
Roman Theatre Verulamium
Discover the oldest producing theatre in the UK, a unique Roman stage from 140 AD, offering magical open-air performances.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Outdoor theatre magic

Roman Theatre Verulamium
Best Time
Outdoor theatre magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the oldest producing theatre in the UK, a unique Roman stage from 140 AD, offering magical open-air performances.
"A beautiful, stunning location for an event with brilliant acoustics and a truly magical atmosphere."

🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets Early
Summer performances sell out fast! Check the OVO Theatre website for schedules and book in advance.
🧥 Bring a Blanket
Evenings can get chilly, especially during performances. A blanket will make your experience more comfortable.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roman Theatre Stage
Main Arena
Witness the oldest producing theatre in the UK, a unique Roman stage dating back to 140 AD.

Outdoor Theatre Performances
Theatre Arena
Experience Shakespeare and other plays under the stars in a truly historic and atmospheric setting.

Verulamium Park Exploration
Surrounding Park
Wander through the park, discovering remnants of the Roman city, including walls and a hypocaust.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting There and Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets Early
Summer performances sell out fast! Check the OVO Theatre website for schedules and book in advance.
🧥 Bring a Blanket
Evenings can get chilly, especially during performances. A blanket will make your experience more comfortable.
🚗 Parking Near Museum
Park at the Verulamium Museum across the road; on-site parking is limited.
🚶 Explore the Park
Don't just see the theatre; wander through Verulamium Park to find other Roman remnants.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Theatre Tickets Early
Summer performances sell out fast! Check the OVO Theatre website for schedules and book in advance.
🧥 Bring a Blanket
Evenings can get chilly, especially during performances. A blanket will make your experience more comfortable.
🚗 Parking Near Museum
Park at the Verulamium Museum across the road; on-site parking is limited.
🚶 Explore the Park
Don't just see the theatre; wander through Verulamium Park to find other Roman remnants.
🎶 Enjoy the Atmosphere
The theatre is beautifully lit for shows, creating a magical ambiance for picnics and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Roman Theatre Verulamium for its stunning historical setting and the magical atmosphere, especially during summer evening performances. The unique stage and the surrounding park with other Roman remnants are significant draws. While the theatre experience is highly rated, some note that the on-site facilities could be improved, and advise booking tickets well in advance for popular shows.
"Great evening seeing .. A Funny thing happened on the way to the Forum … very funny and great actors .. it was a musical and the singing was really excellent. Great Production … Took a little blanket for our legs as around 9 pm got a little chilly , two musicians playing the music , exceeded my expectations and great to see a live outdoor comedy play .. park in the museum across the road as no parking there . Well done the players !! There is a bar area and another small cabin in the arena area selling drinks , crisps , ice cream .. all beautifully lit with bulbs around the top if the arena and seating for pre show picnics / drinks . Really lovely atmosphere and much improved surroundings since I last went a few years ago ."
Sue Platford
"What a beautiful, stunning location for an event. All seating has a great view. Staff are friendly, toilets are clean and acoustics are brilliant"
Alexis Noble
"This place is a must when you’re in St Albans, and at a mere £3, it’s well worth it. The theatre dates to around 140AD and is very well preserved. They still put on performances here, and while I wasn’t able to see one, I bet it’s an extraordinary experience. In addition to the theatre, there are also the remains of a row of shops, a villa, and a shrine, so be sure to check those out while you’re here."
Caleb Lohr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roman Theatre Verulamium is easily accessible from London. Take a fast train from London King's Cross to St Albans, which takes about 25 minutes. From St Albans station, it's a pleasant walk to Verulamium Park where the theatre is located.
While there isn't direct parking at the theatre itself, visitors can park at the nearby Verulamium Museum across the road.
Yes, the Roman Theatre is situated within Verulamium Park, making it a walkable distance from St Albans city centre and the train station.
Besides trains, local bus services operate to St Albans, providing further public transport options to reach the vicinity of Verulamium Park.
The park grounds are generally accessible, but specific pathways within the theatre area might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check with the venue for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Roman Theatre itself is typically around £3 per adult. This fee grants access to the theatre and other Roman remains within the site.
If you are visiting just to see the ruins, booking in advance is usually not necessary. However, for specific theatre performances, booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out.
The Roman Theatre and Verulamium Park are generally accessible during daylight hours. For specific performance times, always check the OVO Theatre's official schedule.
Concession prices may be available for certain groups, such as children or seniors, especially for ticketed performances. It's best to check the OVO Theatre website for details.
Yes, you can visit the Roman Theatre and explore the ruins as a historical site for a small admission fee, even when there are no performances scheduled.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built around 140 AD, the Roman Theatre of Verulamium is unique in Britain as a theatre with a stage, rather than an amphitheatre. It hosted religious processions, combat, and later, theatrical performances.
Besides the theatre, you can explore other Roman remains within Verulamium Park, including parts of the Roman City Wall, a hypocaust (underfloor heating system), and the remnants of shops and a villa.
Absolutely! The Roman Theatre is the oldest producing theatre in the UK and hosts the OVO Theatre's annual summer open-air festival, featuring plays, musicals, and comedy.
Audiences describe the atmosphere as magical, especially on warm summer evenings as the sun sets. The theatre is beautifully lit, creating a unique ambiance for pre-show picnics and drinks.
During performances, there are bar areas and cabins selling drinks, crisps, and ice cream. Toilets are also available and are noted as clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the theatre's stage and seating area, especially during golden hour. The surrounding park also offers picturesque views of the Roman ruins.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted during performances to avoid disturbing the actors and audience. It's best to check with the venue.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and public parks to ensure safety and preserve the environment. Always check local regulations and venue policies before flying a drone.
A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the theatre and closer details of the ruins would be ideal. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during evening performances.
The view from the upper seating tiers offers a panoramic perspective of the theatre. Don't miss capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, especially at dusk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For theatre performances, choose shows that are family-friendly. The open-air setting is generally more relaxed for children than indoor venues. Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a blanket for comfort during longer shows. The nearby Verulamium Museum also provides more context and exhibits that can engage younger minds.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the theatre, the adjacent Verulamium Museum (part of St Albans Museums) houses a wealth of artifacts and information about Roman life in Britain. The combination of the outdoor ruins and the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Verulamium's significance as a major Roman town.
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
Experiencing a performance here means immersing yourself in history while enjoying top-tier entertainment. The unique ambiance, combined with excellent acoustics and quality productions, makes for a memorable theatrical outing. Booking tickets in advance is crucial, and arriving early to enjoy a picnic in the arena adds to the overall experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Roman Theatre of Verulamium
Over time, the stage area evolved, and by approximately 180 AD, it became a focal point for theatrical performances. Today, this ancient venue continues its legacy as the oldest producing theatre in the UK. It is famously home to the OVO Theatre's annual summer open-air festival, drawing audiences for Shakespearean plays, comedies, and musicals. The experience of watching a performance here, bathed in the glow of evening lights, is often described as magical and unforgettable.
Visitors can explore the theatre ruins and the surrounding Verulamium Park, which itself is dotted with other remnants of the Roman city. These include sections of the original Roman City Wall, a well-preserved hypocaust system that showcases Roman underfloor heating, and the foundations of shops and a villa. The site offers a comprehensive glimpse into the daily life and entertainment of Roman Verulamium.
Experiencing Live Theatre at Verulamium
Performances range from classic Shakespearean dramas to contemporary comedies and musicals. Reviewers often praise the high quality of the productions, noting excellent acting and singing, even in an outdoor setting. The acoustics are also frequently commended, ensuring that every word and note can be heard clearly throughout the arena. It's an experience that blends historical immersion with contemporary entertainment.
To make the most of your theatre experience, it's recommended to book tickets well in advance, as popular shows can sell out quickly. Visitors also suggest bringing a blanket for comfort, as evenings can become cool. There are facilities for purchasing drinks and snacks on-site, and the surrounding park is perfect for a pre-show picnic.
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