Heritage Open Day 2026
Heritage Open Day 2026
A rare opportunity to learn more about our Grade II listed theatre, and the Mill Studio, which has hosted an amazing list of stars since it opened in 1965.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened to the public in June 1965 with a star-studded gala, attended by Dirk Bogarde, Susan Hampshire, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Redgrave and many more stars of the day. Over the years, our Grade II listed building, designed by local architect John Brownrigg, has produced and presented an astonishing list of important plays, as well as our traditional Christmas panto. These theatre tours are a special chance to find out how a play takes the stage every week, as well as to explore the architectural merit of this much-loved building.
Work to remodel our public spaces to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the theatre was completed in Summer 2025. Heritage Open Day is an exciting time to find out more about the project and see the transformed spaces.
If you are feeling peckish after the tour, you can enjoy homemade food and cakes in our newly renovated Riverbank Kitchen.
Riverbank Kitchen
Our ground floor foyer hosts the Riverbank Kitchen, our café dining space. It can be hired for private events and private dining, with restaurant seating for up to 45 people or 100 people standing. It has floor to ceiling windows and access to the riverside terrace.
Prices
FREE (no bookings, just show up!)
Details
Venue: Main House
Running Time: Tour last approx 45 mins
Sat 19 Sep,
Tours:
10 - 10:45am
10:45 - 11:30am
11:30am - 12:15pm
AccessibilityTo discuss your access requirements, please contact our Box Office.
For more info on Accessibility, click here.
Heritage Open Day 2026
A rare opportunity to learn more about our Grade II listed theatre, and the Mill Studio, which has hosted an amazing list of stars since it opened in 1965.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened to the public in June 1965 with a star-studded gala, attended by Dirk Bogarde, Susan Hampshire, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Redgrave and many more stars of the day. Over the years, our Grade II listed building, designed by local architect John Brownrigg, has produced and presented an astonishing list of important plays, as well as our traditional Christmas panto. These theatre tours are a special chance to find out how a play takes the stage every week, as well as to explore the architectural merit of this much-loved building.
Work to remodel our public spaces to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the theatre was completed in Summer 2025. Heritage Open Day is an exciting time to find out more about the project and see the transformed spaces.
If you are feeling peckish after the tour, you can enjoy homemade food and cakes in our newly renovated Riverbank Kitchen.
Riverbank Kitchen
Our ground floor foyer hosts the Riverbank Kitchen, our café dining space. It can be hired for private events and private dining, with restaurant seating for up to 45 people or 100 people standing. It has floor to ceiling windows and access to the riverside terrace.
Prices
FREE (no bookings, just show up!)
Details
Venue: Main House
Running Time: Tour last approx 45 mins
Sat 19 Sep,
Tours:
10 - 10:45am
10:45 - 11:30am
11:30am - 12:15pm
AccessibilityTo discuss your access requirements, please contact our Box Office.
For more info on Accessibility, click here.
