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Playhouse Redevelopment Project

We are excited to share our vision for the future of Norwich Theatre Playhouse.

This building has been a cornerstone of our city’s creative heart for 30 years, and the Playhouse Redevelopment Project is a major step toward ensuring it remains so for the next 30 and beyond.

The proposed scheme aims to preserve the unique character of the much-loved 300-seat venue while introducing essential modern upgrades and exciting new community spaces.

 

Key features of the proposal include:

 

  • Improved accessibility for all – The installation of a passenger lift serving all floors, including staff areas, alongside increased toilet provision and level access throughout the front-of-house, backstage, and garden areas.
  • Environmental sustainability – Replacing ageing systems with energy-efficient ones, including air-source heat pumps where possible and upgraded high-performance insulation to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
  • Enhanced visitor experience – Modernised public areas designed to improve visitor flow, complemented by a renewed outdoor garden space capable of hosting programmed community events.
  • Community & Creative Growth – An increased indoor footprint featuring multi-purpose spaces for local artists, residents, and community groups, ensuring the venue remains a vibrant creative hub.

Everything You Need To Know

Is Norwich Theatre Playhouse still open?

Yes! We are only at the planning submission stage. We are still open for business, with a fantastic lineup of comedy, drama, music, and, of course, a great atmosphere in the bar.

Why is it important to do this now?

The building is 200 years old, and the theatre has been running for 30 years. While its character is timeless, the infrastructure is tired.

We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy Norwich Theatre Playhouse. Currently, accessibility is a challenge, and we want to fix that, so every guest and performer feels welcome.

How will it improve the visitor experience?

We’re modernising the public areas to help people move around more easily, especially during busy intervals.

The garden, which everyone in Norwich loves, is being refreshed to host more community events and scheduled activities.

More toilets and better facilities mean less time in queues and more time enjoying the show.

Will it lose its unique "Playhouse" feel?

That is the most important part for us, the “soul” of the building won’t change. It’s about making the building work better, not removing what everyone loves.

How can people see the plans?

Full details of the planning application can be viewed on the Norwich City Council’s planning portal.

While this submission outlines the core structural vision, we will share further details later this year, including specific design elements and interior finishes.

We want the community to be as excited as we are about this next chapter.

How is this project funded, and can I donate?

As a charity that receives no regular public subsidy, this project will require a mix of our own investment, private grants, and the incredible support of our community.

We are currently in the early stages of our fundraising journey. But we will share more details later this year on how you can get involved and help us secure the future of Norwich Theatre Playhouse.

If you would like to support our work to ensure creative experiences for all, you can donate here.

When is work likely to start?

Submitting this planning application is just the start. We plan to begin construction as early as 2028.

Norwich Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two are part of Norwich Theatre, the operating name of Theatre Royal (Norwich) Trust Limited.
Registered Office: Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL. Company Registration No. 997352. Registered Charity No. 262259.