The Regent Theatre is Stoke-on-Trent’s premier touring venue, hosting West End musicals, plays, comedy, and concerts. Originally constructed in 1929 as a cinema, the Art Deco theatre was restored and reopened in 1999 following a £23 million development. Since then it has welcomed productions including War Horse, Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.
Shows in Stoke-on-Trent | Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall
Located in Hanley’s Cultural Quarter, the Regent Theatre sits alongside its sister venue Victoria Hall, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, and a selection of restaurants and bars on Piccadilly.
Essential Information
| Address | Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP |
| Box Office | 0333 009 6690 |
| Doors Open | 90 minutes before the performance |
| Age Policy | Children under 3 not permitted. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+) |
| Payment | Cash and card accepted |
Arrival & Security
The theatre’s public spaces open 90 minutes before the performance starts. We recommend arriving with plenty of time to collect tickets (if needed), go through security checks, and enjoy a drink before the show.
Bag checks: ATG operates bag checks at entry. Leave suitcases, rucksacks, and large bags at home or in your car – they may not be permitted into the theatre. Arriving early helps you avoid queues at security.
Ticket collection: The Box Office opens 90 minutes before the performance for ticket collection. Check your booking confirmation for collection details.
What to Wear
There is no strict dress code at the Regent Theatre. Audiences range from smart casual to dressed up for a special occasion. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in – you’ll see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses.
Tip: Theatre auditoriums can vary in temperature. Consider bringing a light layer in case you find your seat area warm or cool.
Seating
The Regent Theatre has two seating levels: Stalls and Circle.
- Stalls seats: Approximately 41cm wide, fold-down chairs with fixed armrests
- Circle seats: Approximately 41cm wide, fold-down chairs with fixed armrests
- Perch seats: High seats (70cm) with no armrests available in:
- Stalls: Row V seats 1-8 and 9-16 (16 seats)
- Circle: Row H seats 1-7 and 25-31, plus Box positions AA 1-3 and AA 4-6 (14 seats)
Accessibility
The Regent Theatre is committed to making performances accessible to all visitors.
Access to the Building
- Lift access: There is lift access to all levels of the theatre from the foyer (with audible announcer)
- Step-free access: Available throughout the main public areas
Accessible Seating
Contact the Box Office on 0333 009 6690 to discuss your requirements and book suitable seats.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are available in:
- The Foyer
- The Stalls Bar
- The Circle Bar
Hearing Impairment
The Regent Theatre has an Infra Red hearing enhancement system. Ask a staff member for a headset on arrival. For best results, sit closer to the centre of the auditorium.
Visual Impairment
Audio described performances, touch tours, and other visual impairment services are available for selected shows. Check the ATG website for upcoming accessible performances.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at the Regent Theatre. They can be looked after by theatre staff during the performance if you request this in advance. If you’d like your dog to stay with you, contact the theatre so they can ensure you have suitable space. Check show information for any trigger warnings that may affect your dog.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are available for selected shows – ideal for those who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere, including autistic visitors. Check the ATG website for upcoming relaxed performances.
Visual Story
A Visual Story is available to help you prepare for your visit. Email stoke@theambassadors.com to request a copy. This is designed to assist customers who are autistic or who would benefit from knowing what to expect.
Bars & Refreshments
The theatre has bars serving drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
ATG+ members: Enjoy 25% off pre-show drinks (available 30 minutes before curtain).
Tip: Pre-order your interval drinks when you arrive to avoid queues during the break.
Cloakroom
A cloakroom is available for coats and small bags. A charge applies.
During the Performance
- Phones: Switch your phone to silent or turn it off completely. Screens are distracting to performers and other audience members.
- Photography & recording: Not permitted during performances
- Food & drink: Check with staff about bringing drinks into the auditorium
- Latecomers: Entry after the performance has started is at the discretion of front-of-house staff. You may need to wait for a suitable break in the show.
Interval
Most performances include an interval of approximately 15-20 minutes. Check your programme or ask staff for confirmation. Bars reopen during the interval.
Getting Here
By Car
The Regent Theatre is situated in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley), easily accessible from:
- M6 motorway: Junctions 15 and 16
- A50: Follow signs for Stoke-on-Trent City Centre
Parking
The Regent Theatre does not have its own car park. Nearby council-operated car parks include:
- John Street Multi-Storey (ST1 3BP): 2 mins walk, 492 spaces, evening rate from £3 (after 7pm)
- Pall Mall (ST1 1HR): Opposite stage door, 14 spaces only, fills quickly
- Smithfield MSCP (ST1 4JH): 5-7 mins walk, 730 spaces, modern facility
See our full parking guide for detailed prices and information.
Disabled Parking
Designated spaces for Blue Badge holders are available at Pall Mall car park (opposite the stage door) – note these are narrow spaces not suitable for larger vehicles. Blue Badge holders can park free. Additional disabled parking is available in nearby streets and at John Street Multi-Storey.
By Train
Stoke-on-Trent railway station is a 10-minute bus ride or taxi drive from the theatre. Frequent trains run from towns in the surrounding area.
By Bus
The Regent Theatre is a 5-minute walk from Hanley Bus Station.
By Coach
Drop-off space is available for coaches. For coach parking information, contact the Groups Hotline on 0333 0095 383.
Nearby
- Restaurants: Piccadilly has several restaurants ideal for pre-theatre dining, including La Bella Napoli, KLAY Pizzeria, and Portofino. See our restaurant guide.
- Victoria Hall: Sister venue next door, hosting concerts and comedy
- Potteries Museum & Art Gallery: Nearby, showcasing the region’s ceramic heritage
- The Potteries Centre: Shopping centre, 5 minutes walk
About the Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre opened in 1929 as a “super cinema.” Following a three-year £23 million development of Stoke-on-Trent city centre, the theatre reopened on 22 September 1999. It has since established itself as one of the country’s leading touring venues, hosting a wide range of West End productions, musicals, plays, comedy, and concerts.
The venue is managed by ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group) alongside its sister venue Victoria Hall.
Quick Reference
| Address | Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1AP |
| Box Office | 0333 009 6690 |
| Doors Open | 90 minutes before performance |
| Nearest Car Park | Pall Mall (opposite stage door) or John Street Multi-Storey |
| Nearest Train Station | Stoke-on-Trent (10 min taxi/bus) |
| Nearest Bus Station | Hanley (5 min walk) |
| Accessibility | Lift access to all levels, accessible toilets, infra red hearing system |
| Cloakroom | Yes (charge applies) |
| Bars | Yes – pre-show and interval |
| Age Policy | Under 3s not permitted; under 16s need adult supervision |