London

London is the best possible city for training actors and technical theatre artists and the world outside the rehearsal room undoubtedly plays as important a part in shaping students as the work within. The world’s finest theatres, galleries, clubs and gig venues are within reach, with the Bridge Theatre, the National Theatre, the Young Vic, the Old Vic and the Unicorn theatre all in Southwark alone.

Mountview’s new home, Peckham, is the epicentre of multicultural cool, with record shops and street food markets, rooftop bars and basement clubs, as well as pop-up galleries and arts venues round every corner. The rich history of this pocket of south London is inspiring and energising.

Here’s an overview of some of the things that happen in the area. Keep your eye out during Induction Week for special discounts and promotions for Mountview students.

Photo: View of the London skyline from Bold Tendencies, featuring Agora by Richard Wentworth (2015)

Peckham Square

If Peckham were the world, Peckham Square would be Istanbul. It’s a meeting of the ways: hundreds of people cross it every hour, stop to sit or visit one of the organisations based around it.

Peckham Pulse

The local swimming pool and fitness centre, opposite Mountview. There is a newly refurbished gym, a 30m swimming pool, daily classes and a sauna/steam room. Southwark residents can use its facilities free on weekends.

Peckham Library

Adjacent to our building, this Stirling Prize winning building was designed by Will Alsop and is one of the most visited local libraries in London.

Peckham Platform

Specialising in emerging artists and socially engaged practice, this gallery presents work in public spaces across the borough and will reopen in 2020 in their newly developed space.

Burgess Park

Burgess Park is a 140-acre oasis just minutes from Mountview. There are sports pitches, tennis courts, BMX tracks, a boxing gym, fishing lakes and fitness equipment. Every Saturday there is an organised 5k Park Run.

Peckham Levels

A multi-storey carpark has found a new lease of life as a mix of artists’ studios and social spaces with bars, street food, a yoga studio and hairdressers.

Peckham Plex

Voted No. 1 by Time Out readers in the 2018 Love London survey this multiplex shows both art house movies and blockbusters with all tickets £4.99, all day, every day.

Bold Tendencies

Bold Tendencies is a high profile, internationally renowned commissioner of visual art. The space opens up in the summer as a gallery space with a seasonal (May-Sept) exhibition of established international artists and emerging practitioners. The programme includes spoken word and music events courtesy of the resident Multi-Story Orchestra and internationally renowned pop-up Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar offers refreshment.

Bussey Building

Once a cricket bat factory now home to a rabbit warren of creative studios, bars and art spaces. Each summer the roof top plays host to an open-air cinema. The CLF Art Café, run by the legendary Micky Smith, hosts an eclectic mix of DJ nights. Regular classes in yoga, ceramics, printmaking also available.

Copeland Park

Next to the Bussey Building, Copeland Park is home to a smorgasbord of pop-up restaurants and bars. There’s also a Cross Fit centre, galleries and artists’ studios.

South London Gallery

SLG is one of London’s best public galleries for emerging artists and entry is free. In 2018 they are opening an additional space in a former fire station opposite.

Peckham Rye

A large park on the borders of Nunhead, East Dulwich and Peckham. Year-round recreational activities plus ponds and gardens.