Strode Theatre

Strode Theatre opened on 5 October 1963 in Street, funded by the Clark Foundation and built on land bought by Somerset County Council. It combines a two-tiered 343-seat main auditorium, built in the style of its period, with a smaller studio space seating up to 64 on retractable seating. Though physically part of Strode College and used for student rehearsals and performances, the theatre runs independently and is largely self-financing, programming a mixed schedule of touring theatre, live-streamed opera and ballet, and film screenings including regular family showings. A volunteer group, the Friends of Strode Theatre, supports its running alongside a small paid staff. The box office keeps limited opening hours across three days a week rather than daily staffing.