Probably the most influential fringe theatre in the world, artistic director Neil McPherson has guided the tiny Finborough to success via very specific artistic criteria: revivals much have been written after 1800, but not seen in London for 25 years; new work must avoid numerous cliches, including 'paedophilia', 'Oscar Wilde', and plays about urban, middle-class 'twenty/thirtysomethings' preoccupied with relationships or emotional problems.

The programme takes in three-week-runs, with a main play running Tuesday to Saturday nights, and a secondary play running Sunday and Monday. Inevitably there are as many misses as hits, but the calibre of actors and creatives is way beyond what you'd normally expect from the fringe.

You won't get much change out of £20 for a ticket, though that's kind of par for course across the fringe these days. Though an archetypal pub theatre, the Finborough have outlasted any number of businesses in its downstairs, from pubs to a wine bar. Currently it's the Finborough Arms, a welcoming pub with a wide range of beers.