The Dukes in Lancaster has announced plans to celebrate the theatre’s 50th anniversary over the winter season.
As Lancashire’s only producing theatre, the venue has welcomed Harriet Walter, Gloria Grahame, Andy Serkis and, most recently, Sir Ian McKellen.
Beginning a year of celebration, until summer 2022, the theatre will debut two new productions: a new retelling of the infamous Buck Ruxton case, Belle & Mary (November 18–20), and the annual in-the-round Christmas production, Beauty & the Beast (December 3–31).
Festivities will also celebrate the theatre’s long-standing team members including data and audience development manager Karen Chandisingh and technical manager Brent Lees, who have both worked at the theatre for more than 25 years, as well as The Dukes’ team of volunteers.