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