The Limelight Backstage Tours at Nottingham's Theatre Royal

As well as the award-winning Robin Hood Town Tour and various other bespoke tours and guided walks, Ezekial Bone offers backstage tours of the oldest theatre in Nottingham that survived the reign of six monarchs and two World Wars! The Limelight Backstage Tours go behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal, found just off Old Market Square in the heart of Nottingham city centre. One of Nottingham’s most iconic venues, you are likely to recognise the building from the pillars which adorn the front of this spectacular landmark.

Ezekial is an excellent guide, providing an expert perspective on the history and workings of the theatre, as both an accomplished historian and thespian. You will explore areas usually inaccessible to the public, including behind the stage, and learn about the history of theatrical architecture and the arts industry. You will get to tread the same boards as notable performers, dancers and entertainers throughout the ages!

Ezekial shares fascinating stories and anecdotes about the theatre’s past and notable productions, and he also gave us a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the theatre. You will learn about gas lamps, how electricity changed the landscape of theatre, why we say ‘break a leg’, and many more interesting facts that you’ve always wondered about.

We were lucky enough to also get a glimpse of the sister venue, The Royal Concert Hall, on our visit. Attached to the theatre, this modern venue shares a love of performance, with an expertise in acoustics which is fantastic for live concerts and performances. This venue hosts world-renowned orchestras, musicians and shows, and has its own technical systems, rigs and considerations, separate from the historic Theatre Royal.

Overall, the Limelight Backstage Tour with Ezekiel Bone is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Nottingham Theatre Royal and the art of theatre-making. It is a unique and engaging experience that we highly recommend to anyone interested in theatre and its history. You can catch the tour throughout 2023 on selected dates, but you better book quickly as they often sell out!

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This blog was written by Katherine Taylor, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.