The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

About

With over half a million visitors every year, the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham are two of the UK's most successful touring venues, leading the way for arts and entertainment in the East Midlands region.

The Theatre's diverse programme of events includes internationally renowned orchestras, the highest quality ballet, contemporary dance, opera and touring drama alongside West End musicals, family shows, stand-up comedy and rock & pop music. Also offering a wide range of workshops and projects involving the local community, free foyer performances, backstage tours, conference and meeting facilities, plus it's bustling café bar and restaurant, there really is something here for everyone.

Royal Concert Hall

The superb visual and acoustic design of the Royal Concert Hall makes it one of the most unique and highly regarded music venues in the country.

Built in 1982, the Royal Concert Hall opened with a gala concert starring Sir Elton John. Since then, the roll call of famous names to have performed on its stage ranges from world-renowned classical soloists and conductors to a who’s who of the world’s biggest rock stars, pop bands and stand-up comedians.

The unique acoustic design of the Hall’s 2,497-seat auditorium gives it a warmth and clarity of sound much admired by orchestras and performers from across the globe. And audiences love to come here, too, as it sounds as good from the back of the top tier as it does from the centre of the stalls.

Theatre Royal

Brimming with history, the Theatre Royal is not only a city centre landmark but also one of the most beautiful Victorian theatres in Britain.
Built in 1865 by two successful Nottingham brothers, William and John Lambert, the new Theatre Royal’s elegant façade and opulent interior were widely admired. Thirty years later, in 1897, renowned architect Frank Matcham transformed the original auditorium, stage and backstage facilities, leaving the venue’s iconic columned portico as the only remaining original feature. The Theatre Royal Nottingham is considered one of the best surviving examples of Matcham’s work.

On 6 October 1952, Agatha Christie opened The Mousetrap at the Theatre Royal Nottingham, her ‘lucky theatre’, prior to the West End. Little did anyone anticipate that this production would become the longest-running play in theatre history.

In 1978, the Theatre Royal re-opened following a £5million refurbishment, boasting a stunning green and gold 1,186-seat auditorium and remodelled foyers. Today, the timeless beauty of Nottingham’s Grand Old Lady continues to ‘wow’ and she remains a vital and much-cherished part of the community.