Mermaid Theatre

The Mermaid Theatre is a theatre building in the City of London distinguished by an unusual stage configuration where spectators view the stage from three sides. The venue accommodates up to 600 visitors and serves multiple purposes including performances, conferences, and exhibitions.

The theatre was founded in 1959 by Bernard Miles and his wife Josephine Wilson, marking the first new theatre building in the City of London since Shakespeare's time. By the 1980s, it became an important venue for professional theatre productions when the Royal Shakespeare Company staged multiple works there during a residency.

The space hosted important poetry readings where writers shared their work with audiences and new pieces were commissioned for special events. These gatherings shaped the cultural identity of the place during its early years.

The venue is easily accessible and located in a central business district with good public transport connections. Visitors should keep in mind that the facility regularly hosts different types of events, so it is advisable to check in advance what activities are happening.

The theatre hosted a poetry festival where various writers presented their work to audiences. Well-known literary figures read their pieces alongside works written specifically for the event.

Location: City of London

Inception: May 28, 1959

Architects: Ove Arup

Official opening: 1959

Website: http://the-mermaid.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.51130,-0.10197

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23