Cheap theatre tickets in Portsmouth and the surrounding area after Titchfield Festival Theatre closed

The closure of Titchfield Festival Theatre came as a huge blow to amateur dramatics last month.

As previously reported by The News, the theatre shut its doors in April after going into administration. It came in the aftermath of a long-running planning row and court battle over the largest theatre, which was built without planning permission.

In a message to theatre members, chairman Christopher Milburn said: “With huge regret I have to announce that due to our unviable financial position we have ceased trading. This means there will be no further shows at TFT or The Barn. All rehearsals are cancelled.

“I am sorry that we have had to take this decision but sadly there was no option.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre had been a popular proving ground for amateur dramatics, youth organisations and other groups trying to put on shows on a tight budget. The venue’s closure has left them looking for somewhere else to call home, and audience members searching for other places to enjoy cheap shows.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of theatres offering lower-cost productions, comedy nights and community performances, with many tickets priced under £25. Here are just a few of the best examples.

In Portsmouth, one of the strongest low-cost venues is The Groundlings Theatre in the Historic Dockyard. The independent venue regularly hosts fringe productions, murder mysteries and touring comedy shows at prices well below the city’s larger commercial theatres. The venue has built a reputation for affordable entertainment, put on by local production companies.

Performances of Wendy and Peter Pan are being put on by Priory School at the theatre next week, on Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21.

Live entertainment lovers can also look at The Wedgewood Rooms, which combines theatre-style comedy, spoken word events and music performances. While best known as a live music venue, it regularly hosts stand-up tours and small-scale theatrical events with affordable admission prices.

For cinema and arts performances, Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre continues to expand its programme of independent screenings, live arts broadcasts and creative performances. The venue has become increasingly popular with younger audiences, looking for low-cost nights out.

In Gosport, community theatre remains a major draw. Local productions are regularly staged at venues including Thorngate Hall and smaller arts spaces around the town, often with tickets under £20. Thorngate Hall has also made a name for itself by hosting live wrestling events, which typically end up with a sold-out crowd.

Further afield in Havant, The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre in East Street has shows that can be as cheap as £10 per person. Upcoming theatre performances include Pride and Prejudice - But Funny, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and an adaptation of First Men in the Moon.