Community comes together to shape the future of The Electric Theatre

We brought together community partners including performers, venue operators and other stakeholders on Saturday for a vision setting roundtable about the future of The Electric Theatre. 

The event, held at Millmead House and led by an independent facilitator, forms a key part of our commitment to working with the community on a clear and achievable vision for the much‑loved venue. 

Throughout the day, participants explored what a renewed Electric Theatre could look like - a place rooted in Guildford's cultural identity, welcoming to young people, supportive of amateur and community arts, and able to balance creativity with financial sustainability.

Using LEGO® Serious Play®, groups built imaginative models to express ideas, challenges and ambitions, sparking thoughtful discussion about what the theatre means to Guildford and how it could evolve in the future. 

From these conversations, a clear set of priorities began to emerge. Participants emphasised the importance of openness and accessibility, ensuring the theatre feels genuinely part of Guildford's cultural scene. They highlighted the need for a strong identity, a space that can adapt to different uses, and opportunities for emerging talent to flourish. Underpinning these ambitions were shared values of inclusivity, clarity of purpose and long-term resilience. The group also recognised the financial realities while expressing a collective determination to see the theatre thrive. 

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Guildford Borough Council said:

"I had some fantastic conversations throughout the day and learned so much about people's experiences of The Electric Theatre. Even though everyone represented different groups, it was clear they work together like a family, driving arts and culture in Guildford forward and supporting one another. The roundtable was full of energy, insight and passion, and I'm looking forward to using what we heard to guide our next steps." 

Michelle Carwardine-Palmer, Head of Theatre Management at the Theatres Trust, said:

"Theatres Trust is the national advice and advisory body for theatres, championing their protection and the future of live performance. We joined the roundtable to hear what stakeholders had to say about The Electric Theatre, what it means to them and how we can keep it open for everyone within Guildford and the surrounding areas."

The independent facilitator is preparing a report summarising the discussions from the roundtable. This, together with the community survey findings and assessments of the condition of The Electric Theatre, will be included in the reports being considered by the Executive later this year. 

Published 21 January 2026.