Plowright Theatre

The Plowright Theatre stands on Laneham Street in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. It is a live entertainment venue owned and run by North Lincolnshire Council. The building was commissioned by Scunthorpe Borough Council and constructed by J. W. Taylor in 1958. It follows a traditional proscenium style with a 354-seat auditorium. Originally named Scunthorpe Civic Theatre, it was renamed in the 1990s to honour local actress Joan Plowright. The theatre is worth visiting for its strong local ties and cultural significance. Joan Plowright, born in Brigg and educated in Scunthorpe, served as president of the Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club. Her father, Bill Plowright, founded the club, which staged the theatre’s first performance of Peer Gynt in 1958. The venue also hosts regular performances by the Scunthorpe Musical Theatre Society and the Scunthorpe Gilbert and Sullivan Amateur Operatic Society. Visitors find a well-maintained proscenium theatre with a 354-seat auditorium. The stage hosts a variety of performances, from musicals to operatic shows. In March 2008, comedian Lee Evans set a box office record when tickets sold out in just 65 minutes. A queue formed at 6am, showing the theatre’s popularity. The surrounding area offers easy access in Scunthorpe’s town centre.