Behind the Scenes at Preston Playhouse
The Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HB
The Playhouse was built in 1847 as a Friends Meeting House, used by the Quakers for worship. It was described as 'a square, neat-looking, five-windowed building', though at that point it was accessed from Friargate through an alley. Its ceiling was built especially high to ensure 'purity of air' for the congregation, which must have helped its conversion to a theatre a hundred years later.
Preston Drama Club took over the building in 1949, created a more prominent entrance and foyer on Market Street West, and it has been a theatre ever since, with regular performances by local drama groups.
There are tours regularly throughout the day - turn up and join the next one. The Playhouse volunteers take you through the building, providing fascinating insights into its history, development and operation.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- Frequent tours 1000-1600
Location & directions
The Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HB
- Contact on day:
- Dennis Yardley
- Telephone number:
- +441772495325
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Wheelchair access to ground floor only. Tour involves three floors, with no lift access.
Additional information
The Playhouse is handy for the city centre - cross Ringway at the bottom of Friargate and turn right up to Market Street West, or from the Market go down the side of the new cinema, cross the road, and turn left. The Playhouse is just off Ringway on the left. Trinity car park - pay and display - is the nearest.
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
