The Lytton Theatre

The Stevenage Lytton Players dates back to the 1940s when the group formed to provide entertainment in Stevenage. The Players performed at various temporary locations around the town until 1980 when the current site on Vardon Road was purchased and the current building was constructed to provide a permanent home for the group. The Lytton Theatre opened for its first performance in 1982. On approaching the theatre from Vardon Road, it has very little street presence being hidden by dense road side vegetation and little signage. The building is single storey and is of a plain box design constructed of red, black and white panels with a narrow horizontal windows located well above eye height. It has a flat metal roof. A small awning extends over the single door entry accessed via steps and a ramp. Internally, the Lytton Theatre has a small foyer that directly links to the large licensed bar and lounge, bathrooms, kitchen, auditorium, and corridor to the back of house areas. The auditorium has moveable seating for about 80 and can seat 75 when raked and 60 for cabaret style shows. The stage is located on the long side of the rectangular auditorium (rather than the usual short side) and is raised approximately one foot above floor level. There is also a small studio rehearsal room, workshop, wardrobe and properties store. The Lytton Theatre was not intended to last 30 years and is now difficult and expensive to maintain. The theatre needs substantial redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of audiences and performers. The Stevenage Lytton Players were granted approval in 2009 to demolish the existing theatre and construct a new £2 million purpose built theatre with a larger stage and better connections to the back of house areas, an increased audience capacity of 120 – 160 people, and up to date technical equipment. While of simple masonry and steel construction, the new building will have improved acoustics, address external noise pollution, and meet environmental performance standards and accessibility guidelines. In October 201 an extension of this planning permission was permitted.