Theatre Royal Wakefield's mission statement is: To develop new creative opportunities and experiences both within the theatre ... building, throughout the wider community and on tour, encouraging high quality engagement across a broad sector of the Performing Arts. The theatre opened in 1894 as the Wakefield Opera House, and was built for a price of £13,000. Theatre Royal Wakefield, the jewel in Wakefield’s crown, was the design and vision of famous architect Frank Matcham. Theatre Royal Wakefield is one of the smallest remaining Matcham theatre auditoriums; it is a shining example of his work. Over time the building has had a variety of uses but reopened as a theatre in 1986 and has thrived since then. In summer 2018, we opened our new Centre for Creativity. This new extension provides modern facilities to complement the historic Frank Matcham-designed, Grade II* listed building. The Centre for Creativity has improved accessibility and has added a flexible space that we are using to increase our engagement with the local community. We have a programme of events and activities which is engaging and accessible to all members of our local community. We produce our own work including our hugely popular annual Pantomime and our celebrated annual Wakefield Youth Music Theatre productions. Our Creative Director is John Godber, award winning writer who’s work we tour nationally. We are also immensely proud of being able to support community performances, regularly programming amateur productions and dance showcases from local companies. The Theatre runs a busy creative programme working with young people, schools, older people and marginalised communities. We do targeted work using theatrical skills and techniques to address well-being. Bespoke learning projects work across a number of identified at-risk groups including young people from low-income families, socially isolated older people, and adults working to improve their mental wellbeing. Many projects are free. read more