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Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal is the UK’s second oldest working theatre and is of ‘major and outstanding significance’. It is Grade II* listed and is on the Theatre Trust's Theatres at Risk Register (2018).

Originally built in 1787, the Theatre Royal was redesigned in 1874. It is the only surviving example of a theatre designed by J.T. Robinson, father-in-law to Frank Matcham, celebrated theatre architect. The theatre boasts unique carton pierre plasterwork and a 'sunburner', with a hybrid music hall and theatre layout. The theatre has a historic connection with 19 Hawley Square, The London Hotel, which was built c1830.

The new vision for the Theatre Royal combines heritage, performance and a move towards financial sustainability. It focuses on the venue’s 245 years of performance heritage, bringing together the need to conserve, restore and modernise both the theatre and 19 Hawley Square.

The ambition is to create a nationally significant performing arts hub in Margate; the plans are designed to increase the artistic and financial opportunities to support the historic theatre and to raise the profile of performing arts in the district. This includes developing 19 Hawley Square to include studio and rehearsal rooms, offices and accommodation for touring theatre companies.

The Theatre Royal project has been allocated £6m of funding as part of the Margate Town Deal.

Find out more about the Theatre Royal project and view the proposed plans

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Phases

Phases overview
Phase 1: Project preparation
Project preparation
Phase 2: Public engagement
Public engagement
Phase 3: Application for funding to National Lottery Heritage Fund
Application for funding to National Lottery Heritage Fund
Phase 4: Development phase
Development phase
Phase 5: Public engagement
Public engagement
Phase 6: Submitting a planning application
Submitting a planning application

Public engagement

7 December 2023 00:00 - 21 December 2023 00:00

A public drop-in session will take place on Thursday 7 December 2023 between 2pm and 7pm, at the Theatre Royal, Addington Street, Margate CT9 1PW.

This is an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to meet and engage with the council’s project team and architects. There will be boards on display showing the proposed plans for the project. There will be an opportunity to give feedback about some of the information on display and submit questions they might have about the plans for the Theatre Royal.

The information boards will remain on display on the exterior of the Theatre Royal, with online survey (see link below) and paper forms (available from reception at the Council Offices on Cecil Street, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) open for feedback until Wednesday 20 December. This is a chance for anyone unable to attend the event on Thursday 7 December to view the boards and share their feedback.

The survey will close at 4pm on Wednesday 20 December and we will then analyse the information that we have received.

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