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
Phases
Application for funding to National Lottery Heritage Fund
The Theatre Royal project has been allocated £2.2m of funding as part of the £22.2m Margate Town Deal programme of regeneration in the town. In addition, the council is seeking funding to invest up to £5 million in the fabric of the building. An application will be progressed in this phase for a further £3.2m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, following a successful expression of interest.
This application will include a plan to develop the project designs, activity, conservation and restoration through to listed building consent and planning application. During this time we will be carrying out more work to engage the performing arts sector, potential operators and professional teams to support the project, as part of the application for funding.
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events
Event date: February 11th, 2026 from 15:00 to 19:00.
Theatre Royal Margate
4 registrants
Event date: December 8th, 2023 at 10:00 to December 20th, 2023 at 16:00.
5 registrants
Event date: December 7th, 2023 from 14:00 to 19:00.
Theatre Royal Margate
1 registrant