The Space is an arts space in the Isle of Dogs

Isle of Dogs

The Isle of Dogs is a former island in the East End of London that is bounded on three sides by one of the largest meanders in the River Thames.-Etymology:...

, London

London

London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...

. Its principal patron is Sir Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CH, CBE is an English actor. He has received a Tony Award, two Academy Award nominations, and five Emmy Award nominations. His work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction...

, and it is a registered non-profit making charity.

History

The Space is located inside a building which used to be a church. The church was built in 1859. It was taken over by the St. Paul's Arts Trust, headed by Robert Richardson, in 1989, and has been restored.

Performances

The Space offers many different kinds of performance, including dance, drama and live music. Its first in house production was a double bill of "Dogg's Hamlet" and "The Real Inspector Hound", the former starring Adam Hemming (the theatre's artistic director) as the headmaster. It aims to produce more of its own shows in the coming years.

Facilities

Hubbub is the restaurant/bar located above The Space.

The Space has established itself as a community theatre, offering free drama classes for youths from nearby schools. It is staffed mainly by volunteers.