The existing theatre is a rare example of a Georgian provincial theatre, and even rarer for having been designed by an architect of national renown, William Wilkins. It opened in 1819 and is
Grade I listed.

The project restores the auditorium, reinstating original features and a decorative scheme based on extensive, detailed research. Improvements, including comfort cooling, are incorporated in a manner consistent with its role as a public service theatre, hosting a great variety of medium sized productions.

A foyer extension on an adjoining garden improves the facilities for patrons, and provides interpretation space to explain the building's remarkable qualities.

Levitt Bernstein's interest in the theatre dates from 1988, when our historical study of its origins entitled 'Theatre of Proportion' was published in the Architectural Review.