Historic Portsmouth theatre at risk put up for rent in “rare opportunity”

The Groundlings Theatre, in Kent Street, has appeared on major online property portal Zoopla as available for lease from agent Hellier Langston Limited - with estimated rates payable of £20, 657.

The advert on Zoopla reads: “A rare opportunity to lease one of Portsmouth’s most historic properties. Formerly a beneficial school and later a masonic hall before becoming a theatre, the property is arranged over two floors. The ground floor is currently arranged as offices, bar and storage with the main theatre and ancillary areas at first floor.”

The historic grade II listed building was originally built in 1784 and is famous for having Charles Dickens’ mother go into labour there before she was rushed home. Queen Victoria also paid a visit during her reign.

The theatre, run by The Groundlings Theatre Trust since 2020, has struggled with it on The Theatres Trust at Risk Register since 2020. The national advice and advocacy body for UK theatres announced The Groundlings Theatre was still on the list with 42 other theatres in January this year.

The register named theatres threatened by closure due to severe structural or safety issues, or redevelopment proposals. “Many are of significant historical and cultural importance and could remain valuable community spaces if given the right support,” a spokesperson for the Theatres Trust said previously.

Meanwhile, other difficulties encountered included a probe by The Charity Commission which was looking into concerns raised by former landlord Richard Stride.

A Charity Commission spokesperson said in April last year: “We examined concerns raised with us about Groundlings Theatre Trust within a regulatory compliance case. Following engagement with the trustees we issued them with advice and guidance on financial controls and have now concluded our case.”

In 2023 Mr Stride sold the building to an unnamed property firm amid claims he had reneged on a deal to sell it to The Groundlings Theatre Trust.

The theatre has been approached for comment.