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The site on which Stafford Gatehouse Theatre now stands has, for hundreds of years, been a crucial civic centre for the town, as well as being located in what could be regarded as something of a ‘Theatre district’ in the 18th and 19th Century. The official and oldest town theatre was the Lyceum in Martin Street established in 1792 with the help of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It seated 600 and is reported to have had visits from many influential guests including Charles Dickens.

The Assembly Hall was extended in 1914, and as a result of accommodating larger audience numbers than the Lyceum, started to attract bigger functions and although it was never designed as a theatre it started to become one. Building work finally began to convert the venue when the Borough Offices were re-housed in the Civic Centre, and so the Gatehouse was born in 1982.

Since opening, the venue has experienced great success, both with the touring professional shows and amateur productions presented. As a theatre venue, the old Borough Hall was an active supporter and promoter of amateur dramatics and most of the successful theatre groups like Stafford Players and the Operatic Society were formed in this environment. These partnerships have continued to thrive and the Gatehouse prides itself on achieving the perfect balance between meeting the needs of the companies and societies which use the building and the ever present need to both increase its financial viability whilst ensuring it continues to offer high quality productions to Stafford Borough residents.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

	Stafford and District Operatic Society has performed all but two of its shows at the Gatehouse Theatre (formerly The Borough Hall) and 2007 saw the 25th anniversary of the Borough Hall being reopened as Stafford’s very own Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20th June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council. In the building's early days, the Borough Council offices, the library and the Wragge Museum occupied the ground floor and on the first floor was a large Assembly Hall with a stage, which was used for meetings, dances, concerts and plays.

The site on which Stafford Gatehouse Theatre now stands has, for hundreds of years, been a crucial civic centre for the town, as well as being located in what could be regarded as something of a ‘Theatre district’ in the 18th and 19th Century. The official and oldest town theatre was the Lyceum in Martin Street established in 1792 with the help of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It seated 600 and is reported to have had visits from many influential guests including Charles Dickens. The Assembly Hall was extended in 1914, and as a result of accommodating larger audience numbers than the Lyceum, started to attract bigger functions and although it was never designed as a theatre it started to become one. Building work finally began to convert the venue when the Borough Offices were re-housed in the Civic Centre, and so the Gatehouse was born in 1982. Since opening, the venue has experienced great success, both with the touring professional shows and amateur productions presented. As a theatre venue, the old Borough Hall was an active supporter and promoter of amateur dramatics and most of the successful theatre groups like Stafford Players and the Operatic Society were formed in this environment. These partnerships have continued to thrive and the Gatehouse prides itself on achieving the perfect balance between meeting the needs of the companies and societies which use the building and the ever present need to both increase its financial viability whilst ensuring it continues to offer high quality productions to Stafford Borough residents.