The Bricks and Mortar

Discover a world of unique and magical theatres

Aldwych Theatre: Exterior (2018-04)Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Aldwych Theatre

The Aldwych Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre, in the heart of London. Built in 1905 the theatre has housed many famous productions since its opening, including Amy’s View with Dame Judi Dench. In the 2000s it became a popular musical theatre venue housing notable productions such as Irving Berlin’s Top Hat, Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, the Olivier Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and most recently, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.      

The Alhambra TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

The Alhambra Theatre

The Alhambra Theatre is regarded as the North's premier receiving venue and hosts the best in large scale entertainment from international dance to musicals, drama and Yorkshire's biggest panto. The Alhambra Theatre, the jewel in Bradford’s crown, was the vision of Francis Laidler, a local impresario. Laidler had the idea and vision to build a brand new theatre in 1912 and it was two years later that his dream was realised. It remains an iconic venue, attracting the very best in star names and live entertainment to the city of Bradford.      

Chichester Festival TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s flagship theatres, renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions as well as its work with the community and young people. Situated in a cathedral city in West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, the Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses – equally suited to epic drama and musicals. Its studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals.      

CurveSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Curve Theatre

Over 750,000 people a year engage with Curve through performances and projects at their home in Leicester, across the UK and internationally. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, Curve has developed a reputation for producing, programming and touring a bold and diverse programme of musicals, plays, new work, dance and opera.   

The Prince of Egypt: Dominion by DreamWorks Animation LLCSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Dominion Theatre

The Dominion Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre in the heart of London. Built in 1929, the theatre has a varied and colourful history as a cinema, variety hall and a music venue. The Dominion has been a mainstay of the West End for over 90 years, from associations with Charlie Chaplin, a legendary run of The Judy Garland Show, epic cinematic runs, blockbusting musicals and Royal visits. The type of entertainment may have changed but the Dominion always remains a venue ahead of its time.      

Gielgud Theatre by Gielgud TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Gielgud Theatre

John Gielgud made the first of 15 appearances at the theatre in a short-lived farce entitled Holding Out the Apple in 1928. Since then, the Gielgud Theatre has hosted the likes of Judi Dench, who after a ten year break from theatre work gave a performance of the Countess in All's Well That Ends Well, described as a 'masterclass in classical acting'. In 2019, whilst the adjoining Sondheim Theatre was undergoing a major refurbishment, Les Misérables: The All-Star Staged Concert played for a summer, starring Alfie Boe and Michae Ball as Jean Val Jean and Javert.      

Live Theatre, NewcastleSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Live Theatre, Newcastle

Live Theatre in Newcastle is a leading force in the UK for the creation and production of new plays, one of only two theatres outside London dedicated to nurturing new and established playwrights. Live Theatre presents and produces new plays with a social and political focus, regionally, nationally and internationally.      

Midlands Arts CentreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Midlands Arts Centre

First opened in 1962, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is a pioneering arts complex for everyone. Their mission: to make art an important part of people’s lives. Located in Cannon Hill Park, just two miles south of the city centre, they attract over 1,000,000 visits every year, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond.      

The Minack Theatre by The Minack TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

The Minack Theatre

A place like no other, The Minack is a living theatre in every sense.  Its dramatic setting and the remarkable woman who built it are equally inspiring. This world-famous theatre is perched on the rugged cliffs of Cornwall and welcomes over a quarter of a million people each year to enjoy the stunning ocean views and experience the magic of live performance in this iconic space. 

Noël Coward Theatre: FOHSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Noël Coward Theatre

The Noël Coward Theatre, on St Martin’s Lane, is known so because in 1920, it was here that Noël Coward made his West End debut. It is now home to Dear Evan Hansen. The theatre has played host to Laurence Olivier in The School for Scandal, King Richard III and Antigone and was also where in 1960, Oliver! opened on 30 June with an advance of just £145. The opening cast included Ron Moody as Fagin, Georgia Brown as Nancy and Barry Humphries as Mr Sowerberry. The show ran until September 1967.      

Novello Theatre by Novello TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Novello Theatre

The Novello Theatre, which has been home to MAMMA MIA! since 2012 when it transferred here from the Prince of Wales Theatre, has welcomed audiences to some of the most iconic shows in West End history. Stephen Sondheim’s third Broadway show ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ received its UK premier here, with Frankie Howerd as Pseudolus. In 1971, No Sex Please – We’re British became the theatres then most successful show to date. It closed after 6,671 performances with Michael Crawford, David Jason and Andrew Saches starring.        

The Old Vic by The Old VicSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

The Old Vic

The Old Vic is an artistic powerhouse with a strong social mission that for over two centuries has remained at the centre of its civic, creative and cultural community. And now, during this period of closure, the theatre is once again working to stay meaningfully connected with all its audiences, from online workshops for young people, resources for schools and a cross-generational Pen Pal scheme to free archive recordings and shows live-streamed from the stage.       

Prince Edward Theatre by Prince Edward TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Prince Edward Theatre

The Prince Edward Theatre, on Old Compton Street, sits in the heart of Soho and has played host to some of the most ground-breaking theatrical productions since its conversion back to a theatre following the Second World War. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita opened here in 1978, the now global MAMMA MIA! started at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1999 and the original stage production of Mary Poppins began here too. Historically, the Variety Band Box was broadcast from the Prince Edward theatre during the Second World War with the likes of Vera Lynn, George Formby and Richard Murdoch starring.      

Prince of Wales TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Prince of Wales Theatre

Sitting between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, there has always been a theatre on the site of the Prince of Wales Theatre since 1884. Currently home to The Book of Mormon, the theatre is noted for hosting some of the world's greatest entertainers including Danny La Rue who made history appearing as Dolly in Hello Dolly! in 1983. 1966 saw the transfer of Funny Girl from Broadway for a short run with the new young star Barbra Streisand in the leading role of Fanny Brice. One of the songs from the show, 'People', went on to become a Top 10 hit.      

Sheffield TheatresSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Sheffield Theatres

Home to three theatres: the world-famous Crucible with a reputation for unforgettable productions, the Studio, a versatile space for getting closer to the action, and the gleaming Lyceum hosting the best of the UK’s touring shows. Plus there’s a dedicated talent development hub, The Bank, supporting emerging artists. There’s big names and blockbusters, exciting new work and one-off treasures. It’s a place for everyone, from schools’ workshops to the Dementia Friendly programme, there’s opportunity for all to create, play and imagine.      

Stephen Joseph Theatre: Exterior by Stephen Joseph TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Stephen Joseph Theatre

Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre has provided world-class accessible theatre for audiences on the Yorkshire coast since 1955. It has produced almost 700 plays, many of them new – developing new writers and writing was the primary aim of the company’s founder, Stephen Joseph, and it remains one of their core aims. The SJT was the first professional theatre-in-the round in the UK, and is widely known for presenting the world premieres of most of Alan Ayckbourn’s 84 full-length plays. It also has an extensive community programme. 

Sondheim Theatre by Sondheim TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Sondheim Theatre

Home of Les Misérables; the Sondheim Theatre re-opened in 2019 following a major refurbishment. The theatre, previously known as the Queen’s Theatre, was designed alongside the Gielgud Theatre next door as a pair of theatres by W G R Sprague. The matching façade was lost when the theatre was bombed in World War II. It was in this theatre that Noël Coward made his final West End appearance in A Suite in Three Keys. Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre also presented their first West End Season here.  

The Theatre, Chipping NortonSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

The Theatre, Chipping Norton

The Theatre operates as a theatre, an arthouse cinema, a gallery, a concert hall, a resource for the community and a professional venue. Treasured both locally and nationally it is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds and is well worth a visit.        

Theatre Royal WinchesterSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Theatre Royal Winchester

Theatre Royal Winchester is a thriving cultural centre at the heart of the ancient capital of England, offering a variety of drama, dance, music, comedy, children's theatre and more. As part of Play to the Crowd, arts and education charity, the theatre's vision is to delight and unite, inspiring people to connect with live performance.

Trafalgar Theatre

The Grade II listed Trafalgar Theatre (formerly known as Trafalgar Studios) is the result of a major multi-million-pound restoration project which includes a new single auditorium at an increased capacity and a larger stage. The venue has been reinstated back to its original heritage design, but with all new seats, and an enhanced customer experience throughout the venue including a new stalls bar, new spacious foyer and additional toilets. It has been announced that hit musical Jersey Boys opens July 2021.

Venue CymruSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Venue Cymru

Venue Cymru is a multifunctional Theatre and Conference Centre located on the sea front of Llandudno, North Wales. A receiving house with a variety of performance spaces with capacity for 60 up to 2500, both seated and standing.      

Victoria Palace Theatre by Victoria Palace TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Victoria Palace Theatre

From the original London production of Annie to Billy Elliot and Hamilton, the Victoria Palace Theatre has played host to some of the world's most popular musicals. If you’re in Victoria, see you if you can spot the gilded statue of ballerina Anna Pavlova that sits atop the theatre. The original statue was removed for safekeeping during World War II but subsequently lost. The Pulitzer prize winning Hamilton re-opened the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017 following a major 20-month redevelopment in which Cameron Mackintosh worked to restore the theatre to its former Matcham glory.  

The Woodville by The WoodvilleSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

The Woodville, Gravesend

A 600 seat entertainment venue in Gravesend.  During lockdown, they launched ‘Woodville TV’ – a new digital platform for the venue on YouTube.  The Woodville was opened in 1968 by HRH The Duchess of Kent and has seen the likes of David Bowie grace their regular music event, ‘The Lords Club’.  Their onsite gallery is named after British painter and illustrator Sir Peter Blake.  You can also get married at The Woodville – they have a licence for weddings and vow renewals!           

Wyndham's Theatre by Wyndham's TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Wyndham's Theatre

Wyndham’s Theatre opened at the turn of the 20th Century in 1899 and has since played host to some of the world’s greatest actors. When her dad managed the theatre, Daphne du Mauriere would sit in the wings and watch the magic unfold. The theatre reopened in 2008 following a four month refurbishment with a year-long season presented by the Donmar Warehouse starring the likes of Judi Dench, Jude Law, Derek Jacobi and Kenneth Branagh. More recently, you may have seen artists such as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave appear here.      

Young Vic: ExteriorSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Young Vic

Based on The Cut in London’s Waterloo, the Young Vic produces new plays, classics, musicals, adaptations of books, short films, digital projects and game-changing forms of theatre, attracting large audiences from many different backgrounds. They forge deep connections in their neighbourhood through their Taking Part programme. 

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre by Yvonne Arnaud TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, built in 1965, is one of the country's leading regional theatres - second to none for top quality entertainment. Joanna Read became Director and Chief Executive in 2019. Her vision for the future theatre takes it back to the past, in some ways, with a return to producing and touring; bringing exciting new companies to the town and restoring the theatre building, dusting it off and rediscovering this stylish 1965 architectural gem.      

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Google apps