The Theatres Trust, the UK’s national advisory body for theatres, has announced its 2021 Theatres at Risk Register with the number of threatened buildings rising to 31.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Theatres At Risk Register lists buildings with significant architectural merit and strong community value or potential, but that are threatened in some way. 

Despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the theatre industry, no newly empty venues have been deemed endangered and only one venue has been added to the register this year: the Co-op Music Hall in Ramsbottom. A surviving music hall from the 1870s, it remains in great condition but has come under threat of redevelopment for housing. Crucially, it has the potential to be returned to its former glory and used as a performance venue, which is a key part of the criteria for inclusion on the Theatres At Risk Register. 

In a year when the theatre industry faced struggles like never before, 2020 saw many vacant theatre buildings being sold off by their private owners. The fates of these venues remain uncertain but fortunately, the new owners of the Grade-II listed Brighton Hippodrome have begun essential repair works. However, in the case of the Grade-II listed music hall Hulme Hippodrome, its owners, having neglected and left it in a poor condition, have put it up for auction next week.

Whilst the Hulme Hippodrome is being independently advocated for by individuals including Oli Wilson, son of Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to work harder to raise awareness about the plight of these historically and culturally significant buildings. The Theatre Trust hopes to build a collaborative relationship with the owners of these venues, but more help is needed from within the theatre industry and wider society to champion the socioeconomic potential of these buildings.

Some buildings on the list have made progress thanks to local funding, private donations, and schemes such as the Theatre Trust’s own Theatres At Risk Capacity Building Programme.

Musician and actor Gary Kemp, who is a Trustee for Theatres Trust, said: “As a performer I know how vital theatre buildings are, adding immeasurably to the atmosphere of a show, whether it is music or drama. Every building on the Theatres at Risk list is part of the UK’s cultural and social heritage, but each also holds a special position in their community and with the right support could once more be central to a sense of local pride.”

The Theatres Trust has been a saving grace for many theatres during the past year. Alongside its support of at-risk venues, it launched Theatre Reopening Fund grants, the #SaveOurTheatres Crowdfunder campaign, free special advice services, and assisted on the DCMS working group to advocate for the needs of the sector. 

Anyone interested in finding out more can take a look at the assessment criteria for each theatre, which is available here and full case studies on each can be seen on the Theatres Trust website. 

Here is the full list of the theatres appearing on the 2021 register: 

Brighton Hippodrome  

Theatre Royal Margate 

Victoria Pavilion/Winter Gardens, Morecambe 

Dudley Hippodrome 

Victoria Theatre, Salford 

Spilsby Theatre 

Streatham Hill Theatre, London 

Groundlings Theatre, Portsea  

Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech

Winter Gardens Pavilion, Blackpool  

Burnley Empire  

Plymouth Palace  

Hulme Hippodrome  

Century Theatre, Coalville  

Walthamstow Granada, London  

Leith Theatre  

King’s Theatre, Dundee 

Tottenham Palace Theatre, London 

Conwy Civic Hall 

Mechanics’ Institute, Swindon 

Intimate Theatre, London 

Co-op Music Hall, Ramsbottom - NEW 

Kings Theatre, Kirkcaldy  

Tameside Hippodrome, Ashton-under-Lyne  

North Pier Pavilion, Blackpool 

Garston Empire, Liverpool  

Doncaster Grand 

Swansea Palace  

Derby Hippodrome  

Theatre Royal, Hyde 

Theatre Royal, Manchester