How many theatres are there in the UK?

We estimate there are over 1,100 active theatres in the UK.

This includes theatres of all types and sizes, both commercial and subsidised venues, those used by professional performers and those used by amateur groups, arts centres, fringe theatres, pub theatres, open air theatres, pop up and temporary venues, and school or college theatres which are also used by the public. 

Our Theatres Database contains current and historic records of almost 4,000 theatre buildings. However, only half of these are still standing today (the rest sadly demolished). Some former theatre buildings now stand empty or are in other uses as bars, nightclubs, restaurants, bingo halls, cinemas and religious centres.The Capitol, Scarborough, a former ciné-variety theatre now in use as a bingo hall. 

Image: Ian Grundy.