There are many reasons to visit London, but one of the most popular among tourists (from the UK and beyond) is to experience its theatres. The West End is home to some of the most famous productions in the world, from classic plays to award-winning West End musicals. However, theatre in the UK isn’t limited to London, and there are outstanding venues across the country that deserve just as much recognition.
For many, a trip to London might be their only opportunity to experience live theatre. This is understandable given the prestige of London theatres like the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Royal Opera House, and Shakespeare’s Globe. But limiting theatre experiences to the capital overlooks the fantastic productions staged elsewhere.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite theatres outside of London. Some are well-known, others less so, but all demonstrate the strength of UK theatre beyond the capital.
Hull Truck Theatre, Hull
Hull might not be the first city that comes to mind for theatre, but Hull Truck Theatre has built a strong reputation for high-quality productions. Established when out-of-work actor Mike Bradwell placed an advert reading, “Half-formed Theatre Company seeks other half,” it has since grown into a respected institution.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Hull Truck operates from a modern £14.5 million building with a 440-seat auditorium. The theatre has nurtured talents such as John Godber, whose play Bouncers became a staple of British theatre. Productions here often sell out quickly, so booking early through the box office is recommended.
The Lowry, Salford Quays
Located in Greater Manchester, The Lowry is one of the UK’s most visited cultural attractions. Opened in 2000 as part of the Manchester Docks regeneration, the theatre cost £106 million to build and includes the Lyric Theatre, which has the largest stage in the UK outside of the West End.
Its impressive facilities attract big-name productions, including major national tours of Olivier-winning plays and adaptations of West End musicals. The venue’s success was cemented when it hosted the 2011 Royal Variety Performance. Visitors can also enjoy an excellent bar and restaurant inside the complex, making it a full evening experience.
Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester
Now in its 50th year, Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the most influential theatres in the UK. It was here that Laurence Olivier, the theatre’s first artistic director, helped shape the National Theatre before it moved to London.
The theatre has hosted performances by Ian McKellen, Joseph Fiennes, and Diana Rigg. Many productions that premiere at Chichester go on to major runs in London, some even reaching theatre royal venues such as Theatre Royal Drury Lane or winning an Olivier Award.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon isn’t complete without experiencing a production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Operated by the Royal Shakespeare Company, it stages performances of the Bard’s works in the town where he was born.
Although the theatre originally opened in 1932, it underwent a £112.8 million redevelopment between 2007 and 2010. The upgraded venue now boasts some of the best lighting and sound systems in the UK, ensuring an immersive theatre experience. While Shakespeare’s Globe in London offers open-air performances, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre provides a different take on Shakespeare’s work in an intimate yet technically advanced setting.
Dundee Repertory Theatre, Dundee
Though smaller than others on this list, Dundee Rep has made a significant impact on British theatre. It was established to address the lack of theatre in Dundee and finally secured a permanent home in 1982 with a 455-seat venue.
Since then, it has hosted performances from actors like Steven Berkoff and David Tennant. Over 70,000 theatregoers visit annually, making it an essential part of Scotland’s theatre scene. Despite its size, the Rep has staged productions that have later transferred to larger venues, including some that have played at the Young Vic in London.
Theatre Across the UK
These five theatres represent just a fraction of the incredible venues found across the UK. While London theatres like the Royal Albert Hall and Covent Garden are well-known, regional theatres offer outstanding performances that shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you’re passionate about theatre and considering setting up your own venue, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you need expert advice or high-quality theatre supplies, contact us today.