Built in 1781, Lancaster’s Grand Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the UK. Over the centuries it has seen many changes but since the 1950s has been owned and managed by Lancaster Footlights, a local amateur dramatics group. It is an old, but well-maintained theatre, staffed by friendly and dedicated volunteers.

In recent years, Lancaster Footlights have strived to include more professional shows in its schedule of events. The amateur group stage five performances each year at Grand Theatre, including a popular Christmas pantomime. However, the majority of shows are now by touring theatre companies, comedians, musicians, and other professionals.
Tickets for shows can be booked online at the official Grand Theatre website. They can also be purchased by telephoning the box office (01524 64695) or by visiting in person.
The theatre has a seating capacity of just under 500. A detailed seating plan can be viewed on the official website.
The Grand Theatre is situated on St Leonardgate (postcode LA1 1NL), on the eastern side of the city centre. There are two car parks adjacent to the theatre. Both are owned and managed by Lancaster City Council. Parking fees apply at all times but are substantially reduced in the evening.
There are plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants nearby; particularly on adjoining Church Street. Lancaster Bus Station is just few hundred yards away. Lancaster Train Station is approximately half a mile from the theatre.
Events - What's On - Grand Theatre Lancaster
A selection of upcoming shows and events at Grand Theatre Lancaster are listed below. Tickets can be purchased here.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday 4th September 2026 7:30 pm | Jonathan Pie: Work in Progress |
| Saturday 5th September 2026 7:30 pm | Jonathan Pie: Work in Progress |
| Wednesday 16th September 2026 7:30 pm | Scott Bennett - Stuff |
| Sunday 20th September 2026 7:30 pm | Flo & Joan - With Feeling |
| Wednesday 23rd September 2026 7:30 pm | John Kearns - Tilting At Windmills |
| Friday 25th September 2026 7:30 pm | Maisie Adam: Whatsherface |
| Wednesday 30th September 2026 7:30 pm | Josh Pugh: Ha Ha, Yeah Sound |
| Sunday 11th October 2026 8:00 pm | Paul Merton & Suki Webster's Improv Show |
| Saturday 14th November 2026 8:00 pm | Dylan Moran - Looking For Trouble |
| Friday 15th January 2027 7:30 pm | Queen of the Night - A Tribute to Whitney Houston |
| Monday 15th March 2027 7:30 pm | Gordon Buchanan: Lions and Tigers and Bears |
| Friday 9th April 2027 7:30 pm | Scott Bennett - Stuff |
| Thursday 22nd April 2027 8:00 pm | Count Arthur Strong - And it's Goodnight from Me! |
| Friday 23rd April 2027 7:30 pm | Mike Wozniak: The Bench |
| Friday 30th April 2027 8:00 pm | Ed Byrne: No Dramas |
| Wednesday 12th May 2027 7:30 pm | Myra Dubois: Siren |
| Friday 14th May 2027 8:00 pm | Thomas Green: Brainstorm |
More events may be listed on the official Grand Theatre Lancaster website (see the information section at the end of this page).


