This beautiful, historic theatre has deeply raked seating that creates an intimate atmosphere, even when full to capacity.
View the virtual tour- First floor
- Capacity of main theatre: 310, Gallery: 130
- Dimensions L: 12.99m, W: 18.10m, H: 11.00m
- Dedicated AV technician
- Professional AV equipment
- Staging on request
- Air conditioning
- Induction loop
- Disabled access
As part of our redevelopment, the Theatre has been fitted with new seating, flooring, air conditioning, lighting and audio-visual equipment. It has also been fully redecorated, including the restoration of its rare Japanese wallpaper. The desk, used for science demonstrations, that was fixed at the front of the theatre is now moveable, giving a greater flexibility to accommodate performances, filming and panel discussions.
The RI began holding lectures in the theatre in the early nineteenth century and they proved so popular that all the people coming in their carriages made Albemarle Street so crowded that it became the first one way street in London. Since then, the Theatre has been host to a great number of renowned speakers including Michael Faraday, HG Wells, David Attenborough and Roger Bannister. The Theatre is also familiar to those who watch the RI Christmas Lectures which are broadcast on television every year.
Registration for your event can be held in the Roundel Room, with any refreshments or exhibition stands in the Ante Room, Library and Georgian Room.
