The Roman Theatre of Verulamium is unique. Built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre. Initially, the arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. From about 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium extended. By about 300AD, after some redevelopment work, the Theatre could seat 2000 spectators. Its fine acoustics were perfectly suited to musical and dramatic performances.
The ruins one can see today were unearthed in 1847. Subsequent excavations have revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the First Century.
The theatre was refurbished in 2014 to include new steps, pathways and handrails. There is now improved, yet limited disabled access. The Theatre is available to book for cultural entertainment and hosts live outdoor theatre performances on selected dates every summer.
Please refer to the Roman Theatre’s Website
Please note that there is limited parking available at the site. Further parking is available outside the St Albans Verulamium Museum where you can also view treasures excavated from the Roman Theatre site.
For school bookings and general enquiries, please call the Roman Theatre office on 01727 835035.
For theatrical and filming requests, please contact Strutt and Parker on 01727 840285 or enquiries@gorhamburyestate.co.uk
Each year since 2014, OVO has produced a summer open air festival which has grown to be one of the UK’s leading outdoor events. In 2023, the festival attracted an audience of over 16,000 people.
OVO’s hugely popular productions that form the cornerstone of the festival have included Boudicca at Verulamium, As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry V, Peter Pan, The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale, The Importance of Being Earnest, Little Women, Romeo and Juliet, Private Lives, The Railway Children and The Threepenny Opera.
Visit their site for what’s on
For access information, visit AccessAble
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