About
St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth is an absolutely stunning, refurbished arts venue presenting a variety of shows and events year round. Perfectly located just a short walk from the seafront and town centre, this Grade I listed landmark theatre venue has an exciting and diverse programme for the coming months.
A short history of this newly renovated theatre reveals a fascinating past - in 1711 the Borough of Great Yarmouth petitioned Parliament for an additional place of worship for the town. A site called 'The Mount' on King Street was selected and the large mound, on which a defensive cannon had been placed in 1569, was levelled.
Commissioned in 1714 by the Borough Council, the architects John Price of Richmond were instructed to model the church on St Clement Dames by Sir Christopher Wren. The result when completed in 1721 was a monumental baroque design which went far beyond imitation of St Clement Dames, and is now recognised as one of the finest examples of Baroque Church architecture outside of London. St George’s Chapel was used until 1959, with the first evening service being held in October 1858 when gas was laid on. After its deconsecrating in 1959, the chapel fell into disrepair, despite being listed Grade I in 1953. It is reported to have narrowly escaped demolition after being official deemed as redundant in 1971.
In the early 1970's a group of dedicated local people and the amateur dramatic society The Masquers, worked very hard to establish the redundant Chapel as a centre for the arts, converting it into a theatre. A range of performances were given in the centre from the 1970's right up until 2006, with both local groups and professional companies.
In 2006 the building was forced to close due to severe structural defects, including an unstable tower. For the next 3 years it was fenced off and shrouded in scaffolding. Its deteriorating state resulted in the chapel being declared 'at risk' by English Heritage and the Local Authorities until funds were found from the Sea Change programme, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council in 2009 for its restoration.
Works began in 2010 and included a complete restoration of the theatre as well as a project to enhance St George’s Plain and part of historic King Street.
St George’s Theatre opened in November 2012 and plans a huge variety of performances and shows – see the events listing for more details.
Guide Prices
See individual shows and performance for ticket prices.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
- Grounds for outdoor activities
- Mobile phone coverage
- Venue approved for civil marriage
- Wedding receptions
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Guided tours for individuals
- Postbox
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
- WiFi or internet access
Site Features
- English Heritage Property
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Map & Directions
Click here to view map
Road Directions
By Road: The nearest car park for St. George's is the 208 space car park off King Street. From Norwich on the A47: go straight over the Vauxhall roundabout and turn right at the next roundabout onto North Quay. Carry on straight ahead, and at the traffic lights get into the left hand lane. The road forks in front of the Town Hall, follow the left fork, then turn immediately right along Greyfriar's Road to the left of the Town Hall. Take the next left into King Street car park. From the south on the A47 (previously the A12) and A143 Western Bypass: take the third exit at the Gapton Hall Retail Park roundabout onto Pasteur Road. Go straight ahead at the next roundabout. At the traffic lights, go straight ahead onto Bridge Road ensuring you are in the right-hand lane. On Haven Bridge, make sure you are in the right-hand lane and turn right onto North Quay, then immediately get into the left hand lane. The road forks in front of the Town Hall, follow the left fork, then turn immediately right onto Greyfriar's Road to the left of the Town Hall. Take the next left into King Street car park. King Street Car Park is a pay and display car park until 4pm. It is free to park after 4pm. Once parked, face Pegotty's and walk up one of the well lit Rows to either side of this well known pub. At the end of the Row, turn right onto King Street. St. George's Theatre is located at the junction of Yarmouth Way with King Street. By foot: St George's is a huge central Great Yarmouth landmark. From the seafront, walk up Trafalgar Road past St. George's Park on your right. St. George's Theatre is at the top of the park. From the Market Place, walk past Palmers, WHSmith and Clarks onto King Street. Carry on along King Street for about 5 minutes, St. George's is at the junction of Yarmouth Way with King Street.
Public Transport Directions
By Rail: Great Yarmouth station is approximately 1.5 miles from St. George's. On leaving the station go over the pedestrian bridge to the left. Walk along North Quay heading south onto South Quay, passing the Town Hall on your left. Cross left into Yarmouth Way at the pedestrian crossing just past Row 111 and Greyfriar's Cloisters. Walk along Yarmouth Way, St. George's is at the junction of Yarmouth Way with King Street.
