The Grand Opera House opened as a variety theatre in 1902 and played host to many of the stars of the day including Lillie Langtry, Florrie Ford and Charlie Chaplin.
It was extensively restored in 1988 and since then has presented a range of shows including drama, musicals, comedy and a popular annual pantomime as well as working with many local societies and organisations. As of Christmas 2020, the venue will play host to the nation’s longest serving Dame, Berwick Kaler, as he stars in ‘Dick Turpin Rides Again’, the latest title for the venue’s beloved annual pantomime.
Recent shows have included Sunny Afternoon, The Rocky Horror Show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Blood Brothers, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Once and the National Theatre’s Production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time complimented with live music and comedy nights from Jimmy Carr to Caitlin Moran and, not forgetting, Sir Ian McKellen’s 80th birthday celebration tour.