Bedford Civic Theatre

The Bedford Civic Theatre is a Grade II listed building with approximately 270 seats arranged in a rectangular layout that dates to the mid-1800s. The interior design provides direct sightlines to the stage from every seat.

The building was originally constructed in 1859 as an assembly hall for Bedford School before being converted into a theatre in 1952. It previously served as a council chamber during the intervening decades.

The venue hosted a range of performances that brought the community together, from traditional pantomimes to experimental works by local artists. These shows shaped how residents experienced theatre and entertainment in their town.

The building on Horne Lane now operates as a customer service centre for Bedford Borough Council and is no longer open for performances. Visitors should note that it functions as an administrative space with limited public access.

The building was designed by architect James Horsford, who also created the former St Luke's Church on St Peter's Street. This connects two notable structures in Bedford's architectural heritage.

Location: Bedford

Inception: 1952

Official opening: 1952

Capacity: 270

Address: Horne Lane, St Paul's Square, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1SJ, England

GPS coordinates: 52.13542,-0.46832

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:41