New Theatre

The Nottingham New Theatre stood on the University of Nottingham’s campus until 2023. It was the only theatre in England run entirely by students. The building began life in 1969 inside the Archaeology and Classics block. In 2001 an alumnus donated funds for a larger foyer. A major rebuild in 2012 turned the old block into a free-standing theatre. Old walls became rehearsal rooms and the dressing rooms were remodelled. The foyer was extended again and a studio space added. The theatre’s productions were open to everyone and any student could join. A committee of 21 members organised the season and handled budgets. Each show had to break even, with profits used to improve facilities. The president reported to the Students’ Union Council. From 2007 the theatre regularly took shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Productions included adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and new plays by Anthony Lau. Casts were made up of current students and recent graduates. Inside the theatre, members found rehearsal rooms, a studio and a remodelled foyer. The dressing rooms were upgraded during the rebuild. The theatre kept an archive website with posters and cast lists back to the 1950s. Every June the Student Fringe Festival presented experimental and classical theatre over two days. The building closed after water damage made it unsafe. The university decided against restoration. The student company now works from the Portland Studio on the same campus.