The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

SoGlos.com’s Theatre & Comedy section is proudly sponsored by The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Find out more about the historic theatre, take a virtual tour and discover what performances are taking to the stage in the coming months...

The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham is one of Gloucestershire’s most popular arts and entertainment venues, offering audiences a jam-packed line-up of shows, performances and special events spanning the genres from ballet, opera, drama and dance to comedy and music – not to mention the ever-popular family panto, which is set to be Aladdin for 2008.

Below you’ll find a photo gallery giving a virtual tour of the theatre, an insight into its rich 117-year history and a snapshot of what performances are coming up. For more information see The Everyman Theatre, email admin@everymantheatre.org.uk or call (01242) 572573, and don't forget to visit everymantheatre.org.uk where you can book tickets, and pick your seat for the best view, directly online.

The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham photo gallery

The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham history

Opened as The New Theatre & Opera House in October 1891, the theatre enjoyed a triumphant start staging a mix of classical plays and serious dramas – with famous actors including Lily Langtry, Ellen Terry, HB Irving and even Charlie Chaplin having all walked the boards in the early days.

Changing hands in 1925, the theatre’s new owners set about bringing more variety to the stage – including ballet, opera and comedy – while World War II meant the closing of many London theatres, and with it the opportunity for actors to continue to ply their trade in Cheltenham.

Audience numbers sadly fell after the war, with new picture houses providing an irresistible lure, and so in 1959 it was announced that The New Theatre & Opera House would draw the curtain for the last time.

Local townspeople had other ideas, however, and the Cheltenham Theatre Association was formed to raise funds and reinstate what was already an important cultural institution. Less than six-months later, in May 1960, and the venue had been overhauled with new fittings, a new company and a new name; The Everyman Theatre was born.

With a new name reflecting that this was a theatre for all, The Everyman Theatre moved away from acting as a touring theatre to become a repertory company – and Cheltenham audiences soon had the good fortune of seeing rising stars on the stage in their hometown, including Steven Berkoff and Harold Pinter.

By the end of the 1970s, having proven popular, it was time for a refurbishment, with no less than £3m being dedicated to renovating the magnificent auditorium, originally designed by great Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham, backstage areas and catering facilities.

In the mid 1990s The Everyman Theatre returned to its touring roots and, after an amazing 117 years, remains an important part of Gloucestershire’s cultural heritage, attracting theatre-lovers from far and wide.

See The Everyman Theatre, visit everymantheatre.org.uk, email admin@everymantheatre.org.uk or call (01242) 572573 for more information.

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