The Theatre, Chipping Norton: A local gem

The Heart of Art in the Heart of the Community

The Theatre, Chipping Norton is a theatre, arthouse cinema, gallery and concert hall.  It is a venue for children’s workshops, adults gatherings and school debuts.  It is what community arts movements need it to be.  It is integral to our cultural lives in the North Cotswolds.

Formerly a Salvation Army Citadel founded in 1888, the building was converted into a theatre in 1975 by two RSC actors who asked the town to contribute £1 a head to help fund the conversion.  Over the decades it has bought surrounding cottages to extend into a bar and box office and undergone major refurbishment to create significantly better backstage space.

Oh no he didn’t, oh yes he did

The Pantomime has been integral to the success of the theatre.  As it’s longest running and most lucrative show each year, it has for over two decades been written up in the national press as one of THE best pantomimes for it’s charming, clean, topical and amusing family friendly show.  There’s still a sing-a-long song, sweets are thrown and shout outs given for special birthdays, anniversaries or just because you asked so nicely!

Something for everyone

As a flexible space offering cinema, visiting productions, music events and more there is a jam packed calendar of things to go and see.  Not only that but there’s Bambino cinema for carers and tots as well as relaxed film screenings to accommodate those who may find the standard theatre environment problematic.  These events are further supported by free tea and coffee but for a special evening out, there’s a licensed bar, and you could treat yourself to dinner at Wild Thyme, the best restaurant in town.

Booking

Everything can be booked online or by phone 01608 642 350 and there’s a walk-in box office with long open hours 6 days per week.

The Theatre, Chipping Norton is a truly wonderful local resource and we highly recommend it to all our guests at Kingham Cottages.