Theatre Royal Wakefield celebrates 40 years with gala performance
Theatre Royal Wakefield will celebrate 40 years since its reopening as a venue providing entertainment and live performances for audiences throughout the Yorkshire region in March.
Despite its launch 132 years ago as the smallest Matcham Theatre in the country, the venue was closed as a performing house and was used as a cinema and bingo hall before private investment from contributors including Sir Rodney Walker took the building back to its former glory.
Reopening with a special Gala performance in 1986, the venue was once again used for its original purpose, as a space that would bring creativity, performance, entertainment and community engagement to the region.
Celebrating this milestone, Theatre Royal Wakefield, along with support from Chadwick Lawrence and Mint HR, is holding a show-stopping event, Gala Night: 40 Years Reimagined, on Saturday 21st March from 7.30pm to late.
With performances from alumni of the stage, audiences can expect to see Sam Nixon, singer and TV host; Chris Hannon, TV actor and writer; and Megan Elsegood, actress; who all appeared in the 2025 pantomime.
In addition, Hannah Nuttall, actress who has previously played Cinderella and Regina Rat in productions; Darren Johnson, TV actor and much-loved local character Ruby Rhubarb; Ashley Daniels, Actor that has just completed a West End production of Hamilton will all make appearances.
Director of Patron Experience, Sarah Shooter, comments: “We could not be more excited by this year’s Gala performance.
"It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate 40 years since the Theatre Royal Wakefield was saved and returned to its former glory, delivering performances and entertainment to audiences of all ages.
“It is also a chance for us to raise some much-needed funds to ensure that we can continue to entertain our audiences and to engage with the community through our participation activities including the Performance Academy.
“We can’t wait to welcome as many people as possible to this show-stopping event. The line-up really is incredible, and the variety of acts is exactly what you need for a fun-filled evening out with friends and family.”
Tracy Carpenter, Director, Mint HR, comments: “The Theatre Royal Wakefield has always been very close to my heart as my dad used to perform on the stage there when I was a child. Wakefield is so lucky to have such a fabulous venue staging so many amazing productions every year and Mint HR is honoured to be involved in celebrating these milestones. And what a night it is going to be!”
Tickets are on sale for the Gala Night with three options: three-course dinner and champagne reception: £100; champagne reception and show: £55 and show only: £15-£30.
For further details about the Theatre Royal Wakefield and the year-round schedule of shows and performances that it delivers, along with its community participation sessions, please visit: Gala Night: 40 Years Reimagined | Theatre Royal Wakefield