Theatres, drama, plays and theatrical performances - for show dates at all theatres we cover see the events page.

Leicester's new Theatre - CURVE

Leicester is home to Europe's only current, new theatre construction. The site in Rutland Street is nearing completion. It is due to open in the autumn of 2008. The theatre is now called Curve.

The state-of-theart theatre has been built in Rutland Street, right next door to the Athena, one of our existing venues for shows and entertainment. It is the flagship of the new Cultural Quarter.

The seats in the auditorium have now been fitted. The 32 tonne steel movable walls that separate the stage and foyer areas are in place.

Unlike traditional theatres, Curve has no backstage area. Theatre-goers wll be able to sit on either side of the stage. A feature of the new building is its hanging class face.

All aspects of the theatre's activitiy will be on show. The stage will be seen from street level. From the foyer, it will be possible to see sets being painted and actors taking a break between performances or rehearsals.

Outside the theatre the streest are ungoing a facelift. The brochure for the first season is expected to appear in September. Curve will offer drama, musicals, comedy, dance, shows for children, community performances and much more.

The Theatre has cost £48 million to build. It will provide a maximum of 1,100 seats, 750 in the main auditorium and 350 in a studio theatre. The Building has been designed by the internationall renowed architect, Raphael Vinoly.

The Performing Arts Centre website. Curve web site

The new name for the theatre is CURVE.

Curve
1a Rutland Street
Leicester
LE1 1TQ

Find out about the new theatre from Leicester Theatre Trust web site.

News about the Centre from the BBC.

Theatres in Leicestershire

The addresses and web sites of all theatrical venues in Leicestershire are given in our venues guide.

For productions and shows see our events guide.

Concordia Theatre

Situated in Hinckley, the Concordia plays host to many amateur productions of a high standard.

De Montfort Hall

One of Leicestershire's largest venues, the DMH's programme offers a mainly musical programme.

The De Montfort Hall has its own secure car park on site.

Box office 0116 233 3111 or book online through their web site.

The Leicester Haymarket Theatre

This is now closed. The new theatre will open this year.

Loughborough Town Hall

2005 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of this venue. More of a theatre than a Town Hall, this venue has long been popular with people throughout Leicestershire, especially in the Christmas season.

Box office: 01509 231 914

The Little Theatre

Arguably one of the finest amateur theatres in the country, the high professional standard of acting and presentation, makes it a remarkable asset.

The current programme offers a rich mix of drama, comedy and music.

The theatre is available for private hire.

Box office: 0116 255 1302

Phoenix Arts

The Phoenix offers an excellent venue for drama and films.

There is a multistory car park within easy walking distance of the Centre.

Box office: 0116 255 4854

Sparkenhoe Ark Theatre

Sparkenhoe Street
Leicester
LE2 0DL
0116 253 9273.

the Y

The theatre at the Y offers a varied programme of music, plays and shows. Situated close to the main rail station, the Y is one of our smaller theatres but is noted for its lively and often experimental productions.

Stalls tickets can be in row seating, cabaret style or sometimes standing, depending on the type of show.

There is an NCP car park nearby.

Bookings: box office 0116 255 7066

 Check our venues page for more details

For a more detailed listing see the BBC web site