The theatre is built on the site of a former inn, The Star and Garter.
Architect Frank Matcham, who designed the current auditorium, was responsible for over 150 theatres, including the London Palladium.
The 2015 restoration included the addition of a new wing that houses an education center and studio theatre.
The venue survived extensive bombing during the Portsmouth Blitz in the 1940s, though it sustained significant damage.
It is one of the few remaining examples of late Victorian theatre design that retains its original structural integrity.
The theatre functions as a partnership between the University of Portsmouth and the local arts community.
The New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth is a Grade II listed Victorian venue featuring a horseshoe-shaped auditorium designed by Frank Matcham. Originally opened in 1856, the theatre underwent a major reconstruction following a fire in 1900 and a significant restoration project completed in 2015. It functions as both a professional touring house and a creative hub for the local community and university students. The venue stages a diverse program ranging from West End touring musicals and plays to comedy, contemporary dance, and family-oriented variety performances. Its architectural focus includes a distinctive ornate proscenium arch and classic theatre boxes. The facility includes a dedicated studio space for smaller-scale productions and educational workshops. It is integrated into the cultural quarter of the city, serving as a primary performance space in Hampshire.
From the center of the Dress Circle looking toward the stage to capture the full scope of the Victorian proscenium and gilded plasterwork.
Check the 'Studio' space listings if you prefer more intimate, avant-garde performances over main-stage shows.
Arrive early to view the exhibition panels in the foyer that detail the theatre's Victorian architectural history.
Book seats in the Dress Circle for the best sightlines of the historic proscenium arch.
Do not wait until the day of the show to book, as popular touring productions frequently sell out weeks in advance.
Smart-casual is the standard; avoid wearing heavy outerwear in the auditorium as seating is compact.
