ABOUT
Our Theatre

Our Theatre

A space for icons, ideas and everything in between

A theatre like no other

The Theatre Royal is one of the last working Victorian playhouses of its kind – a rare gem designed by two of the greatest theatre architects in British history: Charles Phipps and Frank Matcham.

Lovingly restored in 2015, the building blends classical beauty with cutting-edge flexibility. It’s a space where Laurel and Hardy once performed, where Olivier and Bernhardt took the stage, and where today’s audiences come to laugh, cheer and be moved.

Having gone through the merger with the Kings Theatre in 2025, Theatre Royal is set for an exciting future where it will continue to bring excellent culture to the city and continue to be a space with art, audiences and community at its heart.

Where heritage meets versatility

At its heart is a proscenium-arch stage, a modern reconstruction of the original design, complete with orchestra pit, fly-tower, and direct load-in access via Spring Gardens.

The auditorium seats around 500 people across three levels:
Stalls and Dress Circle feature classic fold-down seats
The Upper Circle (renovated in 2025) features a number of cozy two-seater loveseats and cushioned bench seating

It’s a space that feels grand yet intimate, steeped in history but ready for anything – from musicals and classical drama to stand-up comedy and contemporary shows.

80s Live Audience Nathaniel Beverley-Smith

On stage becomes on site

When we say flexible, we mean it. Our Stage House configuration turns the theatre inside out, placing both audience and performance directly on the stage itself.

It’s immersive, it’s inventive and it’s perfect for bold new work that thrives up close.

And still making history

Over the years, this theatre has seen it all – bombings, rebuilds, standing ovations and even a cameo in The Boyfriend, featuring Twiggy, directed by Ken Russell. Our stage has welcomed stars from Sarah Bernhardt to Laurence Olivier, from Laurel and Hardy to stand-up icons and contemporary artists. More recently, it’s hosted a full run of Gary Barlow’s A Different Stage and some of the UK’s biggest names in comedy.

And with each show, each tour, each new voice it keeps evolving.

ntr-boy-friend-twiggy-russell — Ken Russell and Twiggy filming The Boy Friend