The Wyvern Theatre opened in September 1971 by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip. Wyvern Theatre is named after a mythical beast, similar to a dragon, which was once the emblem of the Kings of Wessex. The auditorium has 635 seats and every seat is designed to be no further than 70ft from the stage. The venue offers a mixed programme of concerts, comedy, dance, drama, musical theatre and local amateur productions. The Wyvern Theatre has a vibrant team of 30 staff members and an additional 30 front of house members.