Taking inspiration from the original Elizabethan Rose Theatre on London’s Bankside, which used to showcase Shakespeare’s early plays and plays by Christopher Marlowe, the newer Rose Theatre is a reimagined version that was spearheaded by Peter Hall.  The project of the new Rose Theatre was also supported by broadcaster David Jacobs CBE, who served as chairman of the Kingston Theatre Trust. Its construction was funded in part by the local council, Kingston University, Peter Hall, and the Friends of Kingston Theatre. The theatre finally opened to the public in January 2008 and has seen constant support from the Royal Borough of Kingston and Kingston University, the latter also hosting their graduation ceremony at the theatre every year. At the Kingston Business Awards in 2010, the Rose Theatre won an award for Commitment to the Community.

Based on the original Elizabethan Rose Theatre, the Rose Theatre Kingston still retains the Elizabethan style of architecture, while making it more comfortable and contemporary by adding a roof and modern seats to enhance the comfort of the audience. The theatre also features a shallow thrust stage and seating in the pit area. The entire design was done by Blundell, Thompson and Hargreaves. The shell of the building was given to the Kingston Theatre Trust for free by St George PLC.

The first production at the Rose Theatre was Uncle Vanya, directed by Peter Hall. Other notable productions include Love's Labour's Lost, directed by Sir Peter Hall, A Christmas Carol, and Terence Rattigan’s The Winslow Boy with Timothy West. Sir Peter Hall’s revival of Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce with Jane Asher and Nicholas Le Prevost was later transferred to the West End due to its popularity. Treasure Island, and Judi Dench in Sir Peter Hall’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are some more notable productions put on by the theatre.

• Train: The closest station is Kingston Station, a 10-minute walk from the theatre. All South West trains run through the station. 
  
• Bus: The following bus routes serve the Kingston route - K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, X26, 57, 65, 71, 85, 111, 131, 213, 216, 281, 285, 371, 406, 411, 418, 465, 481.
  
• Cycle: The nearest bicycle bays are available at Oxfam (opposite the theatre) and in the Market Square.
  
• Parking: The closest car park is the Rose Car Park, where visitors with validated tickets may avail a discounted rate of £2 for up to five hours parking (for those who enter after 1 PM).
  
• Recommended Mode of Transport: The bus is the easiest mode of public transportation to reach the venue.

• Washrooms: The venue has washrooms on the premises. 
  
• Baby Changing Facilities: The theatre has baby change facilities available in both the male and female toilets on the ground floor.
  
• Eateries: The venue has an in-house cafe called The Rose Café for pre and post-theatre refreshments. 
  
• Air Conditioning: The auditorium is air-conditioned. 
  
• Meeting Rooms: The venue has a few extra spaces such as the David Jacobs Room and the Circle Bar, which can be used for pre-theatre meetings and workshops.

• Access Information: Differently-abled visitors are requested to inform the venue in advance of their requirements so appropriate seats can be recommended. 
  
• Dress Recommendation: There is no official dress code at the Rose Theatre Kingston. We encourage you to dress in smart casual attire.
  
• Arrive Early: We recommend that you arrive 30 minutes before the start of the performance to ensure you pass the security check-in time. You can spend time at the bar for a pre-performance drink. 
  
• Latecomers Policy: Latecomers may not be permitted to enter the auditorium till the intermission or other suitable breaks. 
  
• Pre-order: You can pre-order your refreshments and snacks. Contact the Box Office for more details.
  
• Age Restriction: Children under 5 are not permitted into the auditorium except in cases of children’s performances and family shows that expressly allow audiences under 5. 
  
• Infant Tickets: Babies under 18 months do not require a ticket. 
  
• Secret Ticket Scheme: The theatre has an interesting Secret Ticket scheme where you can purchase an unallocated seat for £10 prior to the performance, and be guaranteed a seat worth £10 on the day of the performance, subject to availability. 
  
• Discounted Tickets: Citizens above 60 years of age, unwaged, entertainment union members, students, and children under 16 years of age can avail discounted tickets to certain shows.