Georgian Theatre Royal
Working Georgian playhouse of 1788 in Richmond with a museum exhibition and guided tours that include Britain's oldest surviving stage scenery.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The theatre was built in 1788 by the actor-manager Samuel Butler and his wife Tryphosa as part of a circuit of small theatres in northern towns. After Butler's death his widow and later their son ran the playhouse. Regular performances continued until 1830, then became rare, and in 1848 the building was let as an auction house.
A non-profit trust reopened the theatre in 1963. It was extended in 1996 and restored again at a cost of about £1.6 million, reopening in 2003 with a museum. Further fundraising in 2013 paid for new bars, a box office and improved facilities, and the theatre now seats 214 people.
In 2016 the Georgian Theatre Royal Experience opened, an exhibition on the theatre's history with objects from its collection. Its best-known item is the Woodland Scene, painted around 1820 and regarded as the oldest surviving stage scenery in Britain. The theatre is a Grade I listed building and still stages performances alongside its daily tours.
Highlights
- The Woodland Scene, Britain's oldest surviving stage scenery
- Auditorium of 1788 with its tiered seating
- Backstage areas, trap doors and dressing rooms on the guided tour
- Exhibition on Georgian actors and life in 18th-century Richmond
Permanent exhibitions
- Georgian Theatre Royal Experience – An exhibition on the history of the theatre, life as a Georgian actor and everyday life in 18th-century Richmond.
- The Woodland Scene – Painted stage scenery from around 1820, regarded as the oldest surviving set of theatre scenery in Britain.
- Founded
- 2003
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £8 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £3Adult and child tickets are valid for 12 months. |
| Groups (10+ people) | £8 per personAdult groups pay £8 per person; groups of 10 or more book in advance. School groups pay £3 per child and teachers go free. |
| School group, per child | £3Teachers go free. |
| Refreshments for adult groups (tea, coffee, biscuits) | £3Per person; prepared 30 minutes before the tour. |
| Cream tea tour for adult groups | £14Tour followed by a cream tea in one of the bars; a small bottle of Prosecco can be added for £6. |
The exhibition area is visited as part of the guided tour. No booking is needed for individual visitors.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The theatre offers a lift, accessible toilets, access for pushchairs and seating on every floor. As a Grade I listed building, some changes to improve access are difficult or impossible. Publicity material is available in other formats on request.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
Children pay a reduced tour price, and school groups are welcome.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The theatre has no car park of its own. Free parking with a disc, giving two hours, is available in and around the Market Place; it is unlimited after 18:00 and on Sundays. Pay and display car parks are within a short walk of the town centre.
The entrance is on Victoria Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The theatre has two bars; refreshments can be arranged for adult groups.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The theatre promotes itself as a wedding venue and offers facilities for hire.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 55 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours are led by trained volunteer guides and cover the auditorium, stage, area under the stage, dressing rooms and exhibition area. Individual visitors just turn up at the box office. Groups of 10 or more should book. |
