Where is the Belgrade Theatre?

The Belgrade Theatre is at Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GS. It is near Upper Well Street.

 

In brief

The Belgrade was the first civic theatre to be built in the UK after the end of the Second World War. It opened in 1958, and is now a Grade II listed building.

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Belgrade Theatre - history

The Belgrade Theatre was the first civic theatre to be built in the UK after the end of the Second World War.

In 1952, Coventry gained a twin city in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now in Serbia). Who pledged a gift of beech timber to be used at the new theatre.

It is after this city that the Belgrade is named.

The architect was Arthur Ling, and construction began in 1956.

The Yugoslavian ambassador visited the construction site in 1957.

The Belgrade opened on the 27th March 1958 by the Duchess of Kent.

Coat of arms at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Bryan Bailey was the theatre's first director (a sculpture in his honour was later made and placed in the square outside in 1962).

In the 1960s the theatre developed the innovative Theatre in Education concept.

In the 1980s and 1990s the theatre received a number of grants.

The theatre was refurbished in the 2000s

It reopened on the 22nd September 2007.

A new B2 studio performance area was opened by Prince Edward on 4th February 2008.

The Belgrade has been part of the UK City of Culture 2021 programme.

 

Public art outside The Belgrade

There is at least three works of public art located outside of the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

 

Belgrade

Belgrade relief on Corporation Street in Coventry. It represents the City of Belgrade in what was then part of Yugoslavia (now in Serbia).

Belgrade relief at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Two Sides of a Woman

This sculpture is called Two Sides of a Woman. Made in 1985 by the artist Helaine Blumenfeld. It was Acquired by the City of Coventry in 1986.

Two Sides of a Woman sculpture at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Memorial to Bryan Bailey

This sculpture is a Memorial to Bryan Bailey, who was the first director of the theatre. It was by Norelle Keddie 1962, and it was recast in bronze in 2008, after the new Belgrade Square was completed.

A Memorial to Bryan Bailey sculpture at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Belgrade Theatre