9 Impressive Theatres In & Around Coventry You Must Visit

Coventry in central England is renowned for its exceptional theatres featuring drama, opera, pantomime, stand-up comedy, musicals, and more.

If you’re a drama enthusiast looking for a rich cultural experience in this UK city, this guide would be just what you’re looking for!

Discover the 9 best Coventry theatre venues where you can witness mesmerising performances (and a unique venue that no longer exists!) 

Read More: Here’s a fascinating read on Symphony Hall, Birmingham for every theatre buff.  Spend the perfect day out with your family and explore these 12 Spectacular Water Parks In & Around Coventry.

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9 Captivating Theatres In and Around Coventry For an Immersive Experience

1. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
2. The Albany Theatre, Coventry
3. Shop Front Theatre (Theatre Absolute), Coventry
4. The Criterion Theatre, Coventry
5. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
6. Royal Opera House, London
7. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
8. Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
9. Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham

New Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry: A Gem From the Bygone Era

9 Captivating Theatres In and Around Coventry For an Immersive Experience

Here’s our curated list of the best theatres to explore during your stay in Coventry: 

1. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Head to the first civic theatre built in Great Britain after WWII, which is now a Grade II listed building. The theatre’s exquisite foyer was designed by architect Bernard Schottlander. 

Distinguished actors such as Ian McKellen, Michael Crawford, and many more have been a part of several productions at the Belgrade theatre. Even legendary pantomime performers Iain Lauchlan and Craig Hollingsworth have appeared in multiple shows. 

Under the creative leadership of Artistic Director Hamish Glen, the theatre has delivered stellar productions like One Night in November and The Owl and the Pussycat.

The theatre’s prestigious legacy draws audiences from every part of the world. 

Address: Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS, West Midlands
Website: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 24 7655 3055
Entry fee: From £10
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10 am-2 pm

Upcoming events:

• Calling Planet Earth (22 July 2022)
• The Allesley Silas (23-30 July 2022)
• The Great British Seaside Show (31 August 2022)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: St Johns Church (Stop Cs4) (2 min walk)
Train: Canley (32 min walk)

Nearby attractions: Belgrade Plaza (1 min drive), Midland Air Museum (13 mins drive)

2. The Albany Theatre, Coventry

The Albany Theatre is renowned for staging admirable ballet performances, musicals, comedy shows, and other local productions. 

Managed by the Coventry City Council, the spectacular building houses a bar, a charming meeting area, and the main box office. 

Address: Premier Inn Coventry City Centre (Earlsdon Park) Hotel, Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.albanytheatre.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 24 7699 8964
Entry fee: From £9
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10:30 am-1:30 pm

Upcoming events:

• National Drama Conference (23 July 2022)
• Darkside Pink Floyd 2022 (17 September 2022)
• The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes (25 October 2022)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: Butts (2 min walk)
Train: Coventry (25 min walk)

Nearby attractions: War Memorial Park (4 min drive), Herbert Art Gallery & Museum (4 min drive)

3. Shop Front Theatre (Theatre Absolute), Coventry

This theatre brings experimental art performances to life by collaborating with provincial actors, comedians, poets, and visual artists. 

If you’re interested in thought-provoking narratives addressing a wide range of societal issues, drop by this live performance venue for an unforgettable experience.  

Address: 38 City Arcade, Coventry CV1 3HW
Website: https://www.theatreabsolute.co.uk/shop-front-theatre/
Phone No.: +44 77 9929 2957
Entry Fee: N/A
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 10 am-6 pm

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: Corporation Street (Stop BS1) (9 min walk)
Train: Canley (35 min walk)

Nearby attractions: Coventry Transport Museum (3 min drive), Coventry Canal Basin (6 min drive)

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4. The Criterion Theatre, Coventry

Putting on seven main house and two studio productions each year, The Criterion Theatre showcases the excellent work of exceptional musicians and performers. 

Besides enchanting audiences with an exciting mix of theatrical shows, the playhouse also runs workshops for children and aspiring actors. 

Address: Berkeley Road S, Earlsdon, Coventry CV5 6EF, West Midlands
Website: https://www.criteriontheatre.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 24 7667 5175
Entry fee: From £5.50

Upcoming events:

• Drama Festival Conference on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (23 July 2022)
• Mary Stuart (3-10 September 2022)
• The Haunting (29 Oct- 5 Nov)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: Elsie Jones House (1 min walk)
Train: Canley (20 min walk)

Nearby attractions: The Coventry Music Museum (9 min drive), Belgrade Square (6 min drive)

5. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Maintained by the Coventry City Council and considered one of the best cultural centres in Coventry city, Warwick Arts Centre is home to three spectacular cinema halls. 

Spend an exciting evening with friends by getting a ticket to any musical event or relish mouth-watering dishes at their on-premise restaurant, Benugo Bar & Kitchen. 

Address: University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 24 7649 6000
Entry fee: From £10
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10 am-11 pm, Sun: 12 pm-11 pm

Upcoming events:

• Sunday Classic: First Blood (17 July 2022)
• To The Streets! (24-25 August 2022)
• Aurora Orchestra (7 October 2022)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: University Interchange (Stop Uw4) (4 min walk)
Train: Canley (32 min walk)

Nearby attractions: War Memorial Park (9 min drive), Belgrade Plaza (12 min drive)

6. Royal Opera House, London

Are you a fan of the performing arts? 

Then you must visit the Royal Opera House in London at least once! 

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, there’s plenty for you to experience – watch ballet, listen to opera, or simply admire the building’s stunning architecture. 

Here are some of the eminent artists who’ve performed on this world stage: 

• Joyce DiDonato
• Plácido Domingo
• Renée Fleming
• Juan Diego Flórez
• Angela Gheorghiu
• Jonas Kaufmann, and more. 

Address: Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD
Website: https://www.roh.org.uk/
Phone No.: +44 20 7240 1200
Entry fee: From £3
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 12 pm till after the last evening performance

Upcoming events: 

• Professor Brian Cox– Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey (2-7 August 2022)
• Bill Bailey (11-14 August 2022)
• Don Giovanni (8-26 September 2022)

Nearby bus/tube stations:
Bus: Savoy Street (U) (1 min walk)
Tube: Holborn (6 min walk)

Nearby attractions: The British Museum (6 min drive), The National Gallery (7 min drive)
Distance from Coventry: 108 miles

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7. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Visit the theatre popularly referred to as the “New Alex” by locals. It stages an exciting mix of comedy shows, musicals, and live concerts every year. 

Encourage your children to sign up for the highly coveted Stage Experience event, where they’ll perform a wide range of musicals for audiences on the main stage!

Address: Suffolk, Queensway, Birmingham B5 4DS, West Midlands
Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
Phone No.: 0800 912 6973
Entry fee: From £12
Opening times: Mon-Sun: 9 am-8 pm

Upcoming events:

• Into The Groove – The Ultimate Tribute to Madonna (31 July-4 Nov 2022)
• Jersey Boys (27 September 2022)
• Les Misérables (12 July-19 Nov 2022)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: Alexandra Theatre (Stop Sf1) (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (13 min walk)

Nearby attractions: Ikon Gallery (6 mins drive), Trefoil House (3 mins drive)
Distance from Coventry: 25 miles

8. Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham

Birmingham Hippodrome is the city’s flagship theatre that hosts prestigious British artists and the best pantomime performers.      

Get access to a plush lounge and indulge in delicious meals before or after any event at this cultural facility.

Address: Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
Phone No.: 0844 338 5000, 0844 338 6500
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10 am-8 pm

Upcoming events:

• One Dance, One City exhibition (8 July-2 October 2022)
• The Cher Show (2 August-6 August 2022)
• The Color Purple (13-17 September 2022)

Nearby bus station:
Bus: Sumner Road (2 min walk)
Train: New Street (5 min walk)

Nearby attractions: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (14 min drive), O2 Academy Birmingham (6 min drive)
Distance from Coventry: 27 miles

9. Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham

Located an hour’s drive from Coventry city, this exciting live performance venue boasts three stages in Birmingham – The House, The Door and The Studio. 

Discover the excellent work of acclaimed artists from different cultures. Feel free to reach out to the supportive staff at the Box Office for any queries related to your ticket or the upcoming event. 

Address: 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP
Website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 236 4455
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 11 am-11:30 pm

Upcoming events:

• Bugsy Malone (27 July-14 August 2022)
• Counting and Cracking (19-27 August 2022)
• Ballet Black (28 September 2022)

Nearby bus/train stations:
Bus: Baskerville House (2 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (26 min walk)

Nearby attractions: The Coffin Works (4 min drive), National Sea Life Centre (6 min drive)
Distance from Coventry: 26 miles

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The list of magnificent theatres in this UK city wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of the former Coventry Theatre that was once nestled on Hales Street.

New Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry: A Gem From the Bygone Era

Opened in 1937 as the New Hippodrome Theatre, it was renamed the Coventry Theatre in 1955. During this time, it was owned by Sam Newsome.

Sam Newsome called this theatre on Hales Street ‘The Showplace Of The Midlands,’ and the venue welcomed iconic British comedians and performers throughout the 1950s and 60s. 

Award-winning singer Barbara Dickson gave a sensational performance before the Coventry Theatre was shut down in 1985 and demolished in 2002. It gave way to the Millennium Place project.