St Bride Foundation

The Foundation has always recognised the importance of dramatic arts in the development of the community and has produced theatrical entertainments as part of that remit for the last 115 years. In 1994, the Foundation converted its Victorian swimming pool into the Bridewell Theatre, one of the few remaining off-West End theatres and a key performing arts venue in the heart of the City. After the departure of its resident theatre company, the St Bride Foundation was determined to keep the venue alive and has successfully continued to provide a year round programme of entertainment. It remains committed to nurturing and showcasing new talent and plays host to graduate, professional and non professional performances alike supporting both classical and contemporary drama.

Core to the Theatre’s continued success is the work produced by the Bridewell’s theatrical partners:

SEDOS (founded in 1905 by a group of senior members of the Stock Exchange) now comprises around sixty to eighty active members who are committed to producing works of theatre to a professional standard on a commercially viable basis while raising money for charity. Professional in all but name – some of the better-known names who performed for the society in the early stage of their careers include Dame Anna Neagle (who danced in the chorus as Marjorie Robertson), Frankle Ingleman of post war BBC fame, Patricia Roc, Guy Middleton and Rosalie Crutchley. More recently television luminaries such as Nicolas Parsons have made guest appearances.

Visit the SEDOS website

Tower Theatre Company Central London’s most active non-professional group, performs most of its shows at the Bridewell. Its aim is to enable all sections of the community to experience and participate in a wide range of high quality theatre. It presents around 15 shows a year, ranging from musicals, through classic drama to new work.

Many famous names have appeared with the Tower early in their careers, including Tom Courtenay, Siân Phillips & Michael Gambon. All the Tower’s actors, directors and technical crew get involved for the love of it, working together to produce shows that compete with the best of the professional London fringe.

Visit the Tower Theatre website

We also have a number of links with drama schools, providing them with a space to showcase their work. Guildhall School of Music and Drama have chosen the Bridewell Theatre as an alternative training ground, taking over the theatre for 12 weeks of the year, not only training their students in performance but also in stage craft.