Network Theatre is a community theatre in the railway arches at Waterloo station, London. Visiting groups can hire the 72-seat auditorium or the smaller Green Room for meetings, conferences and events, as well as for rehearsals and shoots. The site gives the address as 246a Lower Road, Waterloo, SE1 8SJ.
Seminars and company events
The theatre states that it can be hired for events and meetings, including conferences. For a talk or a small conference, the auditorium seats up to 72 people. Equipment on site includes a lectern, flipcharts and whiteboards, plus portable sound and lighting for smaller events. The auditorium has its own lighting and sound facilities, but anyone using them must bring competent technicians. The team may be able to recommend freelance technicians, who charge for their work, though this is not guaranteed.
For a short workshop or a board-style meeting, the Green Room is the smaller option. Tables and chairs are on site, so a meeting layout can be discussed with the team in advance. Ask about availability early, since the resident company and visiting productions use the space across the season.
Weddings and receptions
The official site does not offer weddings or receptions. The theatre is run by volunteers as a community space, and its hire pages focus on productions, meetings and rehearsals.
Rooms and capacities
- Auditorium: up to 72 seats, in tiered seating that can be rearranged into other layouts with prior arrangement.
- Stage: 8 m by 5 m.
- Black box studio: 13.5 m by 8 m, with a maximum height of 4.2 m from floor to grid.
- Green Room: 5 m by 4 m, for smaller events and meetings.
- Other locations that can be used: the bar, the kitchen, the workshop, the scenery store and the access road.
Dressing rooms sit on both sides of the auditorium, and a raised control room overlooks the stage.
Catering
There is no in-house catering listed. A separate kitchen is available with tea and coffee making, and tables, chairs and an upright piano are on site. The members' bar may open before and after performances, depending on staff availability.
Other uses
Weekday daytime slots, usually 9 am to 5 pm, are used for auditions, rehearsals and photo or video shoots. Visiting theatre companies also hire the space for performances.
Getting there
The theatre is in the arches of Waterloo station, so Waterloo is the nearest station, with national rail, Underground and bus connections.
