Since its re-opening in 1963, The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has operated as a living museum. We offer tours of the historic playhouse, but also operate as a working theatre with a vibrant program of events.
The Theatre Archive
Our museum collection holds posters, programmes, autographs, reviews, news cuttings and photographs of performances in the theatre since 1963. It is a fascinating record of life in a provincial theatre in the second half of the twentieth century.
We are a touring theatre and regularly welcome theatre companies and performers to our stage.
Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society perform in the Georgian Theatre Royal for three major productions per year. Richmond Operatic Society also regularly put on productions in the Theatre.
Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre (2016)Georgian Theatre Royal
Our Youth Theatre holds classes in acting, musical theatre and stagecraft. Members of the Youth Theatre have the opportunity to perform in our unique, magical theatre.
Cinderella (2013)Georgian Theatre Royal
Annual Pantomime
Our annual pantomime are produced in-house and have an excellent reputation.
Our 2013 Christmas pantomime was Cinderella. The pantomime was written and directed by Tony Lidington, a specialist in popular entertainment.
On the 225th Anniversary of the theatre, a magnificent set and period costumes whisked audiences back to Georgian time.
Puss in Boots
The 2014 pantomime was Puss in Boots, again directed by Tony Lidington.
Set in the rock and roll years of the 1950s and 60s, the plot centred on evil scientists, crazed robots and deliciously scary monsters. In this intergalactic adventure, Puss even went to the moon.
Jack and the Beanstalk
In 2014, the chosen production was Jack and the Beanstalk and it was named as the number one show to see by the Daily Telegraph in an article about the 10 best pantomime breaks.
Production Photograph of the Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk (2015)Georgian Theatre Royal
The story of Jack and the Beanstalk was set against the colourful backdrop of the Victorian travelling circus and the intimate Georgian stage was transformed into a big top, complete with acrobats, jugglers and even a pantomime camel.
Jack and the Beanstalks (2014-12) by The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.Georgian Theatre Royal
The winners of the beanstalk growing competition that was held to celebrate the 2015 pantomime.
Snow White
The all-time family-favourite story of Snow White, imaginatively set in the bygone era of Art Deco Hollywood with lashings of style, glitz and glamour as well as good old-fashioned humour and audience participation.
Snow White and 6 little people (2016-12) by The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.Georgian Theatre Royal
Emily Essery as Snow White performing with the little people of Lot D.
The villainous Norma Demondemona plots Snow White's demise with her unwilling accomplice Douglas Fairpants.
Every year there is a competition to see who can knit the most of whatever is needed – in 2015 it was leaves for Jack’s beanstalk, and in 2016 Snow White’s apples. We couldn’t do the pantomime without the involvement of the community, from our knitters to our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to act as crew, front of house, and sell tickets.
Images from the archive of The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond
