living
theatre museum

Visit a unique museum - Britain's only original 18th century theatre: a place of magic and drama!

The Georgian Theatre Royal, Britain's oldest working theatre in its original form, is both a thriving community playhouse and a living theatre museum. The Theatre welcomes visitors of all ages to its hourly guided tours and museum. The museum is a fully accredited museum (MLA) and a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.

Enjoy a 35-40 minute tour led by one of the Theatre's dedicated team of volunteer guides. You can:

• Journey back stage and beneath the stage to view trapdoors, footlights, stage machinery and dressing rooms
• View Britain's oldest painted scenery The Woodland Scenery
• View a play bill from 1791 and a collection of 19th century playbills
• Operate replicas of 18th century scenery
• Try on Georgian and other theatrical costumes
• Watch a DVD film to round off your visit
• Special needs can be accommodated
  Please ask, or email.

More on guided tours

A 32 page colour guide book in English is on sale and the Theatre can also provide summary sheets in Chinese, Japanese and in seven European languages for foreign visitors.

Quotes from visitors:

I like the thunder machine!
Dominic, St Margaret's CE Primary School, Durham

Thank you for letting me do pirouettes on stage!
Tara MacDonald, Maine, USA

Beautiful tribute to theatre history!
Pat & Alan, South Wales

A treasure. Quite remarkable. Beautiful in every degree... It should be listed as one of the wonders of the world, in my book.
Peter Davison, Actor

Looking at Museum Exhibits


The Thunder Machine


Playbill on display from 1791