The Electric Theatre history

Why 'The Electric' Theatre?

In 1913 handsome new Electricity Works were opened on Onslow Street to provide power for Guildford town centre. As demand for electricity grew the works became too small and a bigger station was built. The Electricity Works were retained however, as a distribution centre and all the town centre mains radiated from this point. Unfortunately after 1968 the building lay dormant, (used only as a scenery store for the various theatre groups based in the area) and it was not until twenty years later that the building's potential as a theatre was recognised.

The GATA Connection

Prior to the existence of The Electric Theatre, local amateur theatre groups in Guildford had the use of what was an ex- Territorial Army garage in Leapale Lane. It was a 150 seater theatre, and at the time it came into use in the 1970's, was quite state of the art, even being featured on the popular BBC science programme "Tomorrow's World"! But three years after it opened, it was demolished to make way for a new road.
Drama groups then had the use of an old Salvation Army building, which opened in 1978 under the name of the "Bellerby Theatre" (named after Bill Bellerby, who has been an unfailing supporter of the arts in Guildford). However, in 1983 the lease of the Bellerby Theatre was taken up by Guildford School of Acting, which meant that local groups had use of it only in the college holidays.
GATA (Guildford Amateur Theatre Association) was therefore set up at this time as a lobbying group to represent the interests of over 20 amateur arts companies. After much searching, fundraising and hard work by GATA and Guildford Borough Council, the Electricity Works was identified as a possible location.We eventually opened as a theatre on Saturday 18 January 1997 with a special performance of the Tom Stoppard play "On the Razzle" by the Herald Players. Find out more about the theatre companies through the  GATA Website

The Electric Theatre (1997 onwards)

The design project was undertaken by Council architects. The 1913 Electricity Works building houses the theatre space itself, with extensions housing the foyer, bar, restaurant, dressing rooms, Farley Room and toilet facilities. The auditorium has retractable seating for 210, a wooden sprung floor, an orchestra pit and first-class technical equipment. We are funded and managed by Guildford Borough Council with six full-time staff and a number of casual employees. The Friends of the Theatre also provide vital support, both financially and through volunteer work, which includes providing ushers for every performance.

We continue to fulfil our ambition to give hundreds of local amateur performers the chance to perform in a professionally-run, state of the art theatre, many of whom have gone onto further training and careers in theatre. Demand has also grown from professional touring companies and local businesses. The theatre regularly welcomes well-respected professional companies including: Les Enfants Terribles; Henri Oguike Dance Company; Long Nose Puppets; and Lyngo Theatre. We also have a longstanding relationship with Theatre Tours International having received "Under Milk Wood", "Animal Farm" and "Austen's Women". Recently we were delighted to welcome "Morecambe" straight from the West End. Working closely with Guildford School of Acting, we also showcase the talent of the future.

What else do we do?

We are home to a thriving youth theatre (The Man in The Moon), and also work in conjunction with the Guildford Summer Youth Project to offer children the opportunity to put on a show in a week during the summer holidays. The backstage equivalent "Electric Works" coordinated by our technical manger, has been so successful that it's even been franchised to Ireland! Outreach work is also a feature of our programming and working in partnership with Powerhouse Theatre Company, we have provided a series of educational history plays for local schools and issue-based productions including the award-winning premiere of "Pretty Ugly".

The introduction of The Electric Theatre Family Festival in 2008 was met with great excitement by local families and continues to sell at over 90% capacity. The week, which takes place during February half-term, caters from children aged 0-12 and offers young audiences the chance to watch professional theatre productions encompassing the genres of dance, drama, mime, puppetry and music. We also offer free storytelling sessions, workshops accompanying the shows and our ever popular arty fun events.

As a popular festival venue, we welcome The Guildford Book Festival and in alternating years, The International Music Festival and The Guildford Spring Music Festival. Our annual Film Festivals also show a variety of classic, art house and world cinema.

Cafe Culture 

The café bar remains a theatrical hub as the home of The Electric Comedy Club (still a favourite with Guildford audiences) and the new addition of ScripTease, rehearsed reading nights courtesy of Lynchpin Productions Theatre Company. The Musical Theatre Open Mic nights continue to be lively occasions featuring everything from "Oklahoma" to "Shrek" and are open to all!

But that's not all...

The busy box office is also proud to sell tickets on behalf of Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra, Guildford School of Acting, Guildford Choral Society, Wimbledon Choral Society and other local theatrical companies.

Famous faces who have trod the boards at the theatre include Stephen Berkoff, Maureen Lipman, Jane Fonda, and Jenny Éclair to name but a few! The youth theatre was also very happy to include the voice of Noel Fielding in their latest production of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe".

Hosting over 350 artistic events a year (plus workshops and special events) and over 300 non performance hires, we are proud to remain a thriving venue providing diverse entertainment for the town of Guildford and beyond.