One of England's 'crown jewels' of history and culture is opening its doors for behind the scenes tours at the start of its new season.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is the UK's oldest working theatre in its original form - having originally opened to audiences in 1788.

Guests have the opportunity to tread the boards, enjoy guided tours around the venue and learn about Georgian England in the Georgian Theatre Experience with hourly tours running from 10am to 3pm Mondays to Saturdays until October.

Read more: Could you drive a steam train? Heritage line seeks volunteers

The fully guided tour lasts just under an hour and explores every inch of the theatre while shining a light on the world of showbiz nearly 250 years ago. Visitors can expect to see trap doors, poke their noses around underground dressing rooms, and hear entertaining stories about the riotous Georgian audiences who packed themselves into the pocket-sized auditorium.

Performances in the early days would have been raucous affairs, with audiences crammed into the tiny venue drinking to excess and shows lasting for many hours. With no toilets in the venue in those days, guests would be expected to use the street outside or to bring their own pot.

A purpose-built exhibition area houses original artefacts from the theatre's history, including costumes, props, playbills and more to tell the story of the theatre and of the lives of the people who built it and acted on its stage.

Britain's oldest surviving stage scenery - restored to its original glory - is also on display.

“We are looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the Theatre in the months ahead,” said Clare Allen, Chief Executive of The Georgian Theatre Royal.

“Our tours are led by our extremely knowledgeable volunteer guides who are passionate about the Theatre and its history. Each guide brings their own unique nuggets of information, and all have entertaining tales to tell of the fascinating characters who were both on and off the stage.

"This makes each tour a unique experience and why we get so many repeat visits.”

READ NEXT:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here

Many of the actors and their families would have lived at the theatre when the troupe of players were in town and they would have walked miles between venues in different towns while taking their scenery and props with them.

The Georgian Theatre Experience can be accessed from the main entrance of the Theatre on Victoria Road. No pre-booking is required but larger groups are advised to phone in advance.

For further information, please contact 01748 823710 or visit: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk