Explore performance spaces near you

This September theatres around the country are opening their doors to the public with a range of events celebrating their architecture and history with Heritage Open Days, Scotland’s Doors Open Days and Open House London.

England’s largest heritage festival Heritage Open Days returns this September, taking place between Friday 12 and Sunday 21, with more than 60 theatres around the country taking part. On 14 September, there is the opportunity to explore historic Guildhall of St George, Kings Lynn, the only surviving theatre where Shakespeare performed. Abbeydale Picture House, which is on our Theatres at Risk Register, is inviting visitors to explore the venue with a guided tour on 21 September. Other highlights include a 170th anniversary tour of Burnley Mechanics Institute, tours of the Grade I listed St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, Harrogate Theatre, and Theatre Royal Brighton.  Visit the Heritage Open Days website for more information.

Every weekend in September there will be the opportunity to explore sites across Scotland with Doors Open Days, a free festival celebrating the country’s heritage and the built environment. Take a tour around the newly reopened Citizens Theatre in Glasgow or go behind the scenes at Scotland's oldest theatre, Theatre Royal Dumfries. Tours are being offered at The Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh; The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr; King's Theatre Glasgow; and the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, along with many more. Visit the Doors Open Days website to find out more.

Celebrating London’s architecture and urban landscape, Open House takes place from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 September. The Shaftesbury Theatre, in the heart of the West End and Park Theatre in Finsbury Park will be providing tours, while over at the Grade II listed Hackney Empire you can explore the work of renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham. To the north of the city you can drop in to Little Angel Theatre, London's only purpose-built puppet theatre, or visit Stanley Arts to the south. Visit the Open House London website for details of all the venues taking part.

Photo: Abbeydale Picture House Auditorium 2004, credit Ian Grundy