Trifter

THE Theatre by the Lake is set in Keswick on the edge of Derwentwater. It is Cumbria’s only year-round professional theatre and presents everything from drama through comedy to music and even stages art exhibitions.

It stages a season of six plays in the Main House each year. These can range from the vintage comedy of Noel Coward to the outrageous 60s farces and powerful emotional drama, There are also thrilling and chilling plays with sizzling plot lines staged in the studio.                    

One firm favourite with aficionados of the Theatre by the Lake is the 1930 bitter-sweet comedy private life by Noel Coward.

Others prefer the Birthday Party by Harold Pinter or the Deep Blue Sea by Terrence Rattigan.

The play, After Miss Julie, set on the night of Labour’s historic 1945 election victory has always been a favourite.

Pantomimes, such as the Untold Tale of Sinbad are held during the weeks either side of Christmas.

The Theatre by the Lake presents plays by other writers. There has been Shot Actress – Full Story by H. E. Bates and it has presented More Tea, Vicar? a series of reflections by the arch observer of the eccentric world of Middle England, John Betjeman.

Music forms a large part of the cultural programme offered at the Theatre by the Lake. Lake district Summer Music stages various concerts during August. Other musical shows range from classical recitals through opera, folk and jazz to the latest popular music.

The Theatre by the Lake stages many events in support of local causes, charities and the community. The Keswick Rotary Club hosts a number of fund raising concerts. Both the British Heart Foundation and Cumbria Cerebral Palsy put on annual musical extravaganzas.

Many top comedians have travelled to Keswick to put their show on at the Theatre by the Lake.

The Theatre by the Lake stages a rolling series of continuous art exhibitions in either the Friends Gallery pn the Mezzanine Floor or the Circle Gallery on the second floor, which are both open from 09:30 each day with free admission.

Both auditoria have wheelchair spaces with adapted toilets on each floor. The car park has reserved places and there is one wheelchair available to transport people into the theatre, where there is lift and flat area access to all areas. Guide dogs are welcome and there are touch tours of the theatre. It has an induction loop with audio descriptions and some shows are sign language interpreted. There are some infra-red hearing enhancement headsets available free of charge in both the Maun House and the Studio.

Morning tours of the backstage areas are frequently held. Various parts of the Theatre by the Lake can be hired for conferences and other events.  More details on this can be obtained from 01768 772282.

The Coffee Shop is open daily, offering hot and cold refreshments while both the Stalls and Circle Bars are open every performance evening serving both alcoholic and soft drinks

The Theatre by the Lake is at Lakeside in Keswick and further information can be obtained from 01768 774411.