Teatro San Millán de Loyola

What it is. A theatre with a 380-seat hall on calle Lucas Alamán, in colonia Obrera — next door to Doctores — about ten minutes from the historic centre. It programmes a varied bill, with productions that do not always reach the commercial circuit.

Why it is worth seeking out. Because this is the scale at which theatre works best: a mid-sized hall with the stage close by and prices below those of the Zona Rosa or Polanco. It is the kind of venue where you see independent Mexican theatre without paying opening-night prices.

How to find out what is on. The programme is announced at short notice: call the number on the listing to ask what is playing and at what time.

Practicalities. Obrera is a working-class neighbourhood of small workshops: by day you move around without trouble, but leaving an evening performance it is better to call an app taxi from the door than to walk. Metro Obrera, line 8, and Doctores, line 3, are nearby.