The Georgian Theatre Royal

All images are credit The Georgian Theatre Royal unless stated otherwise.

Nestled in the northern market town of Richmond is a true jewel of British theatre.

The Georgian Theatre Royal first opened in 1788 and proudly stands today as the oldest working theatre in the UK still in its original form.

Built by actor/manager Samuel Butler as part of his northern circuit, which also included theatres in Beverley, Harrogate, Kendal, Northallerton, Ripon, Ulverston and Whitby, it gave audiences a chance to enjoy spectacle right on their doorstep.

For forty years it thrived, but as the 1830s started decline set in and by 1848 the curtain came down and the little theatre was converted into an auction room, with wine vaults sunk into the pit.

However, that long hibernation turned out to be its blessing in disguise. Because the theatre itself was barely touched in its years of neglect, what slumbered was an 18th century time capsule just waiting to be rediscovered.

In 1960 a group of passionate locals saw the dormant potential, formed a charitable trust and set about restoring the theatre, which reopened a mere three years later.

Another significant refurbishment in 2003 brought a new foyer, bar and modern comforts while considerately preserving the building’s Grade I listed character.

More recently, during lockdown, the auditorium gained improved seating, heating and even playful murals depicting a lively Georgian audience in the boxes.

With just 154 seats arranged in an intimate courtyard layout, no one is ever more than about thirty feet from the stage.

The wooden benches, cosy boxes and tiny upper gallery transport you straight back to the 18th century, yet the stage is very much alive with today’s talent.

From high-quality drama and sparkling musicals to stand-up comedy and community pantomimes, The Georgian Theatre Royal continues to offer a vibrant programme to the local community.

But, you don’t have to wait for curtain up to explore this treasure. From March to October, guided tours run every hour, letting visitors walk on stage, peek into dressing rooms and see the famous Woodland Scene – Britain’s oldest surviving stage scenery, painted around 1820 and carefully conserved. And if you can’t wait they also have a 360 view of the theatre available.

As a charity, the theatre depends on community support and is currently running its “A Living Theatre” campaign to safeguard its future.

Patrons can help preserve the historic fabric, sustain productions and back their Youth Theatre so that this gem continues to shine for centuries to come.

You can even get involved creatively through their annual ‘Knit‑a‑Star’ Panto campaign as featured on The One Show, you can even tune in to their LiveCam, installed in 2023, which broadcasts real‑time and lets people from around the world peek in on the theatre’s backstage bustle; rehearsals, tech changes, guided tours.

With Dame Judi Dench as president and royal patrons adding their weight, The Georgian Theatre Royal has starry supporters, but it remains rooted in the warmth of its community.

Visit once and you’ll understand why many consider it not just a theatre but the artistic heart of Richmond.