Theatre Royal, Norwich

Theatre Royal is a performance venue in Norwich featuring a grand auditorium with plush seating, ornamental ceiling details, and a sweeping stage opening. The audience area spans three levels, each offering different sightlines to the performance space.

The original theatre opened in 1758 and received its royal title in 1768, becoming the second provincial venue in England to achieve this honour. The present building was completed in 1935 with modern design, replacing the earlier structure entirely.

The theatre plays a central role in local cultural life, hosting everything from classical drama to contemporary productions throughout the year. Visitors come to experience a wide range of performances that reflect both traditional and modern tastes.

Access to the seating areas is by stairs or lift, with both routes leading up through the different levels. Plan to arrive with enough time to find your seat before the performance starts, especially if you are seated in the upper sections.

The building was designed by architect Frank Matcham, a specialist in theatre design who understood acoustics well. The sound projection was carefully engineered so that speech and music carry equally to seats throughout the hall.

Location: Norwich

Inception: 1758

Architects: Frank Matcham

Official opening: 1758

Capacity: 1308

Address: Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RL, England

Website: http://theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.62720,1.29052

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48