The Dukes

Polly Checkland Harding
The Dukes, Lancaster

Split across two buildings on Lancaster’s Moor Lane, The Dukes is the only producing theatre in the Lancashire area and the oldest cinema in Lancaster, in operation since 1971. The main building is a converted church (itself dating back to 1796) that’s home to the box office, café bar, a gallery and The Rake and Round theatre and cinema spaces. Further along the lane is Moor Space, another former church that doubles as a secondary performance and rehearsal space. As a whole, The Dukes theatre organisation sets out to bring the best live performance and cinema to Lancaster – and across the region.

The theatre has seen some notable alumni tread its boards, including the award-winning Dame Harriet Walter and Sir Ian McKellen. Andy Serkis, of The Lord of the Rings fame, performed in The Dukes’ first ever ‘Play in the Park’, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Today, The Dukes theatre produces plays around the year, including promenade performances, as well as hosting touring productions, comedy, dance and music. The programme for the independent cinema is nicely varied, and the café bar is the perfect place to grab pre- or post-production refreshments in this award-winning venue.

Moor LaneLancasterLA1 1QE View map
Telephone: 01524598500 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday11:00am - 11:00pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 11:00pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 11:00pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 11:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 11:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 11:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at The Dukes

What's on near The Dukes

Where to go near The Dukes

Lancashire
Restaurant
The Herbarium

This plant-based cafe and bar serves delicious vegan breakfasts and coffees in the day, before transforming into a fantastic dinner venue in ‘Herb after Dark’.

The Grand Theatre in Lancaster
Lancaster
Theatre
The Grand Theatre, Lancaster

First opened in 1782, the theatre is now host to amateur drama, music and dance and professional touring companies. Tours of the historic building are available

Lancashire
Bar or Pub
The Stonewell Tap

The Stonewell Tap is a lively craft beer bar on Church Street, Lancaster, which boasts 16 craft beer taps and 4 real hand-pulled ale pumps.

Judge’s Lodgings, Lancaster, Lancashire
Lancaster
Museum
Judges’ Lodgings

The Judges’ Lodgings is the oldest town house in Lancaster, whose exhibitions and events bring the stories of the city to life.

Lancaster
Bar or Pub
Aquila Pizza

You can order online or over the phone to get your pizza fix. With regular deals on multiple pizzas and breads available for delivery and collection across Lancaster and Morecambe mid-week and weekends then keep your eyes on Aquila’s website and social channels.

Filbert's Baker artisan bread in Lancaster
Lancaster
Shop
Filbert’s Bakery

Filbert’s bakery is a family owned bakery that provides delicious fresh bread every morning along with breakfast goods, cakes and savouries.

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters Lancaster
Lancaster
Café or Coffee Shop
The Music Room

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters is a cafe situated on a Grade II listed Georgian pavilion with sun trap outside seating.

Lancaster
Library
Lancaster Library

Sitting in the heart of Lancaster is the Lancaster Library. When not serving its usual function, this beautiful space is occasionally transformed into an unlikely gig venue.

Lancaster Castle Lancashire
Lancaster
Tourist Attraction
Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle’s origins date back almost 1,000 years. This Grade 1 Listed Building occupies a city-centre hilltop location on the site of three successive Roman forts.

Lancaster
Event venue
The Storey Creative Industries Centre

Multi-purpose venue comprising an auditorium and lecture theatre, gallery space, café bar, Visitor Information Centre, hireable meeting rooms and conference/events spaces and private offices.

Castle View contemporary cottage, Lancaster
Lancaster
Hotel
Castle View

Right in the heart of Lancaster, this contemporary cottage with one bedroom and a double sofa bed, a huge copper bath and a wood burner is situated in a peaceful walled oasis.

Culture Guides

Festival-goers at Green Island
Music in Manchester and the North

Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.