Thrifty theatre: More affordable musicals, plays and productions in London's Off West End

Dead Static

This cosy little theatre sits above the Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar on Higbury Corner and has been going for more than 25 years.

With a full programme of productions there is no shortage of choice, and this sci-fi comedy – about two strangers who wake up on an interstellar ship only to bicker and feud as they face impending oblivion – is sure to delight both Red Dwarf fans and those who think SF is for virginal geeks living at home.

Dec 11-15, 7.30pm, plus Sat 3pm, £10
N1 2NA 
Tube | Highbury & Islington 
henandchickens.com

Somersaults

The leading Scots Gaelic playwright Iain Finlay Macleod brings this new production, an English premiere – originally produced for Scotland’s National Theatre – about how language defines us, as London-living James returns home to see his terminally ill father and revisit the past.

Jan 2-26, 7.30pm, £14+
SW10 9ED 
Tube | West Brompton
finboroughtheatre.co.uk

Mr Sandman: Bringer of Dreams and Nightmares

Cultural centre Rich Mix is a hub of creative new talent, theatre especially.

For something different this festive season, try out this performance storytelling evening by the acclaimed Ben Haggarty, which delves into the myth and legend of the infamous folklore character, Mr Sandman.

Dec 8, 7.30pm, £9
E1 6LA 
Tube | Bethnal Green
richmix.org.uk

Solaris

Stage adaptation of sci-fi author Stanislaw Lem’s cult classic, made by Hollywood in 2002 starring George Clooney.

Until Dec 8, 7.30pm, £16
N1 6EU 
Tube | Old Street
thecourtyard.org

Apocalypso! Adventures in time, travel and time travel

A tale that Marty McFly and the Doc themselves would be proud of sees two time travellers from the future explain to
us why the Mayans were wrong, about a lot of stuff actually, and why 2013 is going to be the year that it all goes tits up for us
here on planet Earth.

Dec 21, 9.30pm, £5
N1 2NA
Tube | Highbury & Islington 
henandchickens.com

Good Morning, Alamo!

Tabard Theatre opened above its accompanying pub in 1985. It hosts comedy shows and is know for its theatrical productions, many of which have gone on to acclaim on larger stages.

This world premiere by New York and London playwright and director Mark Giesser is a drama-satire about the truth behind the complex battle at the Alamo in Mexico, 1835.

Far from the  Disney or John Wayne version and certainly not a GOP-pleasing tale of the nation’s birth.

Jan 16-Feb 9, 7.30pm, £12+
2 Bath Street, Tabard Theatre, W4 1LW 
Tube | Turnham Green
tabardtheatre.co.uk

Read more: Outstanding productions at London's Off West End theatre pubs

Photos: Christopher Tribble; Richard Davenport; Steve Ullathorne