Theatre by the Lake has brought the magic of theatre and the excitement of the imagination to one of Britain’s loveliest and remotest counties.
The theatre, hailed by The Independent as "the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain", opened in 1999. It is set a short stroll from Derwentwater on the edge of Keswick, amid the magnificent western fells of the Lake District.
We have two stages, a 400-seat Main House and 100-seat Studio; we present up to nine of our own productions of classic, modern and new plays throughout the year. Six plays are performed in repertory from May to November by a resident company of up to 14 actors.
We aim to produce a new play every year and our Christmas plays have become firm favourites with family audiences. We aim for the highest standards of production and design and many Theatre by the Lake productions have won multi-star reviews from national and local critics.
The theatre hosts a variety of festivals and visiting companies and is open for 52 weeks each year.
Access
The theatre has flat access from the car park, a lift to all floors, wheelchair-accessible toilets on each floor and drop counters in the bars, café and Box Office.
Transfer seats
Please mention when booking if you require a wheelchair transfer.
We also have an in-house wheelchair available for transporting patrons from the car park to the auditorium, which may be borrowed by prior arrangement.
For the safety and comfort of all our audiences, we ask that any patron who transfers from a wheelchair into one of our theatre seats for a performance is able to walk from the door of the theatre to their seat, leaving their wheelchair in the foyer. This can be with some aid from a companion, or using a small walking aid (such as a walking stick or cane). This means we can ensure all patrons are able to evacuate safety in the event of an emergency.
Lifts
Theatre by the Lake has lift access to all levels of the building and are fully accessible to electric wheelchair users.
Parking
There are 14 designated disabled parking spaces located at the side of the theatre on the Lakeside Car Park (operated by Allerdale Borough Council). Blue badge holders can park anywhere on the car park for free for an unlimited period.
There is a drop off point directly outside Theatre by the Lake with flat access from the carp park to the theatre main entrance.
Assistance Dogs
Are welcome in all areas of our building and can be taken into our auditoriums, but please tell the Box Office when booking your seat that you are bringing your dog.
Hearing enhancement
Induction loop
Our Main House has an induction loop; this is suitable for use with both analogue and digital hearing aids. To ensure the best use of this service, please book your seats in Rows A-F in the Front Stalls (click here to view these seats) and make sure that your hearing aid has been adjusted to the T setting. For optimum sound quality the signal of this system is strongest in the middle of a row.
Hearing enhancement devices
If you have a hearing impairment and require seating outside of the Front Stalls in the Main House, or are watching a performance in the Studio, we would recommend the use of a hearing enhancement device.
Hearing enhancement devices work by either extending the loop system or by simply amplifying the volume. At Theatre by the Lake, hearing enhancement devices are available to borrow from the Box Office half an hour prior to the performance. There is no need to book ahead for this service as our Box Office staff will be able to assist on the night.
Please note: if booking a seat in the Studio during the Summer Season (when the Studio is in traverse format) hearing enhancement devices are only effective in Rows F-J.
Assisted Performances
We offer Audio Described, Captioned and Relaxed performances.
Audio Described Performances
Audio description is a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a performance. The commentary is interspersed with the actors’ dialogue and is delivered via radio headsets, which are loaned free of charge from the Box Office.
Touch Tours
These allow you to get close to the set, costumes and props used in the play. During a tour, the audio describer will guide you through important props and character costumes used in the production. These tours are free but places must be booked in advance. To book please call 017687 74411.
Captioned Performances
Captioning is similar to television subtitles and gives people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing access to live performance. The actor’s words appear on an LED caption unit placed next to the stage or in the set, at the same time as they are spoken or sung. It is important when booking that you tell the Box Office so that they can allocate a seat for you where you can see the caption box.
Please book for these performances directly with our Box Office so that they can seat you where you can see the captioning unit.
Relaxed Performances
These performances are designed for anyone who needs a more easy-going atmosphere – they are perfect for adults and children with autism spectrum disorders or physical and learning disabilities, as well as parents with young babies and carers.
Performances are adapted with loud sound effects and bright lights toned down to reduce anxiety and there is a more relaxed attitude to noise and movements during the show. Chill out spaces are also available outside of the theatre for those that need a break from the show.
We send out information packs in advance of the show and a ticket for the performance includes an optional Q&A session with the cast after the show as well as a backstage tour.
These performances are not available to book online. Please book with our Box Office so that we can tailor your experience to your needs.
