Gate Theatre (London)

The Gate Theatre began its life in 1979 as a tiny, seventy-five-seat performance space perched above the Prince Albert pub in Notting Hill. Its founding artistic director, Lou Stein, sought to break the pattern of inward-looking British drama by dedicating the stage exclusively to international plays. This bold mission transformed the cramped room into an influential powerhouse that launched the careers of many notable actors and directors. The theatre gained a reputation for its ingenuity, as it consistently adapted its intimate, awkward stage layout to suit the specific demands of every new production.