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
Development phase
During this phase, we will be tendering for a full design team, including architects, conservation architects, engineers and cost consultants. This main team will be joined by advisors and specialist consultants including theatre designers, fire consultants and specialists in acoustics, access, sustainability and interpretation.
This professional team will work together to ensure the funds are spent correctly and that the design and conservation elements meet the needs of the project and adhere to regulations and conservation best practice. This team will prepare the designs through to planning and listed building consent.
A conservation management plan will be drawn up, focusing on the heritage of the building. Alongside this, a management and maintenance plan will ensure the heritage is protected and the management of the building (when complete) is sustainable. Interpretation and heritage activity plans will also be developed to showcase the building's history and stories, to engage members of the public when the project is complete.
This preparatory work will lead to a final application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. If this bid is successful, the physical works will commence.
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