Rosehill Theatre, on the hills above Whitehaven, opened in 1959 and is one of the UK's most intimate theatres offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment from music, theatre, talks, comedy, shows for young people and more. We have ample free car and coach parking, a licensed bar and provide great food and drink. From our position, there are stunning views over the Solway Firth to Scotland and inland to the Lake District. A truly exceptional setting. 

The theatre has a small number of permanent staff and is supported by over 30 volunteers. Rosehill Theatre is subsidised by Rosehill Arts Trust Limited, a non-profit making organisation and a registered charity, which receives grants from Arts Council England, Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, as well as financial support from sponsors, trusts and through individual giving. 

History 

Founded by Hungarian,Sir Nicholas Sekers, Rosehill presented many great names from the world of theatre and music including Peggy Ashcroft, John Gielgud, Jacqueline Du Pré, John Betjeman, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Rostropovich, Victoria de los Angelos, Joyce Grenfell, Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine, and this great list continues... And not to mention David Bowie with Lindsay Kemp! More recently, these names include Jonathan Miller, Richard Rodney Bennett with Claire Martin, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Balsom, the Elias String Quartet, Steven Osborne, Stacey Kent, to name but a few. 

The theatre, which has retained the atmosphere that was acclaimed on its opening in 1959 as a "rose-red silk lined jewel box" was designed by acclaimed stage, costume and film designer, Oliver Messel.