The Gordon Craig Theatre is the only major theatre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Opened in 1975, the 501-seat theatre on Lytton Way houses its own rehearsal room, scenic workshop, wardrobe,^[1] cafe, bar, art gallery and restaurant.^[2]

The theatre is housed in the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, which is situated on Lytton Way, directly opposite Stevenage Railway Station and is connected to the station by a bridge extending across the dual carriageway. The Arts & Leisure Centre is accessible by train (via the bridge), car (via Lytton Way), bus (via Stevenage Bus Interchange) and foot (via the Town Centre). Taking its name from Edward Gordon Craig, the internationally renowned theatre practitioner who was born less than a mile away,^[3] the theatre has become a key part of the cultural offering of the area.^[4] Designed to accommodate orchestral concerts alongside produced and visiting theatrical events, it has also been used to screen films and host organ recitals.^[5] The Theatres Trust describes the theatre as: "probably the best-designed civic entertainment centre of its type in the country".^[6]

The theatre was officially opened in February 1976 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.^[7]

The Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre contains two halls. The smaller of these is the Gordon Craig Theatre itself, which has a capacity of 501. The stage features a proscenium up to 12.2m wide and the stage depth is 7.62m.^[8] The theatre boasts a proud tradition of presenting plays, pantomime, opera, dance and orchestral concerts.^[9]

Also located within the Arts & Leisure Centre is the Concert Hall, derived from a large gymnasium,^[6] which has a capacity of 1,200. The concert hall plays host to a variety of shows including live music and comedy.^[9]

From the early 1960s there was discussion on the need for an Arts / Leisure centre in the new town of Stevenage.^[10] In 1968 Stevenage Arts Trust resolved to commence the building of an Arts Centre on land granted by Stevenage Development Corporation. Architects Messrs Vincent, Gorbing and Partners drew up detailed plans for a 488-seat theatre to cost £300,000.^[11] The scheme was put on hold due to a lack of capital. In 1968 a feasibility study was commissioned by Stevenage Urban District Council and the Stevenage Development Corporation for a combined Arts/Sports Centre.^[12] In 1969 Stevenage Urban District Council and Stevenage Development Corporation accepted the Initial Design Brief prepared by the architects.^[13] In 1972, the architects confirmed that the final design drawings were completed, the final cost was estimated at £1,610,218. The foundation stone was laid on 14 June 1974 by Baroness Lee, the former Labour minister, Jennie Lee. Opening for The Danesgate Theatre, as the building was then to be known, was planned for November 1975.^[14]

The programme offered by the Gordon Craig Theatre is currently strongly focused on music (including tribute bands), comedy, popular dance, popular entertainment and family shows. The theatre also plays host to productions presented by local amateur and community groups. In addition, since 2012 the theatre has produced three shows in-house annually, incorporating musicals and drama.^[20]

The theatre is also notable for the popular and still playable 1932 Christie theatre organ, which was installed in 1987 after originally being in the Carlton cinema, Tuebrook, Liverpool.^[79] The re-homed Christie had its Grand Opening Concert at the Gordon Craig Theatre at 3:00pm on Sunday 27 September 1987. Five famous organists performed that afternoon; Frank Fowler (Managing Director of Hill Norman & Beard), George Blackmore, Joanna Fraser, Janet Dowsett and finally William Davies.^[80] The console for the organ can be played in the orchestra pit or brought onto the stage.

The Christie Organ will be returning to the stage for the first time after a very long break, on 15th September 2022^[81]