In 1971, with the support of Lancaster Council, the former St. Anne's Church opened its doors as The Duke's Playhouse. This, however, was only the name of the building. The actors who took up residence were members of the Century Touring Theatre Company - a company who had since the Fifties toured the country with a unique mobile theatre. Under their artistic director, Peter Oyston, Century began performing a series of plays in the new Duke's Playhouse. In their first season they presented 8 plays, including Twelfth Night and plays written by the company's publicity officer-cum-playwright, David Pownall.

Century Theatre Company continued to perform on Moor Lane until 1973 when The Duke's Playhouse Company was formed from members of the Century company. Since that time the company has presented over two hundred and sixty shows- rehearsed and built in Lancaster.


In 1987, "The Duke's Playhouse" presented the first of its famous outdoor productions in Lancaster's Williamson Park. An eagerly-awaited fixture throughout the North-West and for many national and international tourists, this event combines elaborate settings, spectacular costumes, and a fun atmosphere. It has become the biggest annual walkabout theatre event in the UK.

Uniquely for a producing theatre, the Dukes has also been a cinema since it opened its doors in 1971. The Dukes Cinema provides the best selection of independent cinema between Manchester and Glasgow.