The Theatre Royal is situated in the heart of Wakefield, on the corner of
Westgate and Drury Lane. There has been a theatre on the site since 1774, with
the current building dating from 1894 and designed by the internationally known
British Victorian theatre architect Frank
Matcham.
The building itself (a grade
II* listed building) has been many things during its lifetime including a
theatre, cinema and bingo hall and following restoration in the early 1980’s
is now one of the jewels in Wakefield’s crown. These days, however, it is
much more than just a heritage landmark - it is a centre of excellence from
where a team of dedicated and professional staff are engaged in delivering
a range of creative opportunities for the benefit of everyone in the district.
The event programme
at the theatre covers a wide variety of types and style of work including drama,
dance, music and comedy. As both a ‘producing’ and ‘receiving’ house the theatre
generates a growing number of productions with the specific intention of providing
particular elements which cannot be sourced elsewhere. The theatre has an auditorium
of 499 seats and uses Wakefield Art Centre as a smaller space for parts of
the programme.
The theatre’s Youth Music Theatre Group, formed six years ago,
now has a regional reputation for the quality of its work and the opportunities
it affords to growing numbers of young people to participate under professional
tuition.
Theatre Royal Wakefield is committed to providing the District with
a creative resource that focuses on people and communities and works in partnership
with other organisations to offer new opportunities to participate in arts
based activity. This work has the ability to change people’s lives and thus
enable individuals and communities to realise their true potential.
Wakefield Arts Centre
