Another day, another alternative tube map. This one comes from Transport for London itself, which makes it all official and proper. The map shows London's many small theatres and their closest tube stations. Each of the 105 venues is colour-coded according to its number of seats.
The map is an eye-catching publicity vehicle for the London Assembly's new report into the health of London's small theatre scene. The report, called Centre Stage, notes that nearly half of the capital's small theatres feel insecure about their financial future. Many are at risk from redevelopment, sale by the landlord, or a tightening on people's disposable incomes. Among other actions, the report suggests the appointment of a small theatres ambassador to unite the sector and seek funding sources.
Although too cluttered to serve as any kind of useful navigation device, the map is a cute way to show just how many small venues are dotted around town. It also reveals one or two conspicuous gaps. Are there no small theatres in Croydon? North-west London also seems theatrically impoverished.
See also: A guide to alternative tube maps.
