Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal stands in the centre of Nottingham, part of a larger complex that also includes the Royal Concert Hall. The building was completed in 1865 after six months of work, designed by Charles J. Phipps with a grand façade of Corinthian columns. Its portico was carefully positioned to close a new street and create a striking entrance. The theatre has played host to major productions since opening night in 1865, when Sheridan’s *The School for Scandal* was performed. It later premiered *The Mousetrap* in 1952, which went on to become the world’s longest-running play. The building also saw early performances of Baroness Orczy’s *The Scarlet Pimpernel*, which shaped the mystery genre. Inside, the theatre has four tiers of seating with a total of 1,186 seats. There are seven bars, including a café on the ground floor and a restaurant on the dress circle level. The building remains a landmark in Nottingham, linked to the city’s tram network by the Royal Centre stop.