ABOUT US
HISTORY & HERITAGE
FROM THE BEGInNING
Nestled among the winding streets of St Ives, the town’s cherished theatre stands as a monument to both Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage and the community’s dedication to the performing arts.
Originally constructed in the late 19th century as a Primitive Methodist Chapel, the building’s journey from place of worship to celebrated arts venue reflects the evolving story of St Ives itself.
The stone building that now houses St Ives Theatre was built in 1888 as the Primitive Methodist Chapel, serving the spiritual needs of the local community for decades.
Its distinctive architecture, with high ceilings and excellent acoustics, unknowingly laid the foundation for its future theatrical purpose. The chapel remained active until the mid-20th century when declining congregation numbers led to its closure.
THE CHALLENGE
By the early 2000s, the theatre was showing signs of age and struggling to meet modern audience expectations and technical requirements. In 2005, a major renovation project was launched, supported by a combination of Arts Council funding, local fundraising efforts and community volunteers.
The renovation was ambitious, carefully balancing preservation with modernization. Key improvements included:
- Complete restoration of the original stonework and architectural features
- Installation of state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems
- Reconfiguration of the seating to improve sightlines while maintaining capacity
- Creation of improved backstage facilities for performers
- Enhanced accessibility features throughout the building
- Development of a flexible performance space adaptable to various artistic needs
TRANSFORMATION
Today’s St Ives Theatre stands as a testament to successful architectural preservation and cultural evolution. The renovation retained the building’s historic character while creating a versatile, modern venue. The theatre now hosts year-round programming, including:
- Professional touring productions
- Local amateur dramatic performances
- Children’s theatre workshops and productions
- Music concerts spanning diverse genres
- Literary events and poetry readings
- Community festivals and celebrations
The theatre has become particularly renowned for its summer season, which attracts visitors from across the UK and internationally. Its intimate setting—seating approximately 180 people—creates a unique performance environment where audiences feel deeply connected to the performances.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Perhaps most significantly, the renovation of St Ives Theatre has reinforced its role as a cultural anchor for the community.
Beyond merely preserving a historic building, the project revitalized a creative space that continues to nurture local talent, provide cultural enrichment, and contribute to the town’s artistic reputation.
The theatre now serves as both a visitor attraction and a community resource, offering educational programs for local schools, performance opportunities for residents of all ages, and a gathering place that celebrates Cornwall’s distinctive cultural voice.
Through thoughtful renovation and dedicated stewardship, St Ives Theatre continues to write new chapters in its history while honoring the building’s past, standing as a model for how historic spaces can be reimagined to serve contemporary cultural needs.
About the cic
St Ives Theatre is run by a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about the arts, community, and providing creative opportunities for people of all ages.
We operate as a Community Interest Company (CIC) — a non-profit company created to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.
That means every penny we raise is reinvested into the theatre, supporting youth training, community engagement, and the ongoing development of our productions and facilities.
Meet the Directors
Our CIC is led by a team of hands-on directors who bring a wealth of experience and heart to everything we do:
- Steve Hocking – Director
- Angela Skitt – Director
- Anthony Skitt – Director
- Daniel Strickland – Director
- Thomas Richards – Director
- Alex Ward – Director
- Alex Williams-Crew – Director
Together, they ensure that St Ives Theatre remains a vibrant, welcoming space for performers, audiences, and volunteers. For today and for generations to come.
Facilities
About Us – St Ives Theatre & Our Facilities
St Ives Theatre is a vibrant, community-led performance space nestled in the heart of St Ives, Cornwall. Home to the award-winning Kidz R Us youth theatre company, our venue is a hub of creativity, learning, and live entertainment.
Our Theatre
Originally a Wesleyan chapel, our historic building has been lovingly transformed into a fully equipped working theatre, while still retaining its unique charm and character. We host a wide variety of events throughout the year, from high-energy musicals and youth productions to community shows and guest performances.
Facilities Include:
- A spacious auditorium with split level seating for up to 300 guests
- Professional sound and lighting systems
- A welcoming box office and foyer
- A cosy licensed café and bar – open daily and during showtimes and for community events
- Backstage dressing rooms, workshop areas, and a large costume storage unit
- 2 large rehearsal spaces used for weekly training, workshops, and auditions
A Space for Everyone
Whether you’re a performer, volunteer, audience member, or first-time visitor, St Ives Theatre is a place where people come together through creativity and community spirit.
We’re proud to provide a stage for all ages and abilities, and to be a cornerstone of cultural life in St Ives.
Private hire
Private Hire at St Ives Theatre
Looking for a unique venue in the heart of St Ives?
Whether you’re organising a show, running a workshop, or planning a celebration, St Ives Theatre offers a range of flexible spaces for private hire with professional staffing options available to support your event.
Café & Bar Area
A cosy, characterful space ideal for informal gatherings, launches, receptions, or small parties.
Features:
- Licensed bar and cafe service
- Comfortable seating for 20-30 (plus standing room)
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Light refreshments.
Staffing Available: Bar staff, Café assistants.
Ideal for: Coffee mornings, social clubs, book launches, private receptions, Hen Do’s, Birthday Parties, Wine tasting…
Theatre Auditorium & Stage
Our main auditorium is a fully equipped, intimate performance space, great for productions, talks, concerts, or community events.
Features:
- 312-seat capacity. Split level with Balcony option.
- Full stage, lighting, and sound.
- Dressing rooms and green room.
- Digital screen options.
Staffing Available: Technicians (lighting/sound)Stage Management, Front of House crew (ushers, box office, audience support)Bar/Café staff (for interval service or pre/post-show).
Perfect for: Touring Theatre companies, concerts, screenings, school shows, live events.
Rehearsal Studios (x2)
Two light, versatile studio spaces for rehearsals, workshops, meetings, or creative classes.
Features:
- Mirrors.
- Sound systems.
- Tables and chairs – on request.
Staffing Available: Tech support (if using AV or sound).
Perfect for: Dance and drama rehearsals, sports training, auditions, community classes, youth groups, large meetings.
Costumes & Props Hire
Explore our collection of over 10,000 costumes and props, available for hire by schools, companies, individuals and creatives.
Available Items:
- Period and modern costumes
- Wigs, hats, shoes, accessories
- Props and set pieces
Support Available: Costume supervisor (by appointment) for assistance with fittings, sourcing, and styling.
Great for: Theatre productions, themed events, photo/video shoots, fancy dress, New Years Eve in St Ives!
Enquiries & Bookings
For pricing, availability, or to arrange a tour of our spaces, please contact us:
info@stivestheatrte.co.uk 01736 797007
We’d love to help make your event a success!
Friends of SIT
Be part of the magic – Volunteer Front-of-House!
Do you love the buzz of live performance? Enjoy meeting people and want to be part of something truly brilliant? Join our amazing Front-of-House Team and help us create unforgettable theatre experiences right here in St Ives.
What you’ll be doing:
- Welcoming audiences
- Helping visitors find their seats
- Promoting sales of Raffles and Programmes
- Supporting the box office
- Bringing energy, smiles, and magic to our venue!
No experience needed – we’ll show you the ropes! All we ask is that you volunteer for a couple of performances a month.
Perks of Being a Friend:
- 10% Off in the Café and Bar
- Priority Booking for performances
- Free Seats (subject to availability) when volunteering
- Be part of a warm, welcoming team that feels like family!
Ready to Join?
Email us at info@stivestheatre.co.uk
or keep an eye on our socials to learn how to get involved.