Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special Spring-Summer 2025 season featuring exciting new co-productions and some of the best touring shows in the UK.

Home-produced highlights include the enduring classic Of Mice and Men, co-produced with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, and Octagon Theatre Bolton and audiences can also look forward to another signature TBTL summer comedy, Noises Off.

Summer season at Theatre by the LakeSummer season at Theatre by the Lake (Image: TBTL) Adding to the season’s excitement is the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s dynamic Pride and Prejudice, presented by the same powerhouse trio that delivered hits like 2023’s Blonde Bombshells and 2024’s Brassed Off.

When TBTL was officially opened by Dame Judi Dench and her late husband Michael Williams in December 1999, a sudden snowfall surprised the audience at the interval.

Over the last 25 years, the magic has endured. TBTL continues to bring people together to experience the power of live theatre, made right here in Cumbria.

In addition to its main-house productions, TBTL says it ‘proudly champions’ local creativity.

CumbriaFest, a celebration of new writing by local artists, brought fresh energy to the studio in Autumn 2024, and this momentum will continue with innovative new work this spring.

The theatre will also host Company 25, a team of young theatre-makers, who will close the anniversary year with a ‘show-stopping’ finale.

Beyond its own shows, TBTL is set to host a number of exciting touring shows.

Spitfire Girls, the extraordinary true story of the women who dared to fly during WWII, Black is the Color of My Voice, an acclaimed tribute to Nina Simone, Scottish trailblazers Peatbog Faeries, the world renowned Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, global No 1 bestselling author, Kate Mosse and the beloved comedian and raconteur, Jimmy Tarbuck are all coming to Keswick.

The popular Words by the Water Festival arrives in March, with headline speakers James Rebanks, Ann Cleeves and the Rev’d Richard Coles.

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TBTL also work with local creative community too, and this season includes shows by Keswick Amateur Operatic Society, Keswick Theatre Club and Committed2Rock.

Liz Stevenson, Artistic DirectorLiz Stevenson, Artistic Director (Image: Copyright CHRIS PAYNE IMAGES 2015) Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director and Joint CEO of TBTL said: “The milestone of our 25th year is not just a celebration of our past but an opportunity to look ahead. Our 2025 Season reflects this vision as we collaborate with theatre companies and artists from across the UK, alongside outstanding local talent from Cumbria, to bring audiences fresh perspectives on timeless classics and share captivating new stories.”