Theatre Royal Wakefield
📍 12 Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TE
About Theatre Royal Wakefield
Description
Theatre Royal Wakefield is one of the smallest remaining auditoriums designed by world-renowned architect Frank Matcham and is located in the heart of Wakefield City Centre. The new Centre for Creativity is a major extension to the venue and offers a flexible café/bar space and studio theatre.
Theatre Royal Wakefield has a programme which is engaging and accessible to all members of our local community, and which maintains our reputation as a leading producing and receiving house. We cater for all audiences, programming a wide range of live performances from professional companies. Our live programming strands are Music & Musicals, Drama, Stand-up Comedy and Dance. In addition to this we have a commitment to programming high quality Family Friendly shows, providing engaging and entertaining productions all year round. We present approximately 260 performances per year in our Matcham Auditorium and we are building a performance programme in the Walker Studio.
We produce our own work including our hugely popular Pantomime each year and our celebrated annual Wakefield Youth Music Theatre productions, which consistently receive rave reviews. Our Creative Director is John Godber, award winning writer of plays such as Bouncers, Teechers, and Up ‘n’ Under, and together with the John Godber Company we have co-produced eighteen plays – and regularly tour nationally. Our productions have been described as ‘Socially relevant comedy with riveting acting’ (The Stage).
We are also immensely proud of being able to support community performances, regularly programming productions and dance showcases from local companies.
As well as a vibrant and varied programme of produced and touring work, the Theatre runs a busy Learning and Participation programme. Bespoke learning projects work across a number of identified at-risk groups including young people from low-income families, socially isolated older people, and adults working to improve their mental wellbeing. Many projects are free for participants, or offer bursaries to ensure that participation is not restricted by economic means. 25% of participants in our youth training programmes and youth productions benefit from a bursary scheme, which is directly funded by the local business community, through individual giving and through grant funding. In 2017-2018 our outreach work engaged with over 2,100 unique learners, providing over 13,000 instances of participation. In summer 2018, we opened our new Centre for Creativity - containing the Walker Studio. This new extension provides modern facilities to complement the historic Frank Matcham-designed, Grade II* listed building, which has stood on the site since 1894. The Centre for Creativity has improved accessibility, increased hospitality facilities and added a flexible performance and rehearsal space transforming the way that artists and audiences experience the performing arts in Wakefield.
Location
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📍 12 Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TE
from 1,383 reviews
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Showing 5 of 1,383 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Came to this theatre to see An evening without Kate Bush, what an absolutely stunning theatre, so good to see all the beautiful architecture from 1894 in such good condition. The building has a modern glass fronted bit to the right which is the box office, bar etc. All the staff are super welcoming and friendly, really makes the night special when lovely people work at a venue. Seats had a great view of the stage, acoustics and lighting were good. I would highly recommend this theatre, looking forward to coming back again.
This is an amazing theatre, and it has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve grown up coming here for pantomimes every Christmas time, and those festive visits have become cherished traditions that I look forward to every year. Each show brought its own magic, from the lively characters to the moments of laughter shared with my family. Recently, I had the chance to return with my grandmother-in-law to watch a ballet, and it reminded me all over again why this place is so special. Sitting together in the familiar seats and watching the dancers perform so beautifully made the experience feel both nostalgic and new. Every visit to this theatre feels warm, welcoming, and full of excitement, no matter what’s on stage. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is inviting, and the sense of community you feel among the audience adds to the enjoyment. One of the things I’ve always appreciated is the interval halfway through each show. It gives everyone a chance to grab a drink, stretch their legs, and chat about their favourite parts so far. Those short breaks make the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, this theatre continues to be a place where special memories are made, and every visit feels just as magical as the last.
First time going to the Theater today. Absolutely loved everything about it. The annual pantomime was amazing from the songs, to the costume design, the sets and choreography. I couldn't take my eyes away from it. Would definitely come again
Small theatre, and not been modernised, by that's ok. Some seats not great legroom, but good views. Staff great, and decent bars and good size toilets.
Great little theatre seating is a liitle squished, but great views of the stage. Went to see guy's & dolls. Excellent performance by mainly kids and teenagers. Utterly brilliant. Adelaide was particularly good. Don't miss this stunning little theatre.