The curtain rises

The Georgian theatre was one of the vital periods of our artistic history; and these buildings, with their intimacy and their sense of human proportion are masterpieces. Bury's Theatre Royal is perhaps even more precious than we think."

Sir Peter Hall CBE

Following two years of extensive and exciting restoration, the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds re-opened on 11 September 2007.

Built in 1819, this Grade 1 listed playhouse is the only surviving example of a Regency theatre in this country. It is the only theatre open to the public in the National Trust's portfolio of properties. Now fully restored its extraordinarily intimate auditorium and exquisite decorative scheme will provide visitors with an unforgettable and unique theatrical experience.

The Theatre presents a vibrant, year-round programme of drama, music, dance and light entertainment, featuring many of this country's leading companies and performers. We also offer a wide-ranging educational and community-based programme of activities.

To bring the Regency to life the Theatre offers a special programme of heritage work entitled ReVisit, presenting regular guided tours of the Theatre, workshops, demonstrations and events designed to reveal what theatre-going in the early 19th century would have been like.

Most exciting of all, and integral to the ReVisit programme, we present regular productions and rehearsed readings of plays written at the time when the Theatre first opened its doors - the only theatre in the world capable of presenting this repertoire in an authentic and appropriate setting. Our aim is to do for Georgian theatre what the Globe has done for Shakespeare!

Please come and visit us and we look forward to welcoming you to Bury St Edmunds and its Regency jewel.

My enthusiasm for the restoration of the Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds knows no bounds. It is a vital piece of our theatrical heritage."

Stephen Fry

The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds holds a unique place in the history of theatre in this country as well as a special place in my heart."

Dame Judi Dench CBE

It is not often, in one's lifetime, that one is fortunate enough to be associated with a project of real significance. During my career I have worked in many fine theatres across the country, indeed the world. Yet the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds holds an unrivalled place in my thoughts. Once restored this fabulous theatre will be able to achieve something of real significance."

Timothy West CBE
Patron of the Restoration Appeal

The Curtain Rises on the Theatre Royal