Tabard Theatre's Success Celebrated by Local Creatives
Simon and Sarah Reilly toasted after award win
Phyllis Logan (left) displaying the framed plaque to be given to Sarah and Simon Reilly
November 3, 2025
Members of Chiswick’s creative community gathered at the Tabard pub on Saturday night to celebrate the Tabard Theatre’s recent accolade as London Pub Theatre of the Year. The award, presented by London Pub Theatres Magazine, recognises excellence in pub-based performance venues across the capital, highlighting artistic innovation, community engagement, and resilience in the face of industry challenges.
The celebration brought together a wide range of local and national talent, including actors Phyllis Logan, Kevin McNally, Susy Kane and Gareth Armstrong, alongside veteran theatre critic Michael Billington and ‘The Mousetrap’ artistic director Denise Silvey. Violinist David Juritz and other Chiswick-based creatives joined the festivities to honour theatre directors Simon and Sarah Reilly, who have led the Tabard since 2022.
John Higginson, manager of the Tabard pub, hosted the evening with prosecco for guests, while Torin Douglas, director of the Chiswick Book Festival, formally toasted the Reillys and presented them with a framed plaque designed by theatre supporter Alan Weavis.
“It’s a terrific achievement to be named London Pub Theatre of the Year and a great recognition of all that Simon and Sarah have done since taking over the Tabard Theatre three years ago,” said Douglas. “We wanted to thank them, and I was delighted that so many of Chiswick’s artistic community were here for the occasion.”
Simon Reilly responded, “This was a lovely thing to do in the pub that we have such a close relationship with. To be recognised as Pub Theatre of the Year is such an honour, and to also take home two awards for our in-house productions is truly humbling. These wins are a testament to the incredible artists, staff, and audiences who make the Tabard such a special place.”
Michael Billington in conversation with Simon Reilly and Jenny de Montfort
The London Pub Theatre of the Year award is part of an annual programme that celebrates the unique role of pub theatres in nurturing new writing, supporting emerging talent, and maintaining accessible performance spaces. The Tabard was also recognised for two of its in-house productions, further cementing its reputation as a vital cultural venue in West London.
Among those attending were ChiswickW4.com reviewer Susan Stanley-Carroll theatre consultant Simon Thomsett, associate director Nick Bromley, casting agent Richard Evans, pianist Mark Viner, music producer Tom Patterson, Creative Rights Alliance chair Deborah Annetts, Bedford Park Festival organiser Nicola Chater, artist Jane Davies, and several Chiswick Book Festival poetry judges. Writer Jenny de Montfort and Fr Kevin Morris of St Michael & All Angels Church also joined the celebration.
Looking ahead, the Tabard has announced two major productions for 2026. Gareth Armstrong’s Round About Hogarth, a new play exploring the lives of William Hogarth and David Garrick, will open in February. Later in the season, Imogen Stubbs will star as Leni Riefenstahl in A Thing of Beauty, a new work by Wendy Oberman and Jonathan Lewis.
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