Middlesbrough Theatre formerly ‘Middlesbrough Little Theatre’ opened on 22nd October 1957 by Sir John Gielgud.
MLT initially ran the theatre independently, presenting not only their own productions but those of other amateur operatic and dramatic societies as well as hosting visits from professional companies. However, by the mid 1960s the rising costs of running a successful theatre were proving too burdensome for them and they entered into negotiations with Teesside Corporation to take over the theatre. As a result a new Trust was established in 1974.
The most recent step came in 1996, when, following a feasibility study by Richard Bell, its name was changed to Middlesbrough Theatre, not least because, with 484 seats and a stage 70’ wide by 40’ deep, it isn’t that little!
Today, the theatre continues as a Charitable Trust, with Middlesbrough Council as sole trustees.