Hull New Theatre

The Hull New Theatre stands in Kingston upon Hull, a city in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Built in 1939, it replaced the earlier Hull Repertory Theatre Company. The building presents musicals, opera, ballet, drama, children’s shows and one-night performances. Each year, the Christmas pantomime draws special attention. Since 2016 the theatre has been a Grade II listed building. The theatre closed in January 2016 for a major refurbishment ahead of Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017. Despite an initial shortfall in Arts Council funding, the council secured additional money from George Osborne’s 2016 Budget. Work was delayed until summer 2017, when a Royal Ballet performance on 16 September marked its reopening. The rebuilt theatre now seats more people and the opening night was streamed live to Queen’s Gardens for an extra audience of about 5,000. Inside, the refurbished auditorium offers improved sightlines and modern comforts while keeping its original character. The stage houses larger productions than before, and backstage areas have been reorganised for efficiency. Visitors find the same programme of touring shows and local productions as before, now in a refreshed setting. The foyer still welcomes families and theatre-goers with its familiar layout. From the street, the theatre’s 1930s façade remains clearly recognisable.