Ovalhouse Downstairs

Ovalhouse is a lively theatre on the Kennington Oval, opposite the famous cricket ground.

Ovalhouse has been known for its support for artists - professional and young people - for over 50 years - commissioning new work that responds to today’s social and political issues, and work that reflects the cultural diversity of its local community. 

With a theatre programme in two spaces we commission, co-produce and programme innovative work by early career and established artists, while our participation department provides a full range of programmes from inclusion projects to youth leadership training to supporting young artists. 

We invest in exploration and development, providing a space where artists can develop their creative practice, audiences can encounter new work and see the beginnings of new talent, and young people can use the arts to look at their lives, and develop their creativity and skills. We are funded as an Arts Council NPO organisation.

Following many years of trying to improve building facilities and to ensure a sustainable future, Ovalhouse is now in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth to develop a new building in Brixton as part of the Council's Somerleyton Road development.