The Dukes

The Dukes is a theatre in Lancaster, England. It occupies two buildings near the city centre. The main theatre stands in the former St Anne’s Church, converted in 1971. A second building along Moor Lane houses the Centre for Creative Learning. The theatre produces two shows each year and also presents touring theatre, comedy, live music and dance. The Dukes is the only producing theatre in Lancashire and belongs to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. In 2017 it won Northern Soul’s Cinema of the Year Award for its independent film programme. The Queen, as Duke of Lancaster, gave permission for the theatre’s name. Viscount Eccles opened the venue in 1971 after a £180,000 conversion. Andy Serkis appeared in the first open-air summer show in Williamson Park. The main auditorium, The Rake, seats about 313 people. The Round is a smaller studio space seating around 240. The Play in the Park brings promenade performances to Williamson Park every summer. The Christmas production takes place in The Round and mixes original music with audience participation. The Centre for Creative Learning runs projects for all ages, including groups working with people living with dementia.