In the Fine City of Norwich, the performing arts have thrived for centuries. What makes this city truly exceptional is the wealth of theatrical options right here on our doorstep. You don’t need to trek all the way to London for top-notch theatre. We’re fortunate to have a flourishing theatre scene right here in Norwich.
From grand historic playhouses with decades of stories to modern venues pushing creative boundaries, Norwich’s theatres are a big part of what makes the city so culturally rich. Each one has its own personality and offers something different, whether you’re into classic drama, musicals, or something a bit more experimental.
In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at some of the theatres that bring Norwich’s performing arts scene to life. You’ll get to know the venues, the people behind them, and the stories that make each one special. Then you can pick the perfect spot for your next theatre night out.
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Theatres in Norwich
Whether you’re drawn to classic theatre, the intimacy of puppetry, the innovation of digital stages, or the immersive world of site-specific performances, Norwich offers it all. It’s time to learn more about the theatres in Norwich, how they have thrived and adapted over the years.
Note: There are also some excellent theatres in Norfolk outside of Norwich. Stay tuned for a post on that soon.
Norwich Theatre Royal
Established in 1758, the Theatre Royal is the largest theatre in Norwich. Now in its third building on the same site, it has stood the test of time and remains a key part of the city’s cultural scene.
Yet, its storied history has not been without its challenges; a devastating fire in 1934 forced its closure for a daunting 15 months, and more recently, the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic also led to a temporary shutdown.
With a generous seating capacity of 1308, this lavish venue has welcomed some of the most renowned names and touring theatre productions. In addition to these, it has showcased a handful of original productions, with the most prominent being their beloved annual pantomime.
It’s also home to the Prelude Restaurant where you can enjoy a nice meal before the performance. They serve fresh, seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible.
Read about our experience on the behind-the-scenes tour during Theatre Royal’s Open Day.
See what’s on at Theatre Royal here.
Norwich Playhouse
Norwich Playhouse is a relaxed, intimate venue with a rich history. Before it opened as a theatre in 1995, the building was a 19th-century maltings. In 2020, it celebrated 25 years as one of Norwich’s favourite places to catch comedy, theatre, and live performances.
Now, it’s gained quite the reputation as one of the country’s top-notch fringe venues. It’s also home to the popular Playhouse Bar, where you can kick back with a range of real ales from local breweries, fresh German lagers on tap, tasty wines, exotic teas and coffees, and some seriously scrumptious snacks.
You don’t need a show ticket to pop in, and there’s a lovely outdoor area too. You might even catch an art exhibition or some live music while you’re there.
See what’s on at Norwich Playhouse here.
Maddermarket Theatre
The Maddermarket Theatre, often called “the people’s theatre” by BBC Norfolk, has been a creative hub since 1921. Located in the heart of the Norwich Lanes, it’s housed in a charming listed building full of character and history.
Before the building became a theatre, it served as a Roman Catholic chapel, warehouse, Salvation Army hall, and general store. It stands on the site of a medieval market where the red dye “madder” was once sold, giving the theatre its name.
Theatre director Nugent Monck opened the building as the permanent home of the Guild of Norwich Players. Now known as The Norwich Players, they still perform there today. Over the years, the theatre has continued to champion local talent and works with a variety of arts groups, schools, and community projects to bring a wide mix of performances to life. From theatre and comedy to live music, it’s a welcoming space for all kinds of creativity.
The building has seen its fair share of changes, with a 1953 extension and a major redesign in the late 1960s that added more space, a modern look, a bar, foyer, exhibition area, and better backstage facilities. Thanks to the original chapel’s barrel-vaulted ceiling, the acoustics have always been a standout feature.
If you’re into ghost stories, there’s a friendly one here. Some say a helpful monk haunts the theatre, lending a hand by finding lost props and even once saving an actress from a falling light.
See what’s on at the Maddermarket Theatre here.
Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Puppet Theatre is housed in the former St James’ Church, a Grade I listed flint building from the 15th and 16th centuries. Over the years, St James’ Whitefriars has seen plenty of change. In the Middle Ages, it was home to two important guilds. By the 17th century, the area had declined, becoming home to some of Norwich’s poorer weavers, and in the 18th and 19th centuries, it became known as a slum.
The church itself went through various phases of rebuilding, including the addition of a south aisle in the late 16th century and an octagonal upper tower in 1743. In 1969, it was declared redundant and briefly used as a homeless shelter.
Between 1978 and 1980, the church was transformed into Norwich Puppet Theatre. It’s now one of just three building-based puppet theatres in England, offering original shows, family-friendly activities, and creative workshops. With its cosy 150-seat auditorium, it’s a much-loved space where the magic of puppetry continues to thrive.
See what’s on at the Norwich Puppet Theatre here.
Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre is based in the Grade I listed St Swithins Church, a flint building that has stood since 1349. What started as a redundant church has grown into one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues.
Since opening in 1980, NAC has been a home for creativity, showcasing everything from new music and theatre to comedy, live art, and dance. It has welcomed big names early in their careers, including Nirvana, Oasis, Muse, and Ed Sheeran.
A National Lottery grant in 1999 helped improve the facilities, and in 2014 NAC was named NME’s Best Small Venue in Britain. A BBC Music Day blue plaque was unveiled in 2017, marking its place in Norwich’s musical history.
In 2018, the venue received a £499,000 grant from Arts Council England to improve accessibility and reduce its carbon footprint, securing its future as a creative hub for years to come.
See what’s on at Norwich Arts Centre here.
The Garage
The Garage is a lively, welcoming hub for the performing arts located near Chapelfield Gardens. Here, everyone, from newcomers taking their first artistic steps to seasoned professionals, finds a place to explore their creativity.
In collaboration with local and national partners, The Garage is dedicated to delivering high-quality performing arts experiences, encompassing programming, participation, education, and training opportunities suitable for all ages but with a particular focus on empowering young people from diverse backgrounds.
The Garage runs a packed year-round programme of theatre, dance, music, and fitness. From weekly classes and holiday activities to accredited courses and artist development, it’s a supportive space for creativity. It also hosts performance companies and helps emerging talent grow through its associate and incubator programmes.
Beyond its role as an educational and developmental institution, The Garage is a platform for presenting small-scale theatre and dance performances. Furthermore, it takes pride in its role as a producer and co-producer of exciting new performance pieces tailored for young audiences.
In addition to its Norwich location, The Garage also has a location in King’s Lynn, ensuring that its mission to engage, empower, and inspire through the performing arts reaches a broader audience.
See what’s on at The Garage here.
Stage Two
Stage Two opened in 2016 as part of the Norwich Theatre family and has been inspiring creativity ever since. It’s a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, create, and perform.
The venue includes a fully equipped 120-seat studio theatre, along with professional rehearsal and training spaces. It’s designed to support emerging talent and host performances that think outside the box.
Located just behind the Theatre Royal, Stage Two feels like a natural extension of Norwich’s creative scene and is a great place to get involved, whether you’re an artist or an audience member.
See what’s on at Stage Two here.
Sewell Barn Theatre
The Sewell Barn Theatre is one of Norwich’s hidden gems, with a fascinating history that’s just as rich as the performances on its stage. It originally served as the barn for Clare House, the home of Philip Sewell, who lived there from 1864 to 1906.
Philip’s sister was Anna Sewell, author of “Black Beauty”, and she lived nearby on Spixworth Road. Philip’s horse, Black Bess, often pulled his carriage along that very road, and it’s easy to imagine both Bess and the barn inspiring the story. The book was published by Jarrolds in 1877.
After Philip’s death in 1906, he left Clare House and its grounds to the city. It became an Open Air School for children with respiratory problems, and the barn was used as a washroom, rest area, and craft space. Over the years, it served many roles including hosting a concert for troops during World War I and later acting as a bike shed for the girls of Blyth School.
The barn’s real transformation began in 1974, when local councillors visited the school and saw potential in the building. It was in poor shape, full of old furniture and debris, but Headmistress Valerie Glauert believed in the idea and set the wheels in motion to turn it into a theatre.
Today, the Sewell Barn Theatre is home to the Sewell Barn Company, known for its intimate style and strong ensemble performances. The company blends new talent with experienced amateur actors, directors, and technicians. Much of its early success was shaped by Artistic Director Henry Burke and local actor and teacher John Dane, whose influence helped create the distinctive style the theatre is now known for.
See what’s on the Sewell Barn Theatre here.
Norwich Digital Theatre
Norwich Theatre’s Digital Stage is your virtual ticket to the world of theatre, delivered right to your doorstep. This innovative streaming platform provides access to a curated selection of pre-recorded and live performances, all available for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home.
You get access to a diverse range of artists and remarkable performances that you might not have the opportunity to see otherwise. Whether you’re a theatre aficionado or just looking for an engaging and entertaining experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Accessing the Digital Stage is easy. Simply head online, select the performance that piques your interest, and complete your booking. Once you’ve secured your spot, your performance ticket will land in your email inbox, complete with a direct link to the show. You will be able to enjoy the theatre right from the comfort of your own digital device.
See what’s on the Norwich Digital Stage here.
Norwich Theatre Beyond
In 2022, Norwich Theatre introduced an exciting and innovative initiative known as “Theatre Beyond.” This visionary project marks a departure from the traditional theatre experience, as it ventures beyond the confines of their Norwich venues to bring performances to a wider regional audience.
The essence of Theatre Beyond lies in its mission to take shows that Norwich Theatre has supported, produced, or enabled and transport them into the heart of the broader community. It’s a bold step towards making theatre more accessible and immersive, breaking down the boundaries between the stage and the audience.
The grand unveiling of Theatre Beyond featured Rebel Rabble, an immersive event that took place at Mousehold Heath. It was powerful to experience a show Kett’s Rebellion in the same place where many rebels camped. This production was a testament to the creativity and innovation that Theatre Beyond promises to deliver.
Audiences can look forward to more fantastic and enthralling productions like Edgeland, all set in unusual locations and community-owned spaces. This initiative is not just about bringing theatre to the people but also about creating a vibrant hub for local theatre, nurturing and supporting local artists, and weaving stories that resonate with the surrounding community.
See what’s on Norwich Theatre Beyond here.
Visiting Norwich to Go to the Theatre
If you’re visiting Norwich and looking for a place to stay, be sure to check out our post about hotels in the Norwich city centre for some excellent accommodation options. And for more ideas on things to do while you’re here, don’t miss our post about the best things to do in Norwich, where you’ll find a treasure trove of activities to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Enjoy your theatre adventure in Norwich!
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