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Guides
What's on
Where to go
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Theatres in Cumbria

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

The theatres in Cumbria bring a wealth of heritage, creativity and imagination to one of Britain’s loveliest and remotest counties.

Radical thinkers, artistic pioneers and big names have found their inspiration in Cumbria: Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and William Wordsworth all built a creative life in this stunning setting.

Theatres in Cumbria, such as Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake and the Brewery Arts Centre, build on that exceptional heritage to deliver dynamic and thriving programming.

It’s the intimate theatres, like Rosehill Theatre and The Old Laundry Theatre, and outdoor stages in such breathtaking settings that make Cumbria so special.

 

Our top picks

Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Cumbria, Keswick, CA12 5DJ - Visit now

Just a short stroll from Derwentwater on the edge of Keswick, amid the magnificent western fells of the Lake District, Theatre by the Lake is a purpose-built performance space with a unique history.

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Brewery Arts

Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE - Visit now

The Brewery Arts Centre is the hub of daily cultural life in Kendal, with theatre, cinema, gallery, cafe and bar.

Find out more

The Old Laundry Theatre

The Old Laundry Theatre, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX - Visit now

An intimate theatre in Bowness with a varied seasonal programme.

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Upfront Puppet Theatre

Upfront Puppet Theatre, Near Hutton-in-the-Forest, Unthank, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TG - Visit now

Upfront Puppet Theatre is located near Penrith, Cumbria and is one of only four authentic working puppet theatres in England.

Find out more
Upfront Puppet Theatre
Upfront Puppet Theatre

Rosehill Theatre

Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 6SE - Visit now

A cosy theatre, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment, in an exceptional setting on the outskirts of Whitehaven.

Find out more
Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, The Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9PJ - Visit now

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

Find out more
The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, image via Visit Cumbria

Where to go in Cumbria

Cumbria
Theatre
The Coro

Nestled in the heart of Ulverston, a rural market town on the fringes of the Lake District, stands The Coro —an esteemed historic hub for arts, culture, and entertainment

Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Cumbria
Theatre
Rosehill Theatre

A cosy theatre, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment, in an exceptional setting on the outskirts of Whitehaven.

Upfront Puppet Theatre
Cumbria
Theatre
Upfront Puppet Theatre

Upfront Puppet Theatre is located near Penrith, Cumbria and is one of only four authentic working puppet theatres in England.

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, image via Visit Cumbria
Cumbria
Music venue
The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

See all places

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