Watford Palace Theatre New Spaces
A new era begins for Watford Palace Theatre, as the venue launches first new spaces in 115 years.
Watford Palace Theatre, a cultural landmark since 1908 is proud to unveil the opening of five newly developed creative spaces, transforming the theatre into a future-facing, multi-media creative hub at the heart of Watford for generations to come. Marking a bold new chapter in its history, this transformation reimagines the theatre as a vibrant catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and community not only honouring its legacy as a historic stage but propelling it forward as a dynamic cultural force at the heart of Watford.
This new chapter includes five purpose-built spaces: 1908 Cabaret, two studio spaces, the Watford Palace Workshop, enhanced front-of-house areas, and the lovingly restored main house.
1908 Cabaret will bring a touch of glamour to the everyday, as the space serves as a relaxed and welcoming co-working space in the day, but by night will transform into a cabaret venue championing emerging voices and local creativity. Its opening programme will include Sip and 1 Craft Mondays, Local Artist Tuesdays, and Open Mic Wednesdays, each one a playful invitation to audiences to come together and connect through art.
The Watford Palace Studios will introduce two fantastic new spaces. Studio 1 will offer a flexible environment for podcasting, digital content creation, livestreaming, and intimate performance. Whilst Studio 2 will be geared more towards a professional rehearsal and showcase space, designed to support artistic development and talent training. And the Watford Palace Workshop (formerly The Barn) is now a hands-on hub for building, making, experimenting and a community-led creation space.
Meanwhile, the Palace Theatre has undergone a major environmental upgrade, with more than £1 million invested to ensure it is both environmentally sustainable and comfortable for audiences. The theatre’s brand new canopy will welcome visitors to the front-of-house spaces that have also undergone a vibrant refresh, bringing new energy and charm to the audience experience. Arcade machines, bar games, and whimsical touches such as a fortune-telling pig, a Diva Test-o Meter, and a hidden pink musical toilet known as The Sir Elton John John bring new atmosphere to the theatre experience.
Watford Palace Theatre continues its mission to entertain, inspire, and represent. By investing in people, places, and possibility, it honours its heritage while embracing a future in which everyone can take centre stage.