Theatre Royal
Brighton’s first theatre was a barn on Castle Square. From 1764, a theatre company returned annually but the seasons weren’t as long as one might expect – the barn was required for the harvest!
Today, the Theatre Royal is owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group, the largest theatre group in the West End. And, this year is a significant year – the Theatre Royal’s 200th birthday. Various celebrations have taken place throughout the year as a result. Also, 2007 has seen the opening of a revamped New Road. Technically, it has not been pedestrianised as cars are still allowed though they really do now take the back seat. Theatres took a knock in the 1930s when ‘talkies’ were introduced yet today, 200 years later, live shows couldn’t be more popular.
To see more of the Theatre Royal, arrange a backstage tour by popping in and speaking to helpful staff. Or, more logically, just book a ticket to a show!
