The Turbine Theatre was a small, 200-seat venue at Battersea Power Station, located in Circus West Village. It was known for staging world-class artists, world premieres, and modern adaptations of classic stories. The theatre has now permanently closed.
About the Theatre at Battersea Power Station
The Turbine Theatre first opened in summer 2019, founded by artistic director Paul Taylor-Mills with support from theatre producer Bill Kenwright. It quickly became a key cultural space in the Battersea community, offering a platform for new and emerging talent. The theatre specialized in premiering new works and reimagining familiar stories for contemporary audiences.
During its time, the theatre was not just a performance space but also a lively social venue. By day, it operated as a café and bar, welcoming visitors to relax in its creative atmosphere. By night, it transformed into a hub of live entertainment.
Why Did the Turbine Theatre Close?
The closure of the Turbine Theatre reflects the financial struggles many small theatres face in London. Despite its reputation for producing new and innovative shows, the venue was unable to sustain itself without additional funding. Artistic director Paul Taylor-Mills explained that running a 92-seat theatre without significant financial backing had become unfeasible. While the theatre successfully launched productions that later transferred to the West End, including My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?), it was not enough to keep the venue open long-term.
The theatre’s closure also came amid scrutiny from Equity, the union representing performers and backstage staff. The union raised concerns about employment practices at the venue, encouraging past and present workers to come forward. While discussions between Equity and the theatre were ongoing, Taylor-Mills chose to focus on the theatre’s achievements, describing it as a space that had transformed lives and given a platform to new talent.
After five years, the Turbine Theatre staged its final production in December 2024. Though the space has closed, its impact on Battersea’s cultural scene remains, having brought fresh ideas and performances to London’s theatre community.
Exploring Battersea
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Share Your Memories
If you visited the Turbine Theatre before it closed, share your experiences in the comments below. It was a beloved space for theatre enthusiasts, and its impact on London’s performing arts scene won’t be forgotten.