Theatres at Risk Register 2025 announced
We have just published our annual register of theatres under threat of permanent closure, redevelopment, or demolition across the UK.
This year’s Theatres at Risk Register consists of 43 theatres, which all have strong architectural merit, cultural heritage or value to the local community as performance venues. See the full Theatres at Risk Register 2025.
We’ve added five more theatres to the list, all local authority owned, mid to small scale venues located outside of major cities. One theatre, Hyde Theatre Royal, has been removed as the building is no longer at risk. See the complete Theatres at Risk Register 2025 at a glance.
Now in its 19th year, the Theatres at Risk Register calls the public’s attention to these important buildings, their challenges, and the significant cultural opportunities they can bring to local communities. Since the list began in 2006, more than 80 theatres have been restored, revived, or had a suitable replacement built.
Theatres added to the Theatres at Risk Register 2025
Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre and Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock are both at risk due to pressures on local authority budgets, leading to councils seeking savings by closing their theatres, cuts in subsidy, or a lack of ability to pay for crucial maintenance and repair work.
The other three new additions, The Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema in Redhill, and Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre are all theatres that have been closed for more than a year due to the presence of the crumbling material Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The Brunton Theatre and Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre have been recommended for demolition due to the high costs of repairs, and a decision on the future of The Harlequin is imminent.
Theatre Royal Hyde removed from Theatres at Risk Register
Theatre Royal Hyde has been removed from the 2025 Theatres at Risk Register as, although it has not returned to theatrical use, it is being maintained and used by its current owners so the threat of harm to the building has been greatly reduced.
Theatres at Risk making progress
There has been steady progress with other theatres on the register, in particular at Morecambe Winter Gardens where the capital project has advanced enough for its ‘Risk Factor’ sector to be lowered. There have also been positive signs at other theatres that Theatres Trust is giving increased support to through its Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme of grants, training and expert advice, including Burnley Empire and Leith Theatre.
Download the Theatres at Risk Register 2025 press release
Get involved
A successful outcome for a theatre on the Theatres at Risk Register depends upon positive, collaborative working. Theatres Trust is here to support local authorities, building owners / operators and community groups to identify the best way forward and support theatres on their journey to restoration and reopening.
We’ve put together guidance for local authorities on ways of supporting Theatres at Risk and would urge any local authority concerned about a theatre in their area to get in touch with us.
If you are member of the public that is passionate about helping to revive a Theatre at Risk, there are number of ways you can play a part:
- If there is already a local community group, you may be able join, volunteer or make donation
- Form a community group to help save a local theatre – we’ve put together some tips for running a successful community campaign
- Support our work at Theatres Trust – this could be by becoming a supporter, making a donation, or help us reach a wider audience by sharing our social media posts with your networks
Image credits:
The Brunton Theatre
Prince of Wales Theatre
Theatre Royal Hyde
Morecambe Winter Gardens, courtesy of Morecambe Winter Gardens Trust
Leith Theatre, courtesy of Leith Theatre Trust