Nestled in the heart of the city we are Norwich’s community theatre. As a charitable arts organisation, we exist to support community engagement through affordable performing arts, entertainment, events and education. If you’re looking for an evening of fantastic entertainment, somewhere to grow your creative talents or a chance to get closer to the action, then look no further!
The theatre was originally built as a Roman Catholic chapel in 1794. It was small, the main body of the building measuring only forty by forty-six feet. However, a vaulted ceiling gave it excellent acoustics; more importantly, it already had galleries on three sides. The building was quickly converted from a state of near-dereliction into an Elizabethan style playhouse.
The Maddermarket Theatre opened in 1921, with their resident theatre company, The Norwich Players. They have never been short of ambition and were the first company in the world to stage the entire Shakespeare canon twice.
The theatre’s resident company has productions in the beautiful 300-seat main auditorium and intimate Emmerson Studio every other month. Whether it is theatre to make you laugh, gasp or reflect, we’re making it throughout the year and we would love you to join us.
At other times the theatre is an established presence on the professional touring circuit, giving audiences everything from stand-up comedy to hair-raising rock and much more in between.
Other details
Tours are available upon request. To book a tour, which can last approximately 1 hour, please contact [email protected]
To hire costumes, the auditorium or the bar, check the website under Hire Us.
The theatre is run by volunteers and to find out more, or become a volunteer front of house or backstage, please contact [email protected].
If you would like to act at the theatre check the website under Get Involved > Auditions.
