Our Project

We are transforming The Arts Theatre into one of the UK’s leading regional stages - home to the best of national touring and the boldest new voices in theatre.

At the heart of our vision is a major capital redevelopment project that will be carried out in two phases.

Phase One: The Main House

Currently underway, the first phase includes a complete refurbishment of the auditorium and backstage areas – bringing them up to the highest modern standards while retaining the innate character of the space loved by those who know the theatre. We will:
- Install new seating and reconfigure the layout to improve sightlines, circulation and safety.
- Provide a beautiful new curved balcony, improve the acoustics of the auditorium, and reinstate some of the original finishes.
- Modernise technical and backstage equipment, including sustainable air conditioning and lighting systems.
- Upgrade the front Peas Hill entrance to improve visibility and access.

Phase Two: A Studio Theatre for the Future

Once the works on the main auditorium are complete, we have ambitious plans to build a new 200-seat studio theatre on our building’s roof, a versatile new space for smaller-scale productions, community events and activities. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to programme exciting and ambitious new work, support emerging theatre-makers, and to invest in the cultural life of our city for generations to come.

Designed for artists, built for audiences, this is more than a redevelopment - it’s the future of The Arts in Cambridge.

Reopening in Late Autumn 2025

The Theatre is currently closed while the first phase of renovations is underway. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to our refurbished auditorium in late autumn 2025.

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To learn more about our redevelopment, sign up for updates here.

Support our Project

To be part of our ambitious redevelopment, click here.