Theatre Royal Bath

Overview

Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in Britain, presenting a year-round programme of drama, dance, opera, comedy, and family shows. The main auditorium, with its traditional horseshoe-shaped auditorium and gilded proscenium, seats 900 and maintains an intimate atmosphere.

Highlights

• Main House: A beautifully restored Georgian auditorium with exceptional sightlines and acoustics.
• Ustinov Studio: A 140-seat studio theatre presenting new writing and innovative productions.
• The Egg: A dedicated theatre for children and young people, housed in a distinctive adjoining building.

History

The current theatre was built in 1805 by George Dance the Younger, making it one of the few surviving Georgian playhouses. It was substantially rebuilt after a fire in 1862. Past performers include Henry Irving, Sarah Bernhardt, and many major touring productions before and after their London runs.

Visitor Tips

• Backstage tours: Available periodically, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the historic building.
• Day seats: Reduced-price tickets available on the day of performance.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes for a visit to the building (performances vary in length).