The Queen, who also held the title of "Duke of Lancaster", gave her permission for the use of the name and the theatre was opened by Paymaster General and Minister for the Arts, Viscount Eccles.

The Dukes Centre for Creative Learning, a short walk up Moor Lane, has its own dedicated space for youth and community projects and performances.

The first production was A Midsummer Night's Dream which opened on 24 June and was the brainchild of then Artistic Director Johnathan Petherbridge and Theatre Administrator John Stalker.

Recently the theatre has taken the decision to produce shows which have a strong connection to their audiences and in 2017 created Blackout, which told the story of how Storm Desmond affected the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

The Creative Learning arm of The Dukes organise a variety of projects with children, young people and adults, aiming to broaden access to the arts.