News Story
The beautiful Theatre Royal Wakefield building turns 130 years old on 15 October 2024. We are the jewel in Wakefield’s crown, opened on this very day in 1894 our theatre is the design and vision of famous architect Frank Matcham.
Our Grade II* listed building is the smallest surviving Matcham theatre, the beautiful and ornate auditorium holds 499 people.
Despite our closure in the 1960s, and a few years spent as a cinema and bingo hall, we are now proud to be a thriving theatre for the people of the Wakefield district. We work with around 400 people a week across our participation programmes including;
Performance Academy
Our Saturday training classes in singing, dancing and acting for young people aged 7 to 18
Chime
Our Musical Theatre group for young people with learning disabilities
Stepping Out
Our Monday morning musical theatre class for older people at risk of being lonely.
Conversation Café
Our drop in Thursday night social for people Asylum seekers and refugees to learn English
Speak Up!
Our partnership with the National theatre to deliver a programme of engagement across Wakefield schools that elevates young people’s voices.
That’s not to mention our wonderful audiences.
We believe that theatre has the power to change lives. If you do too, then please consider making a donation to ensure that we can continue our great work for another 130 years.