Best Theatres in the Lake District

We might not match the variety of the West End, but we can take you to your seats at the best theatres in the Lake District. We’re experts, you see, and not just armchair experts. At least one member of this household has been treading the boards locally. And that’s why there are theatrical tears that there’s no autumn production this year from our beloved Ambleside Players.

But the show must go on. And there are plenty of shows here at our best theatres in the Lake District. Are you sitting comfortably? We'll take you on a tour.

Old Laundry Theatre

We have a fabulous theatre right here just a mile away from us at Cedar Manor. It’s in Bowness, and it’s part of the real old laundry. That’s now home to the brilliant World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, along with this 270-seater auditorium. There’s lots of touring productions, comedy, music, shows for children. But best of all, the theatre’s owners are great friends of Sir Alan Ayckbourn, one of our greatest living playwrights. And he promises them a show every year. In fact, they’ve had two of his plays on the schedule this season. You can wander down through Windermere, calling at one of many restaurants on the way, for a really perfect Lake District night out.

Theatre by the Lake

This is the jewel in the crown, the number one among the best theatres in the Lake District. In fact, it can hold its own with any theatre in the land. Theatre by the Lake is in a dream setting alongside Derwentwater at Keswick. On a good evening, it’s tempting to stay outside and watch the sun set over Catbells. But you must go in. There’s actually two theatres: the main house and an intimate studio. Productions feature top class actors, in shows which are now sometimes co-productions with other leading theatres across the north. There’s a very good in-house restaurant, too.

The Coro

We like Ulverston, a quirky little market town on the fringe of the Lakes. And we like the Coro, a multi-purpose arts centre with theatre, music, comedy, dance and talks from celebrities. Where else would you get one of the world’s best-loved musicals on the same schedule as acrobatics? Not giving any secrets away; you’ll have to look at their programme for yourselves. Then get over there.

Brewery Arts

In the centre of Kendal is this big social and cultural hub. We see films here, we listen to great bands. We watch comedians. And we see some excellent shows. There’s always something going on, daytime and evening, at the bar, or in the cafe. Soon it will be one of the focal points for our very own Kendal Mountain Festival which brings visitors from all around the world. So it’s an unusual venue, but definitely makes the list for our best theatres in the Lake District.

Rosehill Theatre

Here’s a real hidden gem, out west at Whitehaven. It’s up on a hill with views to the central fells and even to the Scottish hills. It’s a true community theatre, and has involved local people for many years. There’s cabaret and comedy, children’s events, music, and a rather smart Green Room restaurant. It also has film screenings, so there’s something for everyone.