Ulster University closes Riverside Theatre after nearly 50 years

The Riverside Theatre, Northern Ireland's oldest operating professional theatre outside of Belfast, is slated to close in August 2025 after nearly five decades of operation. Located within Ulster University's Coleraine campus, the theatre has a capacity of approximately 350 people. Ulster University stated that the theatre has reached the end of its operational life and requires substantial capital investment for repairs, estimated at around £745,000, in addition to annual running costs of about £495,000. In March 2025, the university proposed that the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council consider entering into a lease agreement for the theatre, which included the cost of necessary repairs as well as an ongoing financial commitment for its operation. A meeting is expected between council officials and the university to further discuss the theatre's future and possible alternatives. The closure has led to significant reactions from the local community and arts performers, who emphasize the theatre's importance for cultural expression and community engagement. Community leaders and activists have called for consultations and potential partnerships with arts stakeholders to explore various options to keep the theatre open, underscoring a broader concern about the funding and support for the arts in Northern Ireland. They fear that the closure reflects a lack of priority given to cultural initiatives by decision-makers, especially during financial constraints. The Riverside Theatre's final curtain call symbolizes a substantial loss to local arts and culture, prompting advocacy for new solutions to support community storytelling and artistic expression.