Securing the next 50 years of creativity, talent and opportunity.

For 50 years, Salisbury Playhouse has been a cultural cornerstone of our city and a vital part of British theatre. From creating and touring outstanding productions to nurturing generations of artists, technicians and theatre-makers, its influence reaches far beyond Wiltshire.

Now, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are looking ahead with ambition.

Transforming Salisbury Playhouse is our £22 million vision to secure the future of one of the South West’s leading producing theatres, creating an exceptional environment for making theatre, developing talent and welcoming communities.

This major investment will strengthen our producing capabilities, expand opportunities for creative learning and training, improve accessibility and environmental sustainability, and secure the future for this vibrant cultural destination at the heart of Salisbury.

Our vision for the future

Outstanding Theatre, Made in Salisbury

As one of only three full professional producing theatres in the South West, Salisbury Playhouse plays a vital role in the national theatre landscape. Renewed production facilities and technology will give artists greater creative freedom to make ambitious work in Salisbury and share it with audiences across the country, strengthening our contribution to the British theatre industry .

Developing the Talent of Tomorrow

Salisbury Playhouse is a place where creative careers begin. Through Stage ’65, our education programmes and professional training opportunities, we nurture emerging artists and develop the backstage skills our industry urgently needs. Our transformation will strengthen these pathways, bringing young people and emerging professionals closer to the making of theatre.

A Playhouse for Everyone

Reaching more than 200,000 people each year, Salisbury Playhouse brings communities together through performance, participation and creative learning. Our transformation will make the building more welcoming, inclusive and accessible, creating an inspiring cultural destination and civic space where everyone can feel they belong.

A Greener Future

Sustainability is central to our plans. Modern, energy-efficient infrastructure and renewable technologies will reduce our environmental impact, supporting our Net Zero ambitions and protecting the Playhouse for future generations.

A Thriving City and Region

Salisbury Playhouse is a major cultural and economic asset, supporting jobs, attracting visitors and contributing to the vitality of our city centre. Our transformation will strengthen Salisbury’s cultural identity, support local businesses and reinforce its reputation as a place where creativity and opportunity flourish.

What will change?

Our £22 million investment will transform the Playhouse inside and out, creating a more accessible, sustainable and inspiring environment for artists, audiences and our community.

• A more welcoming Playhouse: Beautifully redesigned, open foyer spaces and a revitalised, pedestrian-friendly outdoor piazza, connecting the theatre with the city and creating a lively green space to meet and spend time.
• Access for everyone: Three new lifts, improved accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities and upgraded dressing rooms, opening up more of the building to audiences, artists and staff.
• An enhanced auditorium: Improved acoustics, modern technical equipment, upgraded lighting and sound, and better accessible seating to enhance the experience for every audience member.
• World-class producing facilities: Renewed workshops, wardrobe and backstage spaces, with improved get-in facilities to support larger, bolder and more technically ambitious productions.
• A greener building: Investment in solar panels, air source heat pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting and other sustainable technologies to reduce energy consumption and support our environmental responsibility ambitions.
• More opportunities to learn and create: Improved spaces and facilities for education, rehearsals, creative training and the development of emerging artists and backstage talent.

Explore our architectural impressions to discover how the transformed Playhouse could look.

Extraordinary Momentum

Our ambitious plans have already secured exceptional public and philanthropic backing.

More than £10 million has been secured towards the £22 million transformation, including a £3 million award from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund, one of the largest grants awarded nationally in its first round.

This landmark investment is complemented by significant support from Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, alongside a cornerstone seven-figure gift from a major philanthropic donor. Together, these commitments represent a powerful endorsement of Salisbury Playhouse’s importance to our city, our region and the future of British theatre.

The journey ahead

Our ambition is for building works to commence in early 2028, with a short 10 month closure, ready for the Playhouse to open in time for the 2028 Christmas pantomime. We know that Salisbury never misses a pantomime!

How you can support

We are currently engaging with visionary philanthropists, trusts and grant-making organisations who share our belief in the importance of regional producing theatre, creative education and the cultural life of our communities.

A wider community fundraising appeal will launch in 2027, offering audiences, local businesses and the people of Salisbury and Wiltshire the opportunity to play a part in shaping the Playhouse’s future.

We invite you to follow the transformation as our plans progress, with news, updates and images shared here and through Wiltshire Creative’s social media channels.

Our Joint Executive, Chair of Trustees and Director of Development would be delighted to meet with those interested in supporting this ambitious vision. For further information or to arrange a conversation, please contact transformation@wiltshirecreative.co.uk.

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