A theatre in Cirencester has been named among the UK’s best boutique theatres in a new list by The Times.

Introducing the list, The Times said: “Ticket prices in the West End are at an all-time high — but don’t let that put you off seeing a show. We’ve found plenty of cutting-edge new plays which are being trialled outside the capital.

“Be it a theatre beside a loch or exciting productions in half-timbered market towns, these are the greatest venues across the country — with ticket prices a snip of what you’d pay in the West End”.

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester came in at 6th place on the list which features seven theatres from across the UK.

What did The Times say about The Barn Theatre?

The Times said: “This market town may be known as the capital of the Cotswolds, but it’s also home to an agenda-setting regional theatre (barntheatre.org.uk). Launched in 2018, the Barn is a relative newcomer to Britain’s theatre scene — but it was quickly embraced by the industry, winning The Stage Awards’ Best Fringe Theatre gong in 2019.

“In a 19th-century private residence and stables, it’s hosted lesser-known Sondheim musicals, adaptations of Michael Morpurgo books and classic revivals including The Importance of Being Earnest; meanwhile, this year all eyes are on Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Fiend (runs until March 9).

“The Swan in neighbouring Bibury is a cosy coaching inn that’s a ten-minute walk from the weavers’ cottages of Arlington Row ‒ one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.”

The Barn Theatre has been praised by its visitors on Tripadvisor with a 5/5 rating from 100 reviews.

One reviewer said: “If you get the chance to visit the Barn theatre do so. The theatre is small and atmospheric. We are currently halfway through watching "Treasure Island " and loving it.

“The cast is small but it's 100% entertainment at a very high speed. Funny, witty and very well performed.”

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Another wrote: “Every play I have seen has been amazing. Something different every time and always so greatly written, performed, set up.

“It is worth going to see and supporting your local for such a small cost compared to london ticket prices!”

Full list of the UK’s best boutique theatres

The full list is as follows:

  1. The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire
  2. Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, Cumbria
  3. The Maltings Theatre, St Albans, Hertfordshire
  4. The Watermill Theatre, Newbury, Berkshire
  5. Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross
  6. The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
  7. Shakespeare North, Prescot, Merseyside

You can find out more about the theatres via The Times website.