The New Theatre Royal is a grade 2* Victorian building in Portsmouth and one of the remaining few Phipps/Matcham theatres in the world. In 1972 a fire destroyed the back of house facilities but fortunately the splendid auditorium was saved.
Rescued from demolition twice, the theatre has resiliently survived and we create a diverse programme of events and activities to engage and reflect the vitality of our developing city.
In 2011 supported by an extensive fundraising campaign and a strong collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and student housing developers we applied for planning permission to restore the theatre’s back stage facilities including the fly tower and to build a new creative learning space. Together with the facilities for the university and developer, the site will emerge as a wonderful creative hub in the heart of the city.
During our emergence we will be touring around the city, working with our Associate Artists whilst seeking out new partnerships locally and regionally (see house) so we can increase our offer and help develop a vibrant Made in Portsmouth brand.
We are growing our own Youth Theatre, running lots of half term activities and working with New Writing South to provide a home for a Portsmouth Writers Hub for adults and a Writers Squad for 13-17 year olds.
Caroline Sharman
Director of the New Theatre Royal
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