St Ives Theatre

The stone building on Lower Stennack was put up in 1888 as a Primitive Methodist chapel, and the chapel shell is still what you see from the street. Inside it has been converted into a working theatre, run as a community interest company rather than a commercial venue. That distinction shapes the programme: it is booked by and for St Ives as much as for visitors.

Kidz R Us, an award-winning youth theatre company, has been resident since 1994 and remains the venue’s best-known tenant. Around it the calendar takes professional touring productions, amateur drama, music across genres, literary events and poetry readings, children’s workshops and community festivals. It is a small enough room that the difference between a touring act and a local one matters less than usual.

Two rounds of work have kept the building usable. A major renovation launched in 2005 was funded by a mix of Arts Council money, local fundraising and volunteer labour. A further refurbishment in 2025 added a cafe and new auditorium seating.

Lower Stennack is uphill from the harbour, which is worth knowing in August: it is a short walk from the centre but away from the worst of the crowding along Fore Street. There is no venue car park, so use the town car parks or the park and ride at Lelant Saltings and walk down. Box office is on 01736 797007.

St Ives packs a lot of culture into a small town. Tate St Ives sits above Porthmeor Beach a few minutes north, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is closer still. For a bigger stage, Hall for Cornwall in Truro is about 25 miles east.