Theatre503 is the home of new writers and a launchpad for the artists who bring their words to life. We are pioneers in supporting new writers and a champion of their role in the theatre ecology. We find exceptional playwrights who will define the canon for the next generation. Learning and career development are at the core of what we do.

We are a 63-seat theatre based in Battersea, London. We stage the work of more first-time writers than any other theatre in the country. We programme over 100 new pieces of writing every year ranging from short plays to full runs of superb drama. We passionately believe that the most important element in a writer’s development is to see their work developed through to a full production on stage, performed to the highest professional standard in front of an audience.

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1982 the Gate Theatre in Notting Hill expanded to include a custom built studio theatre above the Latchmere Pub – The Latchmere Theatre, subsequently renamed the Grace Theatre. In 2002 the venue became first known as Theatre503 and took its first steps towards being a home for new writing, becoming a registered charity in 2006. That year under the leadership of Paul Robinson and Tim Roseman as joint Artistic Directors, 503 became an entry level new writing theatre. In 2012 Paul became sole Artistic Director with Jeremy Woodehouse appointed as 503’s first Executive Director. In 2016 Lisa Spirling and Andrew Shepherd became Artistic and Executive Directors, supported by Literary Manager, Steve Harper, who has spent the last decade nurturing the next generation of debut and emerging playwrights.

Since 2006 many first-time writers have gone on to establish a career in the industry thanks to the support of Theatre503: Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer, RSC & West End), Anna Jordan (Bruntwood Prize Winner for Yen, Royal Exchange, Royal Court and Broadway), Vinay Patel (writer of the BAFTA winning Murdered By My Father), Katori Hall (Mountaintop, 503, West End & Broadway – winner of 503’s first Olivier Award), to name a few. 2 of the last 5 winners of the Evening Standard’s Most Promising Playwright Award came from 503’s writers’ residency, the 503Five (Beth Steel and Charlene James). Jon Brittain, whose production of Rotterdam, first produced at Theatre503, won the venue its second Olivier Award in 2o17.