Visiting New Theatre Oxford

The first theatre on the George Street site opened in 1836. It was initially known as the Vic and later as the Theatre Royale before falling into disrepair by 1880.

Funded by a community-led company and designed by architect Harry Drinkwater, this second theatre opened in February 1886 with a performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night by the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

Following fire damage in 1892, the second New Theatre building underwent renovation in 1908. This project increased the venue's capacity to 1,200 spectators and coincided with the Dorrill family taking over management.

The third and present-day theatre building opened in February 1934. It featured an Art Deco interior designed by T. P. Bennett and Sons, a revolving stage, and an increased capacity of approximately 2,000.

After 64 years of operation by the Dorrill family, the theatre was transferred to the Howard and Wyndham provincial theatre chain in 1972, marking a major change in institutional control.

In 1977, the venue lease was taken over by Apollo Leisure, leading to the theatre being renamed as the Apollo. It retained this name until 2003.

Following a refurbishment in 2003, the venue reverted to its original name, New Theatre, after previously operating under the Apollo brand since 1977.

The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) purchased the New Theatre in 2009. This acquisition consolidated the venue under the ownership of one of the major commercial theatre operators in the UK.