Darlington Civic Theatre first opened its doors on Monday September 2 1907 as the New Hippodrome & Palace of Varieties under the leadership of Managing Director Signor Rino Pepi. Over the years many famous names have appeared at the theatre, including Anna Pavlova, Tommy Cooper, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rex Harrison, Dame Vera Lynn and Mickey Rooney. The reputation of the Civic Theatre has grown over the years and it still attracts the biggest names in the theatre world and is a sought after venue for national touring.

The theatre seats 896 people. The current programme features musicals, comedy, opera, quality drama and young people’s theatre, a variety to suit all tastes. Over 170,000 patrons attend more than 70 productions each year.

2007 marked the centenary year of the theatre an occasion that underlined the ongoing importance of the arts to the people of Darlington.