A group of dancers is performing on stage, their arms extended forward in unison. They wear light-colored costumes, and the stage is dimly lit, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The dancers appear focused and expressive in their movements.
1991 - WOMEN OF TROY [company] AD Stephen Daldry dir Katie Mitchell Photography by Tony Nandi

Image caption: 1991 - WOMEN OF TROY [company] AD Stephen Daldry dir Katie Mitchell Photography by Tony Nandi

About Us

Our Story

The Gate was founded in 1979 to bring international theatre to London stages.

Founding Artistic Director Lou Stein found the space above the Prince Albert pub, placed an ad in Time Out London and directed the very first Gate show: At Swim Two Birds written by Irish playwright At Swim Two Birds.

Time Out Classified Ad dated April 1979. Reads "GATE THEATRE newly formed Fringe Eub Theatre at Notting Hill requires experienced people, lights, sound also actors, no money but prospects good. actors, no money but prospects good. Tel: 546 5640. after 6.30 pm."

The culture of British fringe at the time was working for nothing, and as a result, practitioners were either not paid or compensated through profit share.In 1982 the Gate opened an off-shoot theatre above The Latchmere Pub in Battersea Park. This was London’s first purpose built fringe theatre, called the Gate at the Latchmere. After the close of the Gate at the Latchmere, it was relaunched in 2002 as Theatre 503!

A group of dancers is performing on stage, their arms extended forward in unison. They wear light-colored costumes, and the stage is dimly lit, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The dancers appear focused and expressive in their movements.
1991 - WOMEN OF TROY [company] AD Stephen Daldry dir Katie Mitchell Photography by Tony Nandi

Image caption: 1991 - WOMEN OF TROY [company] AD Stephen Daldry dir Katie Mitchell Photography by Tony Nandi

Five women dressed in dark clothing are joyfully dancing in a circle. One woman in the center is wearing a leafy headpiece. They are smiling and clapping, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
1992 - THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA2 The Company AD Laurence Boswell dri Katie Mitchell [Photograph by Simon Annand]

Image caption: 1992 - THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA2 The Company AD Laurence Boswell dri Katie Mitchell [Photograph by Simon Annand]

Two people facing each other with intense expressions, one yelling and the other holding them by the shoulders. They are wearing checkered shirts. The background is dark, highlighting the dramatic scene.
1993 - Jude Law Snow Orchid

Image caption: 1993 - Jude Law Snow Orchid

Two women in black lace attire and headpieces face each other closely. The woman on the right, wearing lace gloves, gently touches the others chin. They both appear intense and focused in dim lighting.
1994 - Sophie Okenedo & Susan Tracy (His Lordship's Fancy '94)

Image caption: 1994 - Sophie Okenedo & Susan Tracy (His Lordship's Fancy '94)

A shirtless person with a shaved head and goatee extends their right arm forward. The background is dark, highlighting the individuals intense and focused expression.
1997 - WOYZECK [Jonathan Bruun] AD David Farr dir Sarah Kane Photography by Pau Ros

Image caption: 1997 - WOYZECK [Jonathan Bruun] AD David Farr dir Sarah Kane Photography by Pau Ros

A person dressed in a military-style uniform with gold epaulettes and various medals, smiling and looking to the side. The background is dark, emphasizing the figure and the ornate details of the attire.
2005 - Emporer Jones

Image caption: 2005 - Emporer Jones

A person in a green dress and sandals sits on stage, smiling and gesturing. Another person with braided hair faces them, while a child stands nearby. The stage has warm lighting and a sandy floor, creating an intimate setting.
"Yerma" Production Shot

Image caption: "Yerma" Production Shot

Two people are sitting on a patterned floor. The woman on the left, wearing a colorful top and headwrap, holds a cup and looks upwards. The man on the right, in a hoodie, gazes in the same direction. Shelves with books and bottles are behind them.
2017 - Adjoa Andoh and Kenneth Omole in Assata Taught Me_Image by ikinyum photography

Image caption: 2017 - Adjoa Andoh and Kenneth Omole in Assata Taught Me_Image by ikinyum photography

EFFIGIES OF WICKEDNESS developed from an idea by Peter Brathwaite ; Directed by Ellen McDougall ; Set design by Ellan Parry ; Lighting design by Azusa Ono ; Gate Theatre, London, UK ; English National Opera ; 3 May 2018 ; Credit and copyright: Helen Murra

Image caption: EFFIGIES OF WICKEDNESS developed from an idea by Peter Brathwaite ; Directed by Ellen McDougall ; Set design by Ellan Parry ; Lighting design by Azusa Ono ; Gate Theatre, London, UK ; English National Opera ; 3 May 2018 ; Credit and copyright: Helen Murra

Artistic Directors

At the Gate we adapt and respond to the world around us, keeping art at the heart of our practice whilst allowing for and enabling changes to the way we work. Since 2024, we have introduced a new role, Artistic Lead, which allows the Gate and our artists to benefit from regular senior artistic consultancy and support whilst staying responsive to the programming and delivery cycles of the company.

Past Shows

The Gate is a true Cinderella story. With little money and an awkward space, it has shown how a small theatre, led with courage, imagination and a strong sense of what it is, can grow into one of the most important and internationally influential theatrical powerhouses.

Lou Stein, Founding Artistic Director

How we work today

At the Gate we adapt and respond to the world around us, keeping art at the heart of our practice whilst allowing for and enabling changes to the way we work. As a small team with increasingly limited resources, we now operate as a theatre producer as opposed to a venue and our programming is curated by the Gate’s senior artistic team.

How We Work