Gordon Craig Theatre
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Stevenage, Hertfordshire
 The Gordon Craig Theatre Auditorium | |
 Interactive map of The Gordon Craig Theatre | |
| Address | Lytton Way Stevenage, Hertfordshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°54′04″N 0°12′20″W / 51.9010409018°N 0.2055322816°W |
| Owner | Stevenage Borough Council |
| Operator | Everyone Active (Everyone Theatres) |
| Capacity | 1,701 (across 2 halls) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1975 |
| Architect | Ray Gorbing |
| Website | |
| The Gordon Craig Theatre | |
The Gordon Craig Theatre is a theatre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Opened in 1975, the 501-seat theatre on Lytton Way houses a rehearsal room, scenic workshop, wardrobe,[1] café, bar, and art gallery.[2]
The theatre is housed in the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, which is situated on Lytton Way, and takes its name from Edward Gordon Craig, the theatre practitioner who was born less than a mile away.[3][4] Designed to accommodate orchestral concerts alongside produced and visiting theatrical events, it has also been used to screen films and host organ recitals.[5] The Theatres Trust describes the theatre as: "probably the best-designed civic entertainment centre of its type in the country".[6]
The theatre was officially opened in February 1976 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.[7]
The Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre contains two halls. The smaller of these is the Gordon Craig Theatre itself, which has a capacity of 501. The stage features a proscenium up to 12.2m wide and the stage depth is 7.62m.[8] The theatre boasts a proud tradition of presenting plays, pantomime, opera, dance and orchestral concerts.[9]
The venue also celebrates 50 years of providing Entertainment and Pantomimes in November this year (2025) and is celebrating by holding a Gala Event on the 27th November 2025. The Pantomime chosen for the 50th year returns to the first Pantomime staged at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Dick Whittington & His Cat.
Also located within the Arts & Leisure Centre is the Concert Hall, derived from a large gymnasium,[6] which has a capacity of 1,200. The concert hall plays host to a variety of shows including live music and comedy.[9]
History
From the early 1960s there was discussion on the need for an Arts / Leisure centre in the new town of Stevenage.[10] In 1968, Stevenage Arts Trust resolved to commence the building of an Arts Centre on land granted by Stevenage Development Corporation. Architects Messrs Vincent, Gorbing and Partners drew up detailed plans for a 488-seat theatre to cost £300,000.[11] The scheme was put on hold due to a lack of capital. In 1968 a feasibility study was commissioned by Stevenage Urban District Council and the Stevenage Development Corporation for a combined Arts/Sports Centre.[12] In 1969 Stevenage Urban District Council and Stevenage Development Corporation accepted the Initial Design Brief prepared by the architects.[13] In 1972, the architects confirmed that the final design drawings were completed, the final cost was estimated at £1,610,218. The foundation stone was laid on 14 June 1974 by Baroness Lee, the former Labour minister, Jennie Lee. Opening for The Danesgate Theatre, as the building was then to be known, was planned for November 1975.[14]
Naming and Openings
On the suggestion of Roger Dyason, the first Arts' Manager of the Centre, proposal was made in August 1975 to a Full Council Meeting of Stevenage Borough Council that the theatre should be named The Gordon Craig Theatre. This motion was passed.[15] The £2.7 million sports and arts centre opened to the public on 3 November 1975 with a gala variety bill produced by Bunny Baron featuring Ted Rogers.[1] The Leisure Centre was officially opened in February 1976 by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by the Director of Leisure Services at Stevenage Borough Council, Mr M. L. Banks.[16]
Design
The theatre has a plain, fan-shaped auditorium with excellent sightlines. It is a modern, fully-equipped touring and, occasionally, producing theatre with fourteen dressing rooms, and an optional orchestra pit. it has also been used for cinema screenings.[6]
Architect Ray Gorbing's original exterior design proved controversial. It attracted both admirers and those horrified at the aesthetic of the building.[17] Panels of glass and reinforced plastic had been used to insulate the building against noise from rail, road and overhead aircraft. The orange coloured cladding led to it being nicknamed "Gorbing’s orange box".[18] The Architects' Journal described the building: "designed as a simple rectangular coloured box… it reflects the integration of activities within and also expresses the introvert nature of these activities…the bright colour provides a positive image."[19] The orange cladding was later replaced.
