List of theatres at risk in 2024 revealed by the Theatres Trust

The Theatres Trust, a charity dedicated to safeguarding UK theatres, has unveiled its annual Theatres at Risk Register, spotlighting theatres across the country facing potential closure, redevelopment, or severe decay.

The 2024 register identifies 39 theatres with strong architectural merit, cultural heritage, or community value. New additions include the Abbeydale Picture House in Sheffield, a Grade II listed former cine-variety theatre, and the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, which faces an uncertain future due to lease issues.

The Dudley Hippodrome has been removed from the list as it was demolished in autumn 2023 to make way for a new university building.

Gary Kemp, Theatres Trust Ambassador, musician and actor said today: “Theatres are an essential part of our cultural life and bring so much to communities everywhere. I’m proud to support Theatres Trust in its mission to ensure these wonderful buildings survive for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture, councillor Harry Doyle, added: “We welcome the move to add the Epstein to the risk register as this offers renewed hope for this extraordinary space. In their role as intermediary, the Theatres Trust can now ensure there are productive conversations between the commercial landlord and any potential operators, with the shared ambition to find a positive solution which would see this important cultural asset reopening its doors.”

List of theatres on the 2024 register:

1. Brighton Hippodrome
2. Theatre Royal Margate
3. Victoria Pavilion / Winter Gardens, Morecambe
4. Hulme Hippodrome
5. Plymouth Palace
6. Victoria Theatre, Salford
7. Groundlings Theatre, Portsea
8. Spilsby Session house
9. Streatham Hill Theatre, London
10. Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech
11. Winter Gardens Pavilion, Blackpool
12. Abbeydale Picture House, Sheffield – a new addition
13. Burnley Empire
14. Garston Empire, Liverpool
15. Intimate Theatre, London
16. Mechanics’ Institute, Swindon
17. Tottenham Palace Theatre, London
18. Leith Theatre, Edinburgh
19. Epstein Theatre, Liverpool – a new addition
20. Joe Longthorne Theatre, Blackpool
21. Roundhouse Theatre, Dover
22. Co-op Music Hall, Ramsbottom
23. Doncaster Grand
24. Garrick Theatre, Southport
25. King’s Theatre, Dundee
26. Amulet Theatre, Shepton Mallet
27. Conwy Civic Hall (Cube)
28. Derby Hippodrome
29. Borough Hall, Greenwich
30. Kings Theatre, Kirkcaldy
31. Thameside Theatre, Grays
32. Tameside Hippodrome, Ashton-under-Lyne
33. Globe Theatre, Plymouth
34. Imperial Theatre, Walsall
35. Regent Theatre, Great Yarmouth
36. Clair Hall, Haywards Heath
37. Netherton Arts Centre, Dudley
38. Theatre Royal, Hyde
39. Theatre Royal, Manchester