Menier Chocolate Factory

Experience award-winning plays, musicals and innovative work at the Menier Chocolate Factory, an acclaimed off-West End theatre housed in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Southwark.

The uniquely atmospheric setting, known for its intimate 180-seat theatre, has earned a reputation as one of London’s most dynamic cultural venues, with many productions transferring to the West End and Broadway.

What’s on at the Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier’s programme features a variety of UK premiers and award-winning revivals, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Previous productions staged there have included Sunday in the Park with George, which won five Olivier Awards and transferred to Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors and Fiddler on the Roof which both later transferred to the West End, and major revival Funny Girl which transferred to the West End.

To see Menier Chocolate Factory’s current and upcoming shows, click the booking button on this page.

Menier Chocolate Factory history

The Menier Chocolate Factory occupies a Grade II-listed Victorian factory, built between 1865 and 1874 for the French Menier Chocolate Company, featuring characteristic brickwork and stone dressings that reflect Southwark’s industrial heritage.

After decades of use, the building fell into disrepair and stood derelict in the 1980s. In 2004, it was transformed into an Off-West End theatre and Artistic Director David Babani developed a purpose-built performance space at the rear of the original structure, retaining its exposed beams, cast-iron columns and warehouse character, creating one of London’s most atmospheric venues.

The theatre quickly gained acclaim, winning the Peter Brook/Empty Space Up and Coming Venue Award in 2005.

Since then, it has premiered or revived significant productions that often transfer to the West End or Broadway, including Sunday in the Park with George, La Cage aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors, Merrily We Roll Along, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, and recent hits such as The Third Man, Fallen Angels, The Holy Rosenbergs, and Equus.

Over time, these successes have established the Menier as one of London’s most influential small theatres, celebrated for its intimacy, creativity and artistic ambition.

Why you should visit Menier Chocolate Factory

• Experience theatre up close: The Menier Chocolate Factory is one of London’s most intimate theatres. With a total capacity of 180 seats, every audience member is close to the action. See facial expressions, hear unamplified voices and feel fully immersed.
• A launchpad for major productions: Menier Chocolate Factory has a huge reputation for spotting and developing shows that go on to West End or Broadway success. Seeing a show at the Menier often means you’re watching it before it becomes famous, in its most raw and exciting form.
• Exceptional musicals and plays: The Menier is known in the theatre scene for its high-quality musicals, smart revivals of classic plays and strong casting and direction.
• Unique and iconic venue: The theatre is housed in a former 19th-century chocolate factory, and the exposed brickwork, industrial details and rustic character of the building is very much part of the experience.

Menier Chocolate Factory seating plan

Menier Chocolate Factory has a total capacity of 180 seats across one level, using a combination of stalls and benches. The Menier is a studio-style theatre, so the seating layout can change slightly from show to show, but all seats are arranged around the stage. An idea of the seating plan:

• The centre seats are the best balance for dialogue and musical numbers
• The front row is very immersive, actors may make eye contact or enter the aisles
• The rear half is best for seeing the full stage picture, with a more relaxed feel
• The side seats are slightly angled at the far sides but still have excellent, unobstructed views of the stage.

How do I get to Menier Chocolate Factory?

Menier Chocolate Factory is in Southwark, 4 O’Meara Street, SE1 1TE.

How to get there:

• Underground – The nearest Tube station is London Bridge Underground Station (Jubilee and Northern lines).
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby on Southwark Street (343, 381), Southwark Bridge Rd (344) and Borough High Street (21, 35, 40, 133)
• Cycling – The nearest Santander Cycles bike dock is right outside Menier Chocolate Factory on Southwark Street.

Visit London’s top tip

Many productions at Menier Chocolate Factory transfer to the West End or Broadway, so seeing them at Menier often means you’re catching a show before it becomes famous.

The theatre is small and intimate, and you’re close to the action wherever you sit – prepare for actors entering through the aisles or performing at the front row for a truly immersive experience!