About us
As the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres, The Theatres Trust works with commercial, public, subsidised and voluntary sectors to secure a sustainable future for theatre buildings. Our aim is to ensure that current and future generations have access to good quality theatres that reflect our cultural life and offer inspiring places to enjoy theatre.
Providing leadership and strategic thinking, The Theatres Trust advises in planning, regeneration and development, architecture and design, heritage, and theatre. We enable better planning to secure, improve and achieve sustainability for new and existing theatre buildings and protect theatre use.
We are best known for our advice in planning theatres as a statutory consultee. Before granting permission for ‘development affecting any land upon which there is a theatre’ a local planning authority is required to consult The Theatres Trust.
We are always happy to discuss plans for theatre developments in their early stages and to offer advice and visit projects. The Trust also offers a range of resources, including Events, Theatres Magazine, Advice Notes and the national Theatres Database providing information on theatres in the UK. We can also respond to individual enquiries and requests.
You can find out more about our work last year by downloading a copy of our 34th Annual Report
Individuals and voluntary groups who would like to support our work can become a Friend of The Theatres Trust. If you are a theatre, a local authority or a commercial organisation you can support us by becoming a Corporate Supporter. Friends and Corporate Supporters receive Theatres Magazine and a package of benefits.
Contact us for more information on either of these schemes.
The Theatres Trust was established in 1976 through The Theatres Trust Act. In 1978 The Theatres Trust (Scotland) Act extended the Trust’s remit to Scotland. The Theatres Trust employs nine Staff and is governed by its fifteen Trustees who are appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The Theatres Trust Charitable Fund (Charity Number 274697) supports the work of The Theatres Trust.
