Gala Theatre
Durham's main theatre and cinema on Millennium Place, hosting comedy, music, dance, drama, opera and film throughout the year.
About Gala Theatre
The Gala is Durham's principal performing arts venue, set on Millennium Place just off Claypath in the city centre. It combines a theatre with a cinema, and its year-round programme spans drama, comedy, live music, dance, opera and spoken word, alongside regular film screenings. The theatre is a popular home for both touring productions and local companies, including amateur and community groups.
As well as staged performances, the Gala serves as a social hub with a cafe and bar and hosts festivals and one-off events across the year. Its central location, close to the market place and the bus station, makes it an easy focal point for an evening out in the city, and it plays an important role in Durham's cultural life for residents and visitors alike.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Gala Theatre.
Christmas Lights Switch-On in Durham 2026
Durham Christmas Sparkle, the city's Christmas lights switch-on, is on Sunday 29 November 2026 from 5pm to 6.15pm in the Market Place. It is free, run by Durham BID, and falls the weekend before the Christmas Festival.
Find a Tutor in Durham
From Kumon at Neville's Cross and free university student tutoring to evening language courses, youth theatre and guitar lessons in the Market Hall, here is how to find a tutor in Durham.
Christmas Markets in Durham
Durham Christmas Festival runs from 4 to 6 December 2026 across Palace Green, the Cathedral Cloisters, the Market Hall and the Market Place, with a ticketed craft marquee of over 180 stalls and a lantern parade on the Sunday.
A Rainy Day in Durham: Indoor Things to Do
When the weather closes in, Durham has plenty to keep everyone happy indoors, from the cathedral and museums to soft play, a bouldering wall and a cinema in the heart of the city.
Durham Folk Festival: A Guide to the City's New Folk Celebration
A major new folk festival launches in Durham in September 2026, with more than 100 events across the Cathedral, Redhills, the Gala Theatre and the River Wear. Our guide to what's on and how to plan a visit.
Things to Do in Durham
From the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, museums and the Victorian market hall, here is our guide to the best things to do in Durham.
Where Durham Students Live: Colleges and Student Areas
From first year in college to shared houses in the Viaduct, Gilesgate and beyond, a guide to where Durham students live and what each area is like.
Past Events
Recent events connected to Gala Theatre.
More Community in Durham
Durham Cathedral
A masterpiece of Norman architecture and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the shrine of St Cuthbert and free to enter for worship and visits.
Durham Castle
A Norman castle on Palace Green forming part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site, now part of the University and open to visitors by guided tour.
Oriental Museum
The only museum in the North East devoted entirely to the art and cultures of Asia and North Africa, with collections spanning Egypt, China, Japan and beyond.
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly Durhamcity.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.
What's On
Durham Jazz Festival 2026
See booking, performance times vary · Venues across Durham city centre, including the Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
John Lydon: I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right
7:30 PM · Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club presents The Ronnie Scott's Soho Songbook
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM · Redhills, Durham Miners' Hall, Flass Street, Durham, DH1 4BE