Theatre by the Lake

Who we are

Situated by Derwentwater on the edge of Keswick, amid the magnificent northern fells of the Lake District, Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) enjoys an unparalleled location. The only year-round professional producing theatre in Cumbria, TBTL has established itself as an important part of the English regional theatre scene since it opened in 1999, consistently delivering a year round programme of home-produced and visiting work and establishing itself as a major attraction for both Cumbrian residents and visitors to the Lake District.

Theatre by the Lake is the trading name of Cumbria Theatre Trust, a company limited by guarantee and registered charity. TBTL provides a year-round theatre and performing arts resource for communities of, and visitors to, Cumbria. Key to this has been the development of a permanent theatre building in Keswick to replace the Blue Box mobile theatre, which had come to rest in the Lakeside Car Park in 1975.

Vision

Theatre by the Lake as an exemplary producing theatre with regional and national impact, inspired by the Lake District and its rich cultural heritage.
 

Mission

From our unique rural location, we will produce excellent, ambitious, inspiring theatre, providing a creative hub for the communities of Cumbria, whilst attracting visitors to the region.

Aims

We will deliver our mission by observing the following values:

• We recognise the potential of the Arts to enrich lives and enhance people’s health and wellbeing;
• We celebrate the creative voice;
• We create and inspire a new generation of theatre makers and audiences;
• We embrace inclusivity, diversity and equity across our organisation, creating an atmosphere of trust, integrity and collaboration for our artists, staff and audiences;
• We understand and embrace our responsibility to lead cultural change in Cumbria towards greater tolerance, diversity and equality;
• We develop our reputation as a model rural theatre by cultivating strong relationships with Cumbrian communities, effectively reducing barriers to engagement with the Arts by responding to their needs and aspirations;
• We provide our patrons with warm, Cumbrian hospitality and excellent customer service;
• We engage our audiences in discussion around our work and practices, to develop our offer and to encourage learning, participation and debate;
• We recognise that financial success and sustainability are essential to achieve our mission.

TBTL has two stages, a 400-seat Main House and a 100-seat Studio. Currently it presents up to nine of its own productions of classic, contemporary and new plays each year, with six plays being performed in repertoire from May to November by a resident company. Its Christmas shows have become firm favourites with family audiences; and the Spring Programme regularly includes a Main House production as well as a Studio production that subsequently tours to community venues in Cumbria.