Whyman. The new space will build on the values of the original remaining light-footed and critically engaged, and continuing a strong tradition of serving its community.
Joining the team at this exciting time in the Gate’s long history is Labour Party politician, barrister and human rights activist, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, who will join as Chair of the Board later in the summer. She served as the Director of Liberty (the National Council for Civil Liberties) from 2003 to 2016 and as Shadow Attorney General from 2016 – 2020.
The Gate’s first production to open at 26 Crowndale will be award-winning playwright Sami Ibrahim’s A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain, directed by Gate Associate Director Yasmin Hafesji, and produced in association with Paines Plough and Rose Theatre. This poetic fable tells a story of an impenetrable immigration system that mirrors our own and will run from 19 October to 5 November 2022.
A further season of work will be announced shortly as well as farewell activity at the original venue.
Shami Chakrabarti, incoming Chair of the Board said, “I am honoured to be joining the Gate as its chair at this pivotal moment. Its values of internationalism, diversity and community are the essence of great theatre and what it brings to our lives in challenging times.”
