The Dukes, Arts centre and theatre in Lancaster, England.
The Dukes is a cultural venue in a converted church building that presents theatre, art exhibitions, and film screenings across three separate performance spaces. The spaces allow different types of entertainment to happen at the same time throughout the year.
The building was originally built in 1796 as St. Anne's Parish Church and served as a community place of worship for over 170 years. It transformed into a professional theatre in 1971 and has operated as an arts centre since then.
The venue uses its spaces to create productions rooted in Lancaster's cultural life and draws together audiences and artists from across the region. The stages host work that reflects local interests and seasonal traditions.
The building opens from Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11 AM, with a public bar offering refreshments during performances and most evenings. The three spaces are straightforward to navigate, giving visitors the choice between different types of events happening at the same time.
The building holds Grade II listed status, which means its Victorian architecture and interior are legally protected. This classification makes it one of the few major cultural institutions in the North housed within a historic place of worship.
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