Groundlings Theatre
Create | Inspire | Achieve
A Historic Building.
Built in 1784, our grade II* listed building is full of character with its colourful history and ornate architecture.
History.
Built in 1784 as the home of the Portsea Beneficial Society and the Beneficial School, our Grade II* listed building remained a place of education until 1962 and is recognised as one of the first purpose built free schools in the UK and by introducing a girls’ school in 1837, it became one of the first co-educational schools in the country.
As a meeting room for the Beneficial Society who counted Prince Albert and Lord Palmerston amongst their list of patrons, the society held notable events in the building including Strauss conducting an orchestration in front of Queen Victoria and also a naval dance where Charles Dickens’ mother first went into labour with Charles, resulting in her being quickly rushed home by her husband.
Present day.
Now, as Groundlings Theatre, our yearly program features a mixture visiting shows and in-house productions with a mixture of both professional and amateur shows that both entertains the community and highlight its grassroots talent. Our drama school is the best value for money in the area, providing unprejudiced opportunities for both young and old.
We are supported by a solid volunteer base; provide numerous work placements and continue to provide safe and secure opportunities allowing people to follow their interests, upskill themselves, or be assisted into returning to paid employment. We also have 10 resident ghosts to look after.
Our Mission
In April 2020, operation of Groundlings Theatre was taken over by registered charity, The Groundlings Theatre Trust.
Our local council ward is in the top 10% most deprived in the country and we are committed to identifying and supporting the needs of our community.
Our mission is defined by our motto, ‘Create, inspire, achieve’, and this remains at the heart of all our endeavours.
The Groundlings Theatre Trust now ensures the safety and upkeep of the Old Beneficial School and brings high-quality entertainment to Portsmouth alongside a dedicated engagement and participation program that celebrates and cultivates our local community.
