The building was constructed on the site of the former Century Theatre, which was a mobile venue that traveled in caravans.
The structure features a unique design meant to echo the natural amphitheater shape of the surrounding fells.
It is the only year-round professional producing theatre in the Lake District.
The theatre is designed to be highly accessible with no steps from the car park to the main entrance.
The venue serves as the primary hub for the annual Keswick Mountain Festival and Words by the Water literary festival.
Theatre By The Lake is situated on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, within the Lake District National Park. The venue features two distinct performance spaces: the 400-seat Main House and the 100-seat Studio. It operates as a year-round producing theatre, creating its own professional main-stage productions alongside a touring program. The building itself is a modern construction opened in 1999 to replace the former Century Theatre. It houses a cafe and bar area with large windows overlooking the lake and surrounding fells. The theatre hosts various literary, mountain, and film festivals throughout the calendar year.
The terrace outside the cafe-bar, which provides an unobstructed view of Derwentwater and Catbells fell.
Book a table in the cafe-bar before the show to ensure seating with a lakeside view.
Check the theatre's website for 'backstage tours' which are occasionally offered during non-performance times.
Arrive early to walk the short path along the lake shore directly behind the building.
Do not wait until the night of the show to purchase tickets for popular productions, as they frequently sell out in advance.
Open year-round; main stage productions operate in repertory seasons, while the venue hosts various external festivals during off-peak months.
Smart-casual attire is standard; silence mobile devices during performances.
