Wyvern Theatre

The Wyvern Theatre is a 635-seat indoor auditorium in Swindon. It stands on the site of the town’s Civic Centre, designed by Casson, Conder and Partners and completed in 1971. The building takes its name from the wyvern, a mythical dragon once used as an emblem by the kings of Wessex. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip opened the theatre on 7 September 1971. The first performance was given by a Ukrainian dance company. The theatre has hosted major pantomimes every year since 1971, starring well-known names such as Ian Lavender, Helen Shapiro, Bernie Winters and Floella Benjamin. In 2006 it closed temporarily after asbestos was found, reopening in 2007 after a £1.3 million refurbishment. It also closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened between August and September 2021. Plans now propose keeping the existing building while adding a new multi-purpose theatre on the nearby bus station site. Inside, visitors find a spacious auditorium with bars and cafés added during the 2007 refurbishment. The theatre has disabled entrances and new seating throughout. Outside, the Civic Centre setting provides wide pedestrian areas and easy access from the town centre. The Wyvern continues to stage community arts events alongside its regular programme of plays and pantomimes.