We were delighted to welcome the Frank Matcham Society last Saturday, for a history tour of the Theatre, followed by lunch and the matinee performance of Ruby & the Vinyl.

It was a privilege to host the group for their first in-person event since before the pandemic and share knowledge and stories about our Victorian theatre and its renowned architect.

The Frank Matcham Society was founded in 1994 by Arthur Starkie, marking the centenary of Theatre Royal Wakefield. Ours is the smallest of Matcham’s surviving Theatres and we are one of only 26 which survive today, alongside the Blackpool Grand, Shepherd’s Bush Empire and the London Coliseum.

Our auditorium is characteristic of Frank Matcham’s early designs and many of the building’s quirks originate from Matcham’s approach to the audience experience.

You can find out more about Frank Matcham and the society on their website.