Theatres in Kenilworth
Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth. CV8 1EG
Theatre: 01926 512960
Box Office: 01926 856548
The Talisman Theatre is a member theatre of the Little Theatre Guild and is justly proud of the highest standards in all departments. We aim to stage ten main house productions every year, in addition to monthly ‘Studio Saturday Night’ productions in our Studio. We also have a thriving Youth Theatre Group which stages productions in the Main House. Fund-raising one-off shows are also produced and we host shows produced by other groups, whenever they can be squeezed in.The Talisman Theatre Company was founded in 1942 as a non-professional producing management. In 1969 we moved from what is now Talisman Square to our present premises in Barrow Road, which seats 156 people as well as accommodating a bar/foyer with regular art exhibitions and a studio for rehearsals and small-scale productions.
The company includes and welcomes actors, designers, technicians, backstage and front-of-house assistants and presents ten main house productions a year. We have an open casting policy: anyone who is interested in joining the theatre as an active member is welcome at our casting sessions. Members receive a saving on tickets and a copy of the house magazine TALISMAG before each production.
The Priory Theatre
Rosemary Hill, Kenilworth. CV8 1BN
Box Office: 01926 863334
The Priory Theatre is a self funding theatre that is run by its members for the benefit of the local community. It is a member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, and registered as a Charity No. 506677. Our Patron is Dave Willetts who appeared in productions at the Priory before turning professional and going on to star in productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Our season normally runs from September to July during which we stage seven or eight productions made up of Drama, Comedy, Pantomime, Musical, and a Youth Theatre production.
In between public performances, Tuesday night is club night. Early evening the set builders will be found on stage working on the next set, or the painters will be busy with their brushes. Down the road the ladies of the Wardrobe Department will be fitting out the cast of a play, or helping members of the public to find a fancy dress costume, or an outfit for a stage show of their own At around 9pm to 9:30, the workers drift to the theatre bar to join those members who have called in for a drink and a chat. Why not call in and see us one Tuesday? Whether or not you think you have a talent to offer, you are assured of a warm welcome.
On Saturday mornings, the Theatre Studio resounds to the clicking of tap shoes as the talented Sue Bench teaches the Priory Tappers a new tap-dance routine. It’s very much ‘tapping for fun’ and often there is a beginners’ class for those interested in having a go..
If you are interested in knowing more about the history of the Theatre, click here.
The Bridge House Theatre
Guy Nelson Hall, Myton Road, Warwick
Box Office: 01926 776438
The Bridge House Theatre was designed by Michael Reardon Associates and opened on May 1st 2000 by Dame Judi Dench. Capacity ranges from 275 to 310 depending on configuration. The theatre has an attractive foyer area, two spacious dressing rooms, excellent get-in facilities and a wide range of modern lighting and sound equipment.
The theatre has three main strands of use. Firstly, to enhance the position of the performing arts at Warwick school with an intended increase in both the scale and quality of product. Secondly, the theatre is available for use by the large number of organisations in the local community. This includes both professional (Warwick Arts Society and Warwickshire TradArts) and amateur. The third strand is for Bridge House Theatre itself to promote professional work from the available small and middle scale touring theatre companies.
