Theatre by the Lake
Theatre by the Lake
4.5
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays on its two stages and has won multi-starred reviews from national critics. It also hosts festivals of literature, jazz, film and mountains. There are lifts to all levels and wheelchair users can get to all front-of-house and backstage areas. Both auditoria have enhanced-hearing and induction loop systems.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Chris FSlaithwaite, United Kingdom490 contributionsInteresting theatre in a lovely locationAn interesting theatre in a lovely location. We went to see School for Scandal … a great production … very funny. It was worth paying extra for the circle seats … a great view. Drinks etc for the interval could be ordered before the show but the bar seemed well staffed for those who weren’t so well prepared. The adjacent car park had plenty of spaces and overnight parking was only one pound after 7pm when we visited.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
- pkoldironCarlisle, United Kingdom29 contributionsHold onto your seats!Little shop of horrors - absolutely mad! Two hours of great acting, music, songs and some of the funniest ‘horror’ around just fly by. So talented, so much fun. The free exhibition of works by renowned artists Percy Kelly on the first & second floor also well worth a visit (and all for sale.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 3, 2024
- MrNibbleEngland, United Kingdom1 contributionAutistic Positive and SupportiveHi TbtL, I just wanted to drop a note to tell you how lovely your house and bar staff were to me and my daughter tonight. My little girl is autistic (so am I) and before the end of the show felt over stimulated and a bit poorly. We came out a little before the end and without needing to be approached the lovely ladies helped us locate water and somewhere quiet to snuggle up and wait for the rest of the family. The lady at the bar was lush and refilled the water despite the bar closing down for the night. This sort of no fuss proactive support stopped a little wobble turning into a stressful situation, and it's rare. It's Autism Acceptance week and your lovely team are definitely exemplars of how to support an Autistic family when we need it. Thank you so much!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 3, 2024
- Grant T2 contributionsSuperb theatreThose is an excellent theatre. We keep coming back. Everything we've ever come to had been superbly executed. Brilliant acting, sets, musicianship, lighting, sound. And you get a great view wherever you're sitting.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2024
- Vanessa EHelensburgh, United Kingdom39 contributionsAlways a joyOur u3a group visited TBTL yesterday afternoon to see the wonderful Percy Kelly exhibition. The theatre provides a great space for the exhibition and the volunteers are so informed and polite. It was a joy to spend time there. The cafe provided just what we needed mid afternoon just before our coach journey back to South West Scotland.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 10, 2024
- Louise B44 contributionsFab theatreWe love this theatre. There are so many fabulous productions in the main auditorium and studio. We have booked in various parts of the theatre and have always had a good view from wherever we have been seated. Fab little bar, albeit a little pricey and a good menu in the cafe. Staff are always so friendly, helpful and welcoming. Would definetely recommend you book.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2024
- packedandready2go1,038 contributionsVery nice they're near the lake.This is a very nice and comfortable modern theatre located by the lake. It is also located next to a beautiful park in case you arrive early for the performance. We saw Brassed Off which was good, particularly the second act.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2024
- James PCambridge, United Kingdom2,789 contributionsUnexpectedly Superb!We booked the matinee performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles. It was brilliant, fast paced and hilarious. The cast of three were brilliant, so much energy, such a clever script. A great afternoon! Tip: If you need snacks in the interval bring your own as all they sell is ice-cream and very expensive tourist fancy chocolate bars.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2024
- James360 contributions'The Hound of the Baskervilles'What an amazing theatre. It has such an amazing atmosphere, it was well kept, and we as a family had an amazing experience. The staff which where mainly volunteers, where helpful and we had such an amazing time and watch a an amazing show which I would highly recommend watching as it was extremely funny and very well played.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 3, 2024
- Rob LClowne, United Kingdom9 contributionsTinselTinsel is a superb show for the little ones and a great introduction to theatre. We went in the afternoon on the opening day, not really knowing what to expect. The show is performed by two very talented performers, who each sing, dance, and play multiple musical instruments along the way of telling the story of Tinsel's journey to the top of the Christmas tree. It's a lovely story and a very engaging show. The studio is small and intimate, and perfectly suits the show. They allow kids to sit on mats right in front of the stage. Our usually shy 4 year old made her way down there halfway through the show without any encouragement, and 5 minutes later, she was up and dancing. It was the highlight of her week long holiday in the Lakes. She now performs the show each night before bed. She plays Sparkle and makes me play Tinsel! This show comes highly recommended for families with little ones. The theatre itself is clean, modern, and comfortable.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,434 reviews
Excellent
1,039
Very good
282
Average
66
Poor
23
Terrible
24
Andrew P
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
As regular visitors to shows at the Theatre by the Lake we came to the Saturday matinee performance of Jungle Book between Christmas and New Year. As expected, the performance was superb and thoroughly enjoyable.
One little wrinkle which I only mention here to help TBTL in their organisation was the pre-booking of interval ice creams which we did for the first time expecting this to speed up our service. In reality we queued at the main desk by the 'prebooked' sign along with a number of other people for around 10 mins with little sign of service. The lady behind the desk didn't appear to have sufficient stock of ice creams so had to pop out to the fridge in the foyer as well as trying to serve a second queue of people at the other side of the desk so this really didn't work as envisaged. In the end we went to the foyer sales fridge (at which the queue had gone) and swapped our pre-booked vouchers for ice-creams there - we may as well have not bothered with the pre-booking. No criticism of the lady manning the desk is intended as she was put in an impossible situation but this aspect needs some thought if it is to work effectively.
One little wrinkle which I only mention here to help TBTL in their organisation was the pre-booking of interval ice creams which we did for the first time expecting this to speed up our service. In reality we queued at the main desk by the 'prebooked' sign along with a number of other people for around 10 mins with little sign of service. The lady behind the desk didn't appear to have sufficient stock of ice creams so had to pop out to the fridge in the foyer as well as trying to serve a second queue of people at the other side of the desk so this really didn't work as envisaged. In the end we went to the foyer sales fridge (at which the queue had gone) and swapped our pre-booked vouchers for ice-creams there - we may as well have not bothered with the pre-booking. No criticism of the lady manning the desk is intended as she was put in an impossible situation but this aspect needs some thought if it is to work effectively.
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tor C
4 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Worth mentioning what a fantastic experience we had at the 'Theatre by the Lake' yesterday. The staff (and especially the Customer Experience gentlemen who were possibly volunteers) couldn't have been kinder or more helpful to me throughout (honestly struck me enroute I was mad taking a 4 month old and a 7yo who can't stay in his seat for two seconds!).
The 'Stuff and Nonsense' show was really creative and entertaining, the music and singing were also great and the lovely director (who happened to be sat next to us) made a point of saying to me how much she enjoyed seeing the children enjoy themselves and was really keen to ask us what we thought of it (after I apologised in case we were disruptive.. we were literally like a bag of cats 😅).
Definitely looking forward to going back!
Only downside was car park was expensive and had to queue twice to find a machine that worked (even then the machine instructions weren't simple to understand). Not a problem with the Theatre but advise leaving extra time for that.
The 'Stuff and Nonsense' show was really creative and entertaining, the music and singing were also great and the lovely director (who happened to be sat next to us) made a point of saying to me how much she enjoyed seeing the children enjoy themselves and was really keen to ask us what we thought of it (after I apologised in case we were disruptive.. we were literally like a bag of cats 😅).
Definitely looking forward to going back!
Only downside was car park was expensive and had to queue twice to find a machine that worked (even then the machine instructions weren't simple to understand). Not a problem with the Theatre but advise leaving extra time for that.
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Wakefield, UK510 contributions
Nov 2022
Our second visit to this beautiful establishment, which must have one of the best settings of any theatre.
We saw "The beauty queen of Leenane" a powerful and increasingly dark drama, which was very impressive.
My only quibble is with the parking which is £1 if you pay after 7pm but likely to be around £6 if you have to park before then.
We saw "The beauty queen of Leenane" a powerful and increasingly dark drama, which was very impressive.
My only quibble is with the parking which is £1 if you pay after 7pm but likely to be around £6 if you have to park before then.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth00005
Carlisle, UK3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The Theatre is wonderful, the Hound of the Baskervilles moderately funny and the staff friendly but beware the prices in the cafe. So small you can miss them, as I did and paid £15 for two sausage rolls which arrived with no garnish or crisps. Only saving grace was that they were tasty but did feel ripped off. Bill for three coffees, two sausage rolls and one small cake £29.45
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lancastrian32
Bolton, UK62 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Been to this Theatre on a number of occasions since it opened in 1999 and never been let down.
Saw 39 Steps and can quite easily say this is one of the best improvised productions I’ve ever seen . The performance was an example of the actors art at its finest - only 4 of them but it seemed like many more.
Open stage is fully utilised with a good selection of the nearby audience engaged in the actual play, much to their surprise!
Such a good night, I’d go more often if it wasn’t so far away. Worth an overnight stay in any event.
Saw 39 Steps and can quite easily say this is one of the best improvised productions I’ve ever seen . The performance was an example of the actors art at its finest - only 4 of them but it seemed like many more.
Open stage is fully utilised with a good selection of the nearby audience engaged in the actual play, much to their surprise!
Such a good night, I’d go more often if it wasn’t so far away. Worth an overnight stay in any event.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin S
6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The staff were so incredibly rude, they refused service, again no reason given and in the end we decided to leave. It was completely without provocation (at no point did we engage with them beyond initial polite enquiries. The only reason I can imagine is that it's a high traffic tourist area and this is a locals-only venue. As can be seen from some of the other reviews this is not an isolated experience.
It was however when we attempted to get our money back that the real fun and games began. An initial email as regards our experience was met with highly interrogative reply and a demand for personal details. The theatre continued to demand details (despite already having been given them) and refused to refund our tickets. Every part of the email seemed to be about trying to reduce liability, which suggest that this kind of thing happens so frequently (and we were far from the only unhappy customer that night) that they have a strategy in place.
Avoid at all costs, leave to the locals.
It was however when we attempted to get our money back that the real fun and games began. An initial email as regards our experience was met with highly interrogative reply and a demand for personal details. The theatre continued to demand details (despite already having been given them) and refused to refund our tickets. Every part of the email seemed to be about trying to reduce liability, which suggest that this kind of thing happens so frequently (and we were far from the only unhappy customer that night) that they have a strategy in place.
Avoid at all costs, leave to the locals.
Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,678 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
I’ve said before that Keswick and the surrounding area is so fortunate to have access to a local theatre of such quality.
It was also good to see a full house despite the icy cold weather and the threat of snow.
This years Christmas production was “The Borrowers” and we were so glad we had booked to see it. There is an extremely talented and versatile cast who clearly enjoyed performing in front of such an appreciative audience. If there was any criticism, it was that the first half seemed a little slow initially but as the performance progressed, matters livened up and the second half contained some magical moments.
Of course any performance isn’t just about the cast and the sets and lighting deserve a mention. The theatre does rely on volunteers who seem to do a sterling job and without whom, then theatre wouldn’t function.
This is a wonderful community resource and will hopefully continue to prosper for many years to come.
It was also good to see a full house despite the icy cold weather and the threat of snow.
This years Christmas production was “The Borrowers” and we were so glad we had booked to see it. There is an extremely talented and versatile cast who clearly enjoyed performing in front of such an appreciative audience. If there was any criticism, it was that the first half seemed a little slow initially but as the performance progressed, matters livened up and the second half contained some magical moments.
Of course any performance isn’t just about the cast and the sets and lighting deserve a mention. The theatre does rely on volunteers who seem to do a sterling job and without whom, then theatre wouldn’t function.
This is a wonderful community resource and will hopefully continue to prosper for many years to come.
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas M
Carlisle, UK224 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Booked here many times, this time to see Around the world in eighty days not knowing what to exoect. They did not let me down a superb adaptation full of great performers given a brilliant & inventive illustration of a famous story. The cast were supeb & their use of minimal props to convey Foggs travels were outstanding & captivating. A thougherly marvellous afternoon of the highest quality in live entertainment. Loved it
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey700
32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Went to TBTL to see Blonde Bombshell 1943. Was not sure if it was going to be my thing. Well I was totally wrong. What a great production and acting. Was full of music , fun and laughter. With a fantastic cast. I would highly recommend that anyone who can get the chance to see it, goes and see it.
Also the TBTL itself is an amazing place and makes you feel at home. Great place for a preshow drink.
Also the TBTL itself is an amazing place and makes you feel at home. Great place for a preshow drink.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz R
Poole, UK172 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A brilliant evening at The Theatre by the Lake. A full house enjoyed a great performance of The 39 Steps. Presented in the round, we were royally entertained by the 4 actors who brought Richard Hannay's adventures to life in a side splittingly funny way full of surprise and with great audience interaction.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the view ok from side circle seats in main auditorium?
Written March 9, 2019
Thinking of coming to Cumbria, which play in October and November can anyone recommend please ? I’ve seen quite a few plays here already: 39 steps and Seeing the Lights have been my favourite, is there anything similar playing at the moment ? Many thanks...
Written October 9, 2018
Nothing on is quite along those lines. But I’d avoid Rails as it’s rather harrowing and recommend the Alan bennet play that’s currently on.
Written October 10, 2018
What will be the performance on Thursday 24th or Friday 25th August?
Thanks
Written July 10, 2017
Hi, our website has full details of those shows via our handy calendar, it details which shows are on both those days. You can choose the performances you're interested on and it routes you to find out more about each show. The answer is that we have After the Dance by Terence Rattigan in the Main House and Remarkable Invisible by Laura Eason in the Studio. Both shows are TBTL productions and there is one matinee of our Studio show on the 24th. Details of both shows and what they're about can be found online, where you can also book. I'm not allowed to post the address of the website but if you don't want to do this online you can call our Box Office on 017687 74411 and they'll be happy to give you more information and take your booking.
Written July 11, 2017
Hello,
The theatre announced at last year's festival that they were programming five days of Jazz events from Wed 10 May until Sun 14 May in the absence of anyone coming forward to run the festival in the future.
But after that announcement an independent organiser came forward to run the festival also on 11-14 May so there are other events programmed at other venues. You can find information about our events on Theatre by the Lake's website on those dates, or the website for the new festival is Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival.
Written March 24, 2017
Hi
What is on this week?
Has the problem with the car park been sorted?
Written January 18, 2017
Hello, There are no shows at the moment at the theatre. It is our annual dark period where we undertaken essential maintenance.
Shows start again from Sat 4 February with The Lancashire Hotpots. Our website details everything on the calendar.
The car park petition worked to a degree and we had some concessions on the proposed price hikes. Parking after 7pm is now chargable at £1. You can find full parking details on the 'location' part of our website.
Rachel Swift
Head of Communications
Written January 18, 2017
Hello Terence,
We have four shows on during that timeframe.
If you want to have a look at all relevant shows - then go to our website and click 'whats on' and then you can search by date range and it will show you all events that are on during that period.
The calendar - if you put your mouse over it will tell you exactly which days each show is on and at what time.
Public booking opens today so you can book your tickets straightaway if you find something you like the look of.
Best, Rachel
Written January 9, 2017
Carl P
Bolton, United Kingdom
Hi, could anyone tell me if dogs are allowed in the cafe at the front of the theatre ?
Thank you
Written December 15, 2016
Hi Carl, yes they are allowed in Cafe by the Lake - as long as they're well behaved! Look forward to seeing you soon.
Written December 15, 2016
Hello. What's on Theatre on the lake during period 28th August to 2nd September 2016? Many Thanks.
Written August 25, 2016
Hi sorry not sure but do ring them they are so helpful there. And if eating book theatre special as it gets very busy
Regards
Jane
Written August 28, 2016
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