Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was officially opened by Cilla Black on 12 October 2010, during a live celebratory event attended by stage stars including Simon Callow, David Suchet and Ruby Wax. The town’s council first began plans for the venue in 2003, with a view for it to replace the Civic Theatre that sat in the same location. The construction’s traditional topping out ceremony was completed by locally-born actress Lynda Bellingham in April 2009, ahead of its official opening and first performance, Northern Ballet’s Swan Lake , the following year.
Located in Aylesbury’s vibrant town centre, the theatre is currently managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group. With an exterior design inspired by the rolling Chiltern Hills that surround the town, the building is a multi-purpose venue, equipped with cutting-edge technology. It hosts large touring musicals, tribute bands, film screenings, children’s shows and a range of other events including Aylesbury’s popular annual pantomime.