The Old Town Hall

Updated September 16, 2025

The Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead is a late 19th-century civic building notable for its red brick and terracotta façade, decorative clock tower, and well-preserved Victorian architectural details. Inside, visitors can see original council chamber fittings, period woodwork, and rotating local history exhibits that explain the town’s industrial and civic development. The building also hosts community events and guided tours that focus on architectural craftsmanship and Hemel Hempstead’s role in the growth of the surrounding region.

Key Highlights

Imaginative programme of theatre, comedy, music, and occasional film screenings
Intimate performing arts theatre in a characterful Victorian building
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking options nearby
Assistive hearing loop available in the auditorium
Family-friendly shows and a welcoming, community-focused vibe
LGBTQ+ friendly space with a gender-neutral restroom
Onsite foyer bar for interval drinks and light snacks
Wi‑Fi for e-tickets and travel checks
Contactless, debit, and credit card payments accepted
Good value tickets and well-run box office
Historic High Street location ideal for pre- and post-show exploring
Regular live performances with solid acoustics and clear sightlines

Location

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Description

The Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead sits right on High St, HP1 3AE, in the heart of the Old Town’s historic high street. I first wandered in on a drizzly afternoon and walked back out after the show with that satisfied buzz you only get from a good night of live performance. This isn’t a grand opera house; it’s a Victorian civic building turned arts centre, and the intimacy is exactly what makes it special. You’re close to the stage, you can actually see performers’ expressions, and you feel part of the action rather than parked at a distance. If you’re looking for a performing arts theatre in Hertfordshire that mixes character, comfort, and a cleverly curated programme, this is it.

The venue’s charm starts with the building itself. The brickwork and sash windows nod to its 19th-century roots, but the interior has been sensitively adapted for modern audiences. You step into a modest foyer that doubles as a gathering spot before the show and at interval. I’ve seen people chatting with the front-of-house team as though they’re old friends, and by the end of the evening you start to feel like a regular yourself. It’s an arts centre in the truest sense: theatre, comedy, music, and the occasional film screening all rotate through the calendar. One week it’s emerging theatre companies; the next it might be a stand-up double bill or a family-friendly puppet show.

What stands out most is the programming. The Old Town Hall punches above its weight with an imaginative mix that feels both independent and well produced. I’ve caught a tight one-act drama here that later went to a fringe festival, then returned months later for a comedy night that had the whole room howling. Because the auditorium is small and well designed, sound carries cleanly and there’s a nice clarity to the acoustics. From the third row, spoken word pieces landed with pin-drop precision, and even from the back you don’t feel far from the stage.

Practicalities are thoughtfully handled. Accessibility is built into the space: there’s a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, accessible restrooms, and an assistive hearing loop that actually works (I asked a nearby audience member who used it during a play, and they gave it a thumbs up). The staff is attentive without fuss, guiding people to seats and keeping the flow smooth at interval. Payment is easy too—contactless, debit, and credit cards are all accepted—so grabbing a pre-show drink is quick. There’s Wi‑Fi if you need to show your e-ticket or check train times after the curtain call.

There’s no full restaurant on site, but you won’t go hungry. The foyer bar usually serves drinks and light snacks, and the Old Town High Street is lined with independent spots for a pre-theatre bite. I like arriving early for a stroll along the high street to admire the facades and grab a coffee before settling into my seat. If you time it right, you can pop across the road to Gadebridge Park after a matinee for a short wander—it pairs surprisingly well with an afternoon of theatre.

Families, students, and seasoned theatre-goers all mix happily here. It’s family-friendly and welcoming, with the kind of approachable atmosphere that encourages first-time visitors to take a chance on a new play or gig. The programming often includes children’s shows and lower-priced film nights, so you can plan an affordable evening without feeling like you’re cutting corners. Over several visits, I’ve noticed a regular crowd of locals alongside visitors who’ve made the trip from across Hertfordshire and North London, drawn by the promise of good work in a relaxed setting.

Key Features

• Imaginative programme of theatre, comedy, music, and occasional film screenings
• Intimate performing arts theatre in a characterful Victorian building
• Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking options nearby
• Assistive hearing loop available in the auditorium
• Family-friendly shows and a welcoming, community-focused vibe
• LGBTQ+ friendly space with a gender-neutral restroom
• Onsite foyer bar for interval drinks and light snacks
• Wi‑Fi for e-tickets and travel checks
• Contactless, debit, and credit card payments accepted
• Good value tickets and well-run box office
• Historic High Street location ideal for pre- and post-show exploring
• Regular live performances with solid acoustics and clear sightlines

Best Time to Visit

If you’re building a trip around The Old Town Hall, check the events calendar first, then plan the rest of your day in Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town. The main theatre season tends to gather pace in autumn and winter, when nights are made for comedy, drama, and music. I’ve found November and January especially good for touring shows and one-off comedy nights—there’s a steady flow of performances, and seats are easier to snag midweek.

Spring brings lively family programming and some cracking weekend matinées. If you prefer a quieter audience, aim for weekday evenings; Fridays and Saturdays naturally feel buzzier. For film screenings, early-week slots are common and usually well priced, so you can make a spontaneous plan without fretting about sell-outs. Summer can feel relaxed, with more casual events and the bonus of long light evenings to wander the Old Town High Street before curtain up.

Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before the performance. You’ll breeze through the foyer, grab a drink, and settle in. If you’re keen on specific seats—like aisle spots for legroom or closer rows for stand-up—book ahead. Because it’s a smaller performing arts theatre, popular comedy nights and family shows can fill quickly.

How to Get There

The Old Town Hall is on High St, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE, right in the Old Town area. If you’re coming by rail, Hemel Hempstead station on the West Coast Main Line is the closest major stop. From there, it’s a short bus ride or roughly a 25–30 minute walk. The walk heads uphill for part of the way, so if you’re carrying bags or visiting with kids, the bus or a taxi is worth it.

Driving is straightforward from the M1 and A41. I usually approach via the A414 or A4251 to avoid last-minute turns into the Old Town. Public car parks are dotted along or just off the High Street, with additional parking by Gadebridge Park. In the evenings I’ve usually found a space without too much circling, but on market days or during special events, arrive earlier. Blue Badge parking is available near the building; look for signed bays on or close to High St.

Buses connect the Old Town with the station and the newer town centre; services are frequent during the day and taper a little later at night. If you’re catching a late show, check your return bus times before you go in. Taxis are easy to arrange after performances, and drivers know the High Street well.

Once you’re on High St, you can’t miss the theatre’s period façade. The entrance is at street level, and the accessible route is clearly marked. The compact layout means you’ll be from door to seat in a couple of minutes, even if you pause for a programme or a drink.

Tips for Visiting

• Book early for comedy and weekend shows. The intimate auditorium means the best seats go quickly.
• Arrive with time to spare. Fifteen to thirty minutes is ideal for collecting tickets, ordering interval drinks, and settling in without a rush.
• Pick your seat with purpose. Front and middle rows are brilliant for theatre and spoken word; aisles help if you prefer extra legroom.
• Use the assistive hearing loop. If you or someone in your group benefits from it, let the team know on arrival; they’re helpful with setup.
• Travel light. The space is cosy and storage is limited, so smaller bags make life easier.
• Plan food around the show. There isn’t a full restaurant on site, but the foyer bar serves drinks and snacks, and the Old Town High Street has plenty of places for a pre-theatre bite.
• Check age guidance. Family-friendly events are clearly labelled; some comedy and late shows suit older audiences.
• Bring a layer. Historic buildings can run warmer when the auditorium fills, and cooler on quiet days—layers keep you comfortable either way.
• Consider pay-by-phone parking. Local car parks often accept apps as well as cards; it’s handy if you’re cutting it fine.
• Explore before or after. The High Street’s historic buildings, nearby Gadebridge Park, and independent shops make the trip feel like a full day out, not just a show.
• Go cashless if you can. The box office and bar accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, which speeds up the queue.
• Respect photography rules. Many performances don’t allow photos during the show—save the snaps for the foyer and outside.

I keep returning to The Old Town Hall because it feels personal without being improvised or amateur. It’s an arts centre that takes risks on smaller-scale theatre and gives stand-up and live music a close-up setting that amplifies everything good about performing arts. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Hertfordshire or hopping up from London for the evening, this performing arts theatre on Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town High Street rewards a visit with strong shows, fair pricing, and a warm welcome that starts at the door.