Theatre by the Lake Celebrates 25 years of Passion, Magic and Community with New Spring – Summer 2025 Season

Theatre by the Lake (TBT L) is celebrating 25 years with a vibrant Spring-Summer 2025 season featuring exciting new co-productions and some of the best touring shows in the UK. Home-produced highlights include the enduring classic Of Mice and Men, co-produced with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, and Octagon Theatre Bolton. Audiences can also look forward to another signature TBTL summer comedy, Noises Off, created in partnership with New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg.

Adding to the season’s excitement is the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s dynamic Pride and Prejudice, presented by the same powerhouse trio – TBTL, Stephen Joseph Theatre, and Octagon Theatre Bolton – that delivered hits like 2023’s Blonde Bombshells and 2024’s Brassed Off. 

When TBTL was officially opened by Dame Judi Dench and her late husband Michael Williams in December 1999, a sudden snowfall surprised the audience at the interval. Over the last 25 years, the magic has endured. TBTL continues to bring people together to experience the power of live theatre, made right here in Cumbria. 

TBTL remains dedicated to accessibility, offering Audio Described, Captioned, BSL, and Relaxed performances for these shows to ensure theatre is inclusive and welcoming for all. 

In addition to its main-house productions, TBTL proudly champions local creativity. CumbriaFest, a celebration of new writing by local artists, brought fresh energy to the studio in Autumn 2024, and this momentum will continue with innovative new work this spring. The theatre will also host Company 25, a team of young theatre-makers, who will close the anniversary year with a show-stopping finale. 

Beyond its own shows, TBTL hosts some of the best drama, music, literature and comedy touring right now, with highlights including Spitfire Girls, the extraordinary true story of the women who dared to fly during WWII, Black is the Color of My Voice, an acclaimed tribute to Nina Simone, Scottish trailblazers Peatbog Faeries, the world renowned Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, global No 1 bestselling author, Kate Mosse and the beloved comedian and raconteur, Jimmy Tarbuck. Plus, lots of fun family shows including King Arthur, written by John Nicholson, co-writer and director of TBTL’s critically-acclaimed 2024 summer show, The Hound of the Baskervilles. 

The Keswick venue remains a vibrant hub for festivals; Keswick Film Festival, also celebrating 25 years, returns to TBTL, alongside BANFF Mountain Film Festival, showcasing the world’s top outdoor filmmakers and adventurers. The popular Words by the Water Festival arrives in March, with headline speakers James Rebanks, Ann Cleeves and Rev Richard Coles. 

TBTL are proud to welcome the local creative community too, and this season includes shows by Keswick Amateur Operatic Society, Keswick Theatre Club and Committed2Rock. 

Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director and Joint CEO of TBTL said: “The milestone of our 25th year is not just a celebration of our past but an opportunity to look ahead. Our 2025 Season reflects this vision as we collaborate with theatre companies and artists from across the UK, alongside outstanding local talent from Cumbria, to bring audiences fresh perspectives on timeless classics and share captivating new stories.

We’re looking forward to working with both long-standing and new co-producing partners to curate a diverse programme of home-produced shows, from the gripping Of Mice and Men to the uproarious Noises Off. We’re especially excited to present the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice, staged in-the-round for an immersive and unforgettable summer experience.”

For tickets, event details and information visit www.theatrebythelake.com.