1788 to present.

Built 1788, closed 1848, reopened 1963, restored and extended 2003.

The Georgian Theatre Royal is Britain's most complete Georgian playhouse. Built by the actor-manager Samuel Butler in 1788, the theatre was in regular use until 1830 when performances became less frequent. In 1848 it was let as an auction room. Wine vaults were constructed in the pit at about the same time. In 1960 a non-profit trust was incorporated, a public appeal launched and a restoration began. The theatre reopened in 1963. It is Grade I Listed 'as a building of special architectural or historical interest'. Behind the stage, a small theatre museum was expanded in 1996.

From 2002 a second extensive restoration was undertaken and the theatre reopened in September 2003 after this 1.6 million upgrade. The Georgian plays an important role as a focus for economic regeneration and renewal in its rural communities.

The Auditorium

The Theatre Royal is a typical eighteenth-century country playhouse, and keeps alive an important period of English theatre architecture. No other playhouse can offer such authenticity, and a few other theatres can offer such an intimacy. A capacity today of 214 places is arranged in rectangular form: sunken pit, boxes on three sides and a small gallery above. The furthest seat is only 10.7m from the stage, whose proscenium width is 4.72m with a depth of 6.4m to the back wall. Performers and theatregoers are in the closest proximity in this enchanting 'courtyard' theatre, the proportions of which have been emulated many times worldwide in the late twentieth century.

Newest Refurbishments

The 2003 refurbishments include a new, more authentic decorative colour scheme based on extensive research, reinstatement of stage machinery and simulated candle lustres combined with new stage technologies. A new extension comprises a box office, a third dressing room, bars and foyers, all with greatly improves ventilation and access.

'The Woodland Scene'

Richmond is fortunate in possessing Britain's oldest set of scenery, known as 'The Woodland Scene' which was probably painted between 1818 and 1836. With generous financial assistance from The Sir James Knott Trust and Lord and Lady Crathorne, the scene has been placed in the Exhibition space to the rear of the stage. At the same time a facsimile was made for use on stage. Funding is currently sought to support further conservation and repositioning of 'The Woodland Scene'.

The Georgian Theatre Royal

The Auditorium

New refurbishments

The 'Woodland Scene'