Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre, Royal Tunbridge Wells
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Details

Located in a converted Grade A listed church by the noted architect Decimus Burton, Trinity Theatre hosts a varied programme of art exhibitions, theatre, films, dance, opera and music productions.

The theatre holds a special place in the hearts of the locals.  It is a unique venue to enjoy a show of any kind including the popular Comedy Cafe, Christmas Show (not panto!), as well as the live broadcasts from world-class theatres like the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre and the Globe.

Grab a wine, embrace a velvety gothic hug from the cosy seats and be ready for an enthralling performance in an art-house atmosphere away from the bright lights and the crowds.

90,000 people each year enjoy the vibrant artistic programme and gallery where the team are proud to create original work. Often collaborating with local artists by supporting and encouraging them in their careers an Associate Artist scheme has been set up for this purpose.

History of Trinity Theatre

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre is in the beautiful and historic Holy Trinity Church building in the centre of the Royal town. The building was central to Burton's architectural vision, which Marc Girouard described as ‘The civilized life, based on friendly, liveable-in houses grouped round public buildings that are not too large in scale, amid open spaces that bring the country into the town.’

From its very conception, Trinity has been a community project. It came about thanks to residents’ approaching the Church Commissioners Fund for new churches in 1818. Burton, who, at the time, was already designing the stunning villas in Calverley Park assented to take on the design of this cherished property. Local sandstone from Calverley quarry was used and Mr Barrett, a local builder, laid the first stone in 1827. Calverley Quarry used to have such a fine reputation that it was one of those shortlisted for rebuilding the "new" Houses of Parliament in the mid-1800s after the fire of 1834.

In 1974, the building was considered ‘redundant to pastoral needs’, so was left empty. However an agreement was made fairly swiftly that the Holy Trinity Church would become a community and arts centre. Then in a very short period of 6 months, £50,000 was raised, some from the general public and in January 1977 the gothic property was reborn!

Art in the Trinity Theatre & Arts Centre

The gallery hosts approximately 25 exhibitions a year, featuring local artwork of differing styles and mediums. We have been treated to puppets, ceramics, oil paintings, life drawing studies, stone sculptures as a tiny example of the varied artistic programme, exploring many forms of traditional and modern art.

Seating 291 people, there is a fully equipped stage with two adjacent dressing rooms. Children’s tickets are available for those up to and including the age of 15.

Trinity Theatre Bar-Café

Trinity Bar and Café is situated in the theatre's heart serving fresh food, yummy cakes and Fairtrade coffee in a laidback space. All food is made fresh to order with high quality locally-sourced ingredients

Coffee is a Fairtrade organic Sumatran from Indonesia, "rich, indulgent and full bodied, with notes of peach syrup, spices, with subtle acidity and an intense dark chocolate finish" made from 100% Arabica beans.

All the cakes are freshly baked in-house: chocolate brownies, Victoria sponge cake as well as a variety of gluten-free and vegan cakes. Take afternoon tea on the patio outside in their little garden.

Staff recommend the mozzarella and sun-dried tomato bruschetta and some sweet potato fries or the chunky steak chilli.

Parking for Trinity

There is a small 24-hour car park on site but please be aware there is limited capacity and not all customers are guaranteed a space. Please see website for charges.

There are a few 24 hour car parks within a short walking distance of the theatre if no space is found on street.

Features

  • Guide Dogs permitted?

    Yes

  • Type of Entertainment/Music establishment

    Cinema, Live Music Venue, Theatre

  • Location features

    In town/city centre, Indoor attraction

  • Establishment Features

    Membership available, Cloakroom, Lessons/courses available, Groups Accepted, Family Friendly, Baby changing facilities, Ideal for Teens, Picnic site

  • Catering

    Bar, Café, Cater for vegetarians

  • Leisure Facilities

    Classes and activities

  • Parking & Transport

    On site free parking, Off site parking (charge)

  • Travel & Trade

    Group discounts available, Educational Visits accepted, Coach Park, Meeting Room

  • Payment Methods

    Delta, MasterCard, Visa

  • Accessibility

    All areas accessible to disabled visitors, Staff have had disability awareness training, There are steps to the main entrance (more than 5)

  • Services for guests with visual impairments

    Contrast markings on glass doors and full-height windows, Other (see our FAQs)

  • Services for guests with hearing impairments

    Other (see our FAQs)

Location

Listing FAQs

More Accessibility Info

https://www.trinitytheatre.net/your-visit/accessibility

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VTW-Team

Member since 3 years ago
  • business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
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