A History Of The Hexagon

In late 1977, Reading unveiled a futuristic new theatre, named after its shape and designed by RMJM, its distinctive modular form was a bold civic statement and the beginning of a new era of entertainment in Reading.

The Hexagon’s elongated, brutalist façade flanked the new Civic Centre - a structure built to replace post-war slums - they were inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1978. 

Inside, the acoustics were engineered for versatility. Rotating panels, a retractable floor, and an initially electronic reverberation system gave it the punch to host everything from boxing bouts to solemn drama. That buzz - equal parts gritty and polished - became what the theatre was known for.

The first performance on November 7, 1977 was by local chorus the Sainsbury Singers who lifted the curtain with Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, a community debut that set the tone for inclusivity that has long been part of the theatre’s remit.

By 1978, The Hexagon was already attracting national draws: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra began its residency, cementing a classical reputation that endures to this day and many major stars followed: the legendary Morecambe & Wise, the skewering wit of Frankie Howerd, and the acid-smart Quentin Crisp all tread its boards in turns. It even became a sports venue, becoming synonymous with major snooker tournaments such as the 1981 World Team Classic and the '84–'93 Grand Prix series, peaking with the infamous marathon ten hour 1985 Davis‑Taylor final.

The 90s saw the heyday of The Hexagon as a music venue. The Cure and The Smiths brought moody glamour and  veteran rock and soul musicians Chuck Berry and James Brown sold out the venue.

In the noughties stand up was becoming mainstream and you could be entertained by Joan Rivers’ razor-sharp comedy, dinner-theatre fusion in Dinner Ladies, and breakout gigs by major new acts such as McFly, Tim Minchin, and The Saturdays. The theatre was a launchpad for many world class acts.

In recent years, The Hexagon has straddled festival-size spectacle and intimate resonance. Goldfrapp and Kaiser Chiefs rattled its walls; geniuses like Noel Fielding and Paloma Faith sold out crowds and indie legend Amy Macdonald stormed the stage alongside Callum Beattie in October 2021. It gradually became a venue for 'legends acts' such as Echo & the Bunnymen, Texas, Steve Hackett and The Stranglers as well as for ever more popular cover bands such as the legendary performance in April 2025 by The Bootleg Beatles.

But the theatre hasn’t just been about the big names. Reading Operatic Society’s 1978 Show Boat started a legacy of locally produced musicals and, perhaps most important of all, there are the Christmas pantomimes.

You may not know that a young Kate Winslet and Christian Bale once tested their sea legs on this stage. Meanwhile, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returned for  March 25 and May 5, 2023 reviving the tradition of major classical music performances.

Now, the next step in its development is underway with the establishment of its sibling studio theatre due to be completed in Spring 2027.

Key Moments at The Hexagon