The Yorkshire Dales offer the opportunity for a night out in some intriguing buildings.
Theatres and venues
Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
Built in 1788, closed in 1848, reopened in 1963, and restored and extended in 2003, the Georgian Theatre Royal is Britain's oldest working theatre in its original form. Tiny – seating just over 200 people – it has a truly intimate atmosphere with the whole audience in close proximity to the actors.
The Mart Theatre, Skipton
The world's only theatre residing in a working cattle auction mart, the Mart Theatre offers a unique experience. It offers a diverse programme of theatre, comedy, music, family shows, student productions and a variety of events.
Victoria Hall, Settle
A beautiful Victorian music hall – now a grade 2 listed building – the Victoria Hall has a wide programme of drama, comedy and music, supplemented by community events, workshops and indoor markets.
Pateley Payhouse, Pateley Bridge
This converted chapel, opened as a theatre in 1968, seats 73 in an intimate, comfortable and unique setting.
As well as being the location for films from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the latest releases and old favourites can be seen in local cinemas.
Cinemas
Station Cinema, Richmond
The Station Cinema is housed in the old station in Richmond. Two screens show new releases as well as screening live shows from the National Theatre, the RSC, the Bolshoi Ballet and elsewhere. The old platform is home to the Seasons restaurant and the station also has a number of artisan food producers and stages regular exhibitions.
Plaza Cinema, Skipton
Converted in 1912 from a temperance hall, the Plaza Cinema still has its stalls and circle seating. It shows a mixture of releases and less commercial films.
Other venues also show films. The Leyburn Arts Centre shows films on Thursdays and Fridays in its 60 seat auditorium and the Victoria Hall in Settle shows films a few times a month.
Events and festivals
The Yorkshire Dales hosts a number of arts and music events throughout the year. There is the Settle Storytelling Festival in April, the Swaledale Festival in May and Grassington Festival in June.
