
Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
A historic Victorian theatre and a modern concert hall offering diverse performances with excellent acoustics and central Nottingham location.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better ticket availability

Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better ticket availability

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Victorian theatre and a modern concert hall offering diverse performances with excellent acoustics and central Nottingham location.
"Blessed to have so many great concert and theatres venues in Nottingham!"

🎯 Book tickets in advance
Popular shows sell out quickly! Secure your spot early for the best seats and prices.
👟 Limited legroom warning
The Theatre Royal can have tight seating. Arrive early to settle in and adjust.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Grandeur
Theatre Royal
Step back in time in the stunning Victorian theatre, a truly immersive experience.

Acoustic Excellence
Royal Concert Hall
Experience crystal-clear sound for concerts and performances in this modern hall.

Diverse Performances
Both venues
From musicals and plays to top music artists, there's always something captivating on.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Arrive Early for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book tickets in advance
Popular shows sell out quickly! Secure your spot early for the best seats and prices.
👟 Limited legroom warning
The Theatre Royal can have tight seating. Arrive early to settle in and adjust.
Experience at theatre royal
Royal Concert Hall “potentially restricted view” seats
🚗 Easy transport access
Park and Ride trams drop you right outside – super convenient!
🚻 Toilet queues can be long
Especially for women at the Concert Hall. Plan accordingly or visit during intermission.
Moving to Nottingham
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book tickets in advance
Popular shows sell out quickly! Secure your spot early for the best seats and prices.
👟 Limited legroom warning
The Theatre Royal can have tight seating. Arrive early to settle in and adjust.
🚗 Easy transport access
Park and Ride trams drop you right outside – super convenient!
🚻 Toilet queues can be long
Especially for women at the Concert Hall. Plan accordingly or visit during intermission.
📱 Check show times
Confirm start times and any specific venue guidelines before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall for their diverse programming and impressive architecture, with the Concert Hall lauded for its acoustics. Staff are generally helpful, and transport links are excellent. However, some find the Theatre Royal's seating cramped and the Concert Hall's toilet facilities, particularly for women, can lead to long queues.
"We are so blessed to have so many great concert and theatres venues in Nottingham. The theatre royal is fabulous for plays and the concert hall for artists. On this occasion I went to see " Queen of the Night " A Whitney Houston tribute . The whole show was fantastic, she looked and sounded like Whitney , the band was top class and all engaged so well with the audience. Loved the show. As for the Concert Hall, great seating and views, fabulous acoustic, friendly helpful staff and very good pricing. Downsides, no bar and very poor toilet facilities, especially for women where the queue is huge. If they got those two things upgraded would easily be a 5 star venue."
Sam Burbidge
"Amazing venue! Performed at the Royal Concert Hall for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been to gigs here but always wanted to play on the stage. It didn’t disappoint! Just a wonderful room to perform and the audience were brilliant. Highly recommended!"
David Graham
"Stunning venue, feel like you're taken back in time in the actual theatre, itself! Not much foot room, though, in normal seating. But that just me being a little picky! Great access for disabled, wheelchair user's etc, Informative & friendly staff! Bars on most levels,lift to all floors!"
Gaynor Love
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The venues are centrally located in Nottingham. The easiest way is often the Park and Ride tram service, which stops directly outside the Royal Concert Hall. Driving is also an option, with several car parks nearby, though they can be expensive.
Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance. Lace Market Car Park and St James's Street Car Park are popular choices. Consider pre-booking parking to save time and potentially money.
Both venues are well-equipped for wheelchair users. The Royal Concert Hall has lifts to all floors and accessible seating. The Theatre Royal also offers accessible seating and staff are helpful.
Absolutely! Nottingham's bus and tram networks serve the city centre extensively. The Royal Concert Hall is right next to the Theatre Royal, making it a convenient hub for public transport users.
Nottingham Station is the main train station, located about a 15-20 minute walk from the venues. Taxis and buses are readily available from the station to take you directly there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall website, by phone, or in person at the box office. It's advisable to book in advance for popular performances.
The box office typically opens from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with reduced hours on Sundays and bank holidays. It's always best to check the official website for the most current opening times.
For some performances, tickets may be available on the door, but it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Concessions are often available for students, seniors, and children. Some shows may offer group discounts. Check the specific performance details on the venue's website for eligibility.
Generally, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled. It's important to review the venue's terms and conditions when purchasing tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Theatre Royal offers a historic and intimate setting. However, some visitors note that legroom can be limited in certain seating areas. Arriving early can help you get settled.
The Royal Concert Hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics, making it a fantastic venue for music performances. Audiences consistently praise the clear and immersive sound experience.
Yes, both venues have bars serving a range of drinks and snacks. While the Concert Hall has bars on most levels, some reviews mention the Theatre Royal's bar facilities might be more limited.
Toilet facilities are available, but some reviews, particularly for the Royal Concert Hall, mention that queues can be long, especially for women during intermissions.
Wi-Fi availability can vary. It's best to check with venue staff upon arrival or look for signage. For quick updates or sharing experiences, mobile data is usually reliable in the city centre.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the venues are in Nottingham's city centre, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a wide variety of cuisines and price points. You'll find options from casual dining to more upscale experiences.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the performance venues. However, the venues do offer refreshments for purchase, including snacks and beverages.
The venues typically offer a selection of popular snacks like popcorn, crisps, and confectionery, along with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Prices are standard for entertainment venues.
Many restaurants in the vicinity offer pre-theatre menus, perfect for a meal before a show. It's a good idea to book these in advance, especially on busy performance nights.
There is no strict dress code. Most attendees opt for smart casual attire. For more formal events or opera, some may dress up, but comfort is generally key.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are generally not permitted during performances to avoid disturbing other audience members and due to copyright restrictions. However, taking photos of the venue's architecture before or after the show is usually fine.
The Victorian architecture of the Theatre Royal is very photogenic, offering many opportunities for stunning shots. The exterior of both buildings is also impressive, especially at night.
The exterior looks beautiful both during the day and when illuminated at night. Golden hour, just before sunset, can also provide lovely lighting for exterior shots.
This varies by performance and venue policy. It's best to check with ushers or venue staff. Some shows may allow it, while others strictly prohibit it.
The grand staircase and ornate interiors of the Theatre Royal are popular spots. The exterior facade of both buildings also makes for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Theatre Royal's seating can be cozy, the Royal Concert Hall generally offers more space. For very young children, consider the Royal Concert Hall for its modern amenities and potentially more comfortable seating arrangements. Always check the age recommendations for specific shows to ensure a suitable experience for your family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing Nottingham's Park and Ride tram service is a cost-effective way to reach the venues, especially if you're driving from outside the city centre, saving on city parking fees. For dining, explore the numerous cafes and casual eateries surrounding the venues for more affordable meal options before or after the show, rather than relying solely on venue concessions.
couples
Consider booking seats in the stalls or dress circle for the best views and atmosphere. Many restaurants in the city centre offer pre-theatre dining menus, perfect for a delightful dinner before your show. This combination of a great performance and a nice meal makes for a perfect date night.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tale of Two Venues: Theatre Royal vs. Royal Concert Hall
The Royal Concert Hall, on the other hand, is a modern counterpart, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. This venue is the go-to for concerts, comedy acts, and larger-scale musical performances. Its design prioritizes sound quality, ensuring a superb auditory experience for every attendee. While the Concert Hall offers a more contemporary feel, it also boasts excellent accessibility features and spacious seating, making it a comfortable choice for a wide range of visitors.
Together, these venues form a dynamic cultural hub in Nottingham, offering a diverse program that caters to varied tastes. Whether you're seeking the grandeur of a classic play or the clarity of a live musical performance, this complex delivers. Understanding the unique characteristics of each venue can help you choose the perfect performance and ensure a memorable visit.
Navigating Accessibility and Comfort
While the Theatre Royal offers a more historic ambiance, it also strives for accessibility. Wheelchair users can be accommodated, and staff are on hand to help ensure a smooth visit. However, as mentioned, some visitors find the legroom in the Theatre Royal's seating to be somewhat limited. This is a common characteristic of older theatres, so arriving a little early can help you get settled and make the most of your space. For those with mobility concerns, the Park and Ride tram service is a significant advantage, dropping you directly at the venue's doorstep, minimizing walking.
When planning your visit, especially if you have specific accessibility requirements, it's always a good idea to contact the venue directly or check their website for the most detailed and up-to-date information. This proactive approach can help ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on the performance.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit