The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall not only bring economic stability to Stoke-on-Trent city centre by providing more than 120 jobs they attract an annual footfall of more than 300,000 visitors which helps to support other businesses.

Two of Stoke-on-Trent’s most iconic cultural landmarks, this year the venues celebrate 25 years of bringing the best in live entertainment to the city.

Nearly every staff member has a story to tell about the start of their career in the venues, with many having previously performed as a child on the stages or started off as an apprentice or Youth Academy participant.

The annual pantomime starring local lad Jonathan Wilkes attracts more than 50,000 visitors every Christmas. Pretty Woman, Only Fools and Horses and War Horse are all set to bring in more than 12,000 people in just one week. The past 12 months alone saw more than 150 shows tour to the venues from a variety of genres to suit everyone’s needs and tastes.

By hosting and continuing to attract high-profile artists and performances, the venues attract visitors from beyond the local area, even internationally. This influx of visitors contributes to the city’s reputation as a cultural hub and aims to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for tourism and business.

This influx of people into the city centre plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses. Local bars and restaurants benefit significantly from theatregoers, creating a buzz around Piccadilly, particularly before evening performances. Many visitors will spend time and money in the city pre or post-show and this steady stream of visitors is vital for the vibrancy and sustainability of the high street, providing consistent demand that helps local businesses to thrive.

The impact of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall extends beyond economic benefits; they play a crucial role in the social and cultural development of the community. The theatre’s Creative Learning team is a cornerstone of this impact, working with thousands of young people across the city, many of whom may not typically find attending the theatre easily accessible.

The Creative Learning department is responsible for the Regent’s annual ‘0 Dance’ show, which has grown from strength to strength, and after over 20 years of establishing itself as the biggest dance festival in the region, it now brings nearly 60 dance schools and groups from across the region together, giving thousands of local young people a chance to showcase their passion and insane talent whilst performing on a professional stage.

The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall have entered the High Street Impact category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.