Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal stands in Brighton, a seaside city on England’s south coast. Built in the early 19th century, it opened in 1807 with a performance of Hamlet. The theatre grew under actor-manager Henry John Nye Chart, who expanded and improved the building in the 1850s. His wife Ellen took over after his death and became one of the first female theatre managers in Britain. A statue in the Royal Circle bar honours her memory today. The theatre has long been a respected venue for plays, opera and ballet. Many West End hits premiered here before moving to London, including Walter Hackett’s Other Men’s Wives in 1928. Over the 20th century, stars such as Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench and Margot Fonteyn performed on its stage. In 1971 it became a Grade II* listed building, protecting its historic fabric. Backstage tours now let visitors explore the Grade II* interior. Inside, the auditorium blends Victorian grandeur with modern comforts. The Royal Circle bar features a statue of Ellen Nye Chart. The Colonnade bar occupies the former hotel next door, connected to the theatre. Visitors can join guided tours behind the scenes or attend performances during the Brighton Festival. The building remains a living part of the city’s cultural life.